What’s Wrong with Using a Cheap Building and Pest Inspection Brisbane Company?
The saying rings true with cheap building and pest inspections in Brisbane; you get what you pay for. At Action Property Inspections, we may not be the cheapest, but we are certainly the most thorough.
Why cheap building and pest inspections can be costly
Buying a property to live in or rent is an expensive undertaking, so it’s understandable that any additional outlays, including a pre-purchase building and pest inspection, may not be something you’ve budgeted for. Yes, opting for a cheaper inspection today will save you, but going cheap can mean key defects are overlooked due to inexperience, and this may cost you a pretty penny in repairs.
Often, cheap building and pest inspection companies have one person doing both the pest and building inspection in an effort to get the job completed fast. Did you know that each type of inspection is required to be undertaken in a completely different manner, with the preparation of significantly different reports? Furthermore, often real estate agencies recommend building inspectors who work in the interest of the real estate, not you, to maintain referrals and, by skimming over potential issues, encourage the sale of a property faster than it might otherwise occur.
Why it pays to invest in Action Property Inspection’s services
A good building inspector will pride themselves on being extremely thorough in both the inspection and reporting; they are it for their clients, helping to save you the headaches and money down the track. You’ll also find that an experienced inspector is not just a jack of all trades, nor someone who has just decided on a career change. They will be qualified builders, qualified building inspectors, and members of the Queensland Master Builders Association. A highly experienced building inspector will have seen almost every possible defect there can be in a Brisbane property, so they know what to look for and what can be hidden where you least expect it.
The team at Action Property Inspections, carry out the following:
Allotment inspection: An inspector should consider the entire lot, not just the house or apartment. Pathways, driveways, the property fence, shed, and trees are exposed to the weather and can show signs of wear. Failure to inspect the structural integrity of these could lead to everything from extensive cracks to the presence of termites.
Garage inspection: The concrete slab in the garage should also be thoroughly inspected for moisture issues that could cause further cracking and deterioration. And let’s not forget the garage door and frame also.
Exterior inspection: It goes without saying that the exterior is an essential part of an inspection, as there are so many potential hazards that could be identified. Avoiding external areas, including decks, pergolas, and verandahs, can put your safety at risk, even if a small area of deterioration is not detected. The condition of downpipes is also checked because if they are not functioning, the risk of water inundation during heavy rains is increased.
Interior inspection: Anything from loose handrails to uneven floorboards and windows that don’t shut are covered in an interior inspection. These are signs of underlying issues or disasters waiting to happen. Even things as simple as turning a fan on or giving something a bit of a shake can reveal problems.
Kitchen and bathroom inspection: Often, wherever there is water, problems aren’t always obvious to a layperson. A qualified and experienced building inspector will be able to identify potential problems; however, if you’ve opted for a cheap and inexperienced inspector, corrosion, decay and moisture penetration may be overlooked.
Roof inspection: Gutters, roof cladding and ceiling linings form part of a roof inspection, with meticulous time taken to look for signs of decay and water damage. A roof is also checked for cracks in tiles, and the quality of insulation used.
Termite and pest inspection: Living in Brisbane’s climate means that no property is free from termites, so it pays to be proactive. A quality pest inspection company will assess everything from termite barriers and ant caps, external hazards including gardens and rotting timber and water leaks. What’s more, unlike some cheap inspection companies, two separate inspectors, one carrying out the pest inspection and the other carrying out the building inspection, are always recommended to ensure nothing is missed.
Underfloor inspection: A thorough underfloor inspection of foundations and retaining walls, concrete slabs, bearers and joists, can identify rot, structural cracking and drainage issues, resulting in house movement which could not only cost you thousands, but could also put your or your tenant’s safety at risk.
Think twice before engaging a cheap building and pest inspection. Investing in a reputable Brisbane property inspection will save you money in the long run. Think of it as an investment in your future.