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When to Schedule a Building Inspection When Buying a House is one of the most important questions you’ll need to answer during the home-buying process. Buying a house is a huge financial commitment, and scheduling a building inspection ensures you’re fully aware of the property’s condition before making that commitment. This inspection gives you a clear understanding of any potential issues, such as structural problems, plumbing issues, or pest infestations, so you won’t face any surprises after the sale. But the real question is: when is the right time to book that inspection?
In this article, we’ll walk you through why a building inspection is crucial when to schedule it, and how to make sure you’re doing it at the perfect stage of your home-buying journey.
When Should You Schedule the Building Inspection?
Timing is key when it comes to getting a building inspection. Here’s when you should think about booking it:
1. After Your Offer is Accepted, But Before You Sign the Contract
The best time to schedule a building inspection is right after your offer has been accepted, but before you sign the contract. This is a really important step for a couple of reasons:
- No nasty surprises: You don’t want to be stuck with a property that’s got hidden issues. Booking the inspection after your offer is accepted gives you a chance to uncover any major problems that might affect the price or your decision.
- It’s time to negotiate: If the inspection reveals issues, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller for repairs, a price reduction, or even ask to walk away from the deal if the problems are serious.
This stage is often called the “due diligence period” — basically, it’s your time to double-check everything before making it official.
2. Book Early, But Leave Time for the Inspector
It’s important to schedule the inspection as soon as your offer is accepted, but also give the inspector enough time to do a thorough job. An onsite building inspection and then to compile a report can usually take up to 24-48 hours to come through.
Ideally, you want to book the inspection within 3 to 7 days of having your offer accepted. That way, you’ve got enough time to look over the report, ask questions, and make any decisions.
3. Don’t Leave It Too Late
While it’s good to book early, you should also avoid leaving it until the last minute. Inspectors get busy, especially in the warmer months when everyone’s looking to buy, so you don’t want to risk delaying the inspection because you’ve waited too long.
If you leave it too close to the closing date, you may not have enough time to deal with any problems that come up. The earlier you schedule, the smoother things will go.
4. Pre-Closing Final Walk Through
Some buyers choose to do a final walkthrough right before closing, especially if they want to make sure the property is in the same condition as when they made the offer. This walkthrough isn’t as detailed as the building inspection, but it’s a good way to confirm that the seller has fixed any problems you agreed on.
It’s also a chance to make sure nothing has changed, like damage to the property since the inspection or missing appliances.
Why Do You Need a Building Inspection?
Before we dive into the timing, let’s chat about why a building inspection is so important.
A building inspection is basically a professional check-up of the property. The inspector will take a good look at the building’s structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and any potential issues like pests or mould. Here’s what they typically look for:
- Structural problems: Cracks in the walls, issues with the foundation, or problems with the roof.
- Plumbing and electrical issues: Leaks, faulty pipes, or dodgy wiring.
- Pest infestations: Checking for termites, rodents, or any other unwanted guests.
- Water damage and mould: If there have been water leaks or signs of mould, it could mean bigger issues down the track.
- Safety concerns: Things like dangerous stairs, chimneys, or broken smoke alarms.
Getting an inspection helps you avoid any nasty surprises later on. If there are problems, you can negotiate with the seller or, in the worst-case scenario, decide not to buy the place at all.
Bonus Content: Building and Pest Inspection is Essential Before Buying a Home
What Happens During the Building Inspection?
Once you’ve scheduled your inspection, it’s good to know what to expect:
What does the inspector do?
Building inspectors are professionals who know their stuff when it comes to construction and home safety. They’ll check everything from the foundation to the roof and make sure everything’s working as it should.
Should I be there?
If possible, try to attend the inspection. This way, you can ask questions, get a feel for what’s going on, and get advice on any issues that pop up.
The report
After the inspection, the inspector will call you to discuss the findings and then send you a detailed report with photos showing what they found. It’ll list any major problems and give you a good idea of what needs attention.
What to Do After the Inspection?
Once the inspection’s done, you’ll have a few options depending on what the report says:
1. Negotiate with the Seller
If the inspector finds major issues, you can go back to the seller and ask them to fix the problems or lower the price. This is your chance to work out a fair deal.
2. Get a Second Opinion
For serious issues, like structural damage or signs of mould, it might be worth getting a second opinion from a specialist. They can give you a more detailed view of what the problem is and how much it might cost to fix it.
3. Decide Whether to Move Forward
If the inspection report reveals significant problems that would cost a lot to repair, you might decide to pull out of the deal altogether. The building inspection is your safety net, helping you avoid buying a home that could turn into a money pit.
Final Thoughts: Timing Matters
When buying a house, scheduling a building inspection at the right time can save you from costly surprises down the road. By booking it after your offer is accepted but before signing the contract, you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re getting into.
If you’re looking for reliable building and pest inspections in Melbourne, look no further than ACE Building and Pest Inspection. With years of experience, we provide thorough inspections to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your new home. Contact us today for more information and to book your inspection!
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