A building inspection is key when buying a house
If you are planning to buy a property, then getting a building report before you commit is important.
Why get a building report?
A building inspection will tell you if there are any issues with the property. You can then raise these with the owner to get them rectified or to reduce the price. Or you can simply choose to walk away from the sale.
Most sale and purchase agreements now come with a standard building inspection clause. But who you choose to do it is a matter of personal choice.
Who can write a building report?
In theory, anyone could write your building report. If you have a mate who is a builder, plumber or electrician you could ask them. Be aware, however, that you may need to alter the report clause in your agreement to accommodate this.
Although there is a standard for building inspections in New Zealand, it is voluntary, and the industry is still largely unregulated. Therefore anyone could set themselves up as a building inspector.
It is important to choose a building inspector wisely to ensure you are getting a sound building report. If you do not pick a suitably qualified person, you may find that a solicitor or bank will not accept the final report, especially if it lacks detail.
Choosing a company to write your building report
When you are looking for a company to carry out a building inspection and write a report look for one that is independent.
Choose a company that has plenty of experience in the business and can back up their work with testimonials. You could also ask to see a sample report.
Ask family, friends and colleagues for local recommendations. You may also find help from one of the professional associations such as the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors. Members of these organisations are likely to be better trained and more professional.
Lastly, check that the person writing your building report has professional indemnity insurance to protect you in case of issues.
Choose Innohome Inspections for your building report for your peace of mind
If you need someone who can write a high-quality building report for you – Innohome Inspections can help.
We carry out comprehensive pre-purchase house inspections throughout Auckland. With years of experience in the building industry and a number of qualifications, you can rely on us to write a building report that is thorough and accurate. Our prices are very affordable.
Learn More:
- Three Reasons You Need a Pre-Purchase Building Report
- The Standard Building Report Clause
- Invasive Moisture Testing
- Our Prices