Buying a home is an incredibly exciting process, but it’s also one that can come with some serious pitfalls. One of the biggest issues homebuyers experience is faults post-purchase, including structural damage and infestation.
Therefore, it’s important to have your wits about you wits about you when buying so that you don’t fall victim to a dodgy vendor.
If you encounter any of the following issues when inspecting a home, contact the best building inspector Gold Coast residents can enlist before putting pen to paper, as they will be able to tour the property and tell you if it has serious issues:
- Ask the agent all the right questions
When you arrive at the property, be sure to ask the agent all the right questions, inquiring about the property’s age, its expected price, why the owners are selling, how long it has been on the market, is negotiation possible etc.
The agent should be able to provide clear and open answers to these questions and if they can’t this means there could be any number of problems.
- Take notes
You should be given an open for inspection brochure upon touring the house. You can use this brochure to take note of the features you like and dislike about the property.
Ensure that estimated rental, body corporate and council rates are featured in the brochure, and keep your brochures together so that you can compare them and deduce which properties are more suitable for your budget, lifestyle and homeowner goals.
- Use your senses to get a feel of the home
Your senses are your best friend when it comes to inspecting a property – so what do you feel, smell, hear and see in the property? Is there noticeable dampness? Can you hear the sounds of endless traffic or high-rise constructions happening next door?
- Check for mould & dampness
Mould and dampness can be super expensive to fix, and they are something that a dodgy vendor would more than happily flog off to an unsuspecting vendor. Be particularly vigilant about checking the kitchens and bathrooms and be sure to look out for bubbles in the paint.
- Check the floorboards
Hollow-sounding floorboards can be a sign of termites under the floor and can be a truly expensive and time-consuming fix. You should also look out for sloping floors and sagging ceilings.
- Check for cracks
Cracks are a tell-tale sign of structural damage and this is especially so when they go all the way through to the other side. Structural issues are a homeowner’s worst nightmare and should be diligently looked out for.
If you are interested in buying the property
There are a few things you should do if you would like to buy the property, including:
- Read over the contract
Carefully read the contract as this will tell you about any subdivision plans, extensions or council restrictions that may inhibit how you alter or renovate the property.
- Revisit the property
Be sure to tour the property again if possible, as well as check out the local area to see if there are any big developments that may affect your future plans in the home.
- Enlist a building & pest inspector
A qualified, highly experienced building and pest inspector will provide a thorough analysis of the property, quelling any fears you have about the property or confirming them in a way that could help you get out of a dodgy deal or negotiate a better price.
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