Once you have had a home inspection carried out you will receive a written builders report from your building inspector. This will include any defects or issues found. It may also contain any recommendations for dealing with the issues.
How to read a building report
Three useful tips
Keep a clear head.
Most building reports are likely to throw up some issues. The key is to keep things in perspective and read the report with a clear idea in your head of what is important. If you don’t want to do any repairs, then even small issues might be a problem. However if you are happy to do some work, especially if you can negotiate on buying price, then don’t let every little thing put you in a spin. Perhaps, the issue doesn’t need to be dealt with for a few years so you could budget for it. Decide in advance what would be a complete deal breaker.
Read the whole report.
You might be tempted to only read the summary of your report or have a quick flick through the photos, but it is important to read the whole report. In the detail, you may find extra information that can help you make a decision. If your report is only a series of tick boxes you might want to ask for more information.
Ask questions
If there is something in the report that you don’t understand or need clarification on, don’t be afraid to ask the inspector for clarification. It might be that you are overestimating or underestimating the level of the problem. Do have the issue explained more clearly, so you can fully understand the importance. If the report contains terms or jargon you aren’t clear on then clarify them with the inspector.
If you are getting a pre-purchase inspection done as part of a house purchase, you might not have long in order to make a decision, but don’t feel rushed. Take time to read your report and to agree on your next steps, whether this is walking away from the property or negotiating on the price in order to achieve repairs.
Learn More:
- Why get a Professional Building Inspection
- Three Reasons You Need a Pre-Purchase Building Report
- How to Read a Building Report
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