Why you need a pre-purchase builders report.
Buying a house can be an expensive process. That is why you need a pre-purchase builders report. So you might not be keen to shell out extra money for a pre-purchase builders report. But, in the long run, if you purchase an inspection report, the benefits can far outweigh the cost of buying a dud or funding expensive repairs.
From structural issues to damp problems to the condition of the roof, pre-purchase house inspections are a thorough way to get a real overview of the state of the property.
Independent assessment:
Independent contractors carry out pre-purchase inspections. A registered inspector has had the training to look at certain aspects of the property. A builders report is not focused on selling you the house like a real estate agent. An inspector will not gloss over any issues. Building inspectors have plenty of experience. They often highlight problems that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.
Helps you plan:
A pre-purchase inspection report can help you plan your next move carefully. Depending on the state of the property, you may decide just to walk away. You may decide that you can carry out the repairs without too much bother. A pre-purchase report can also highlight anything that isn’t causing a problem now but may present an issue in the future. An example is such problems as potentially worsening leaks or damp problems.
Negotiation tool:
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase after receiving your inspection report, you may be able to use the findings in negotiations with the seller. You could choose to ask the owner to repair the house before you take possession of the property. Or you could negotiate a lower asking price to leave you more money to deal with the repairs.
If you are selling your property, you may choose to get a building report for yourself. This can be a good idea. You are showing you are committed to being transparent about the property and the sale and offers buyers peace of mind that they have the full story.
Example photos from a pre-purchase house inspection report.