So you’ve found a property that ticks all the boxes and you're ready to schedule your house inspection. There are a few things you need to be mindful of and should help to prepare with the agent or current owner before your building inspector arrives.

Access all areas

In order for the inspector to perform a full building inspection report, the inspector must be able to access almost all areas of the property. If they can’t get to an area, they can’t inspect it. This includes attic spaces, crawl spaces, and basements. Remove any boxes, bookcases, furniture, cluttered wardrobes or anything else that might be blocking access to small panels like air conditioning panels, electrical panels, water heaters, Roof void hatches and subfloor hatches etc. The inspector will need three to four feet of working space to inspect these areas.

Proper planning and preparation of these areas can save you time and money. If there are areas that are inaccessible, it can cause a delay for the inspector and in most cases result in the additional cost of a return trip by the inspector to complete the inspection.

Be present for the inspection

When it comes time for the home inspection, it’s important the buyer is there for some if not all of the inspection. The inspection can take up to two hours and can be longer or shorter depending on the house condition, defects, inspection details, and the inspector. Buying a property is a huge investment and the buyer has the right to be at the inspection. Not only that, but the buyer will likely learn a lot about the property. This may include where gas, water and electric shut-off valves are located, and the expected lifespan of elements and structures of the property. 

If you are not able to be on-site for the entire inspection, try to carve out at least 30 minutes near the end of the inspection so the inspector can go over their findings with you in person, and answer any questions you may have.

Focus on the right areas

The purpose of a home inspection is to limit potential risk and future unexpected costs by pointing out and discussing major concerns or defects of building elements or structural elements of the property before you commit to buy. During the inspection, the property is examined top to bottom, with emphasis placed on evaluating the roof, internal structure, foundation, site, and exterior building elements. A home inspection is NOT for itemising every minor defect within the home, it is to understand the issues and potential concerns of the home that could have a significant impact on the future integrity of your new property. A professional building inspector should provide counsel after the inspection on what areas are worth focusing on and which are considered trivial. 

Home inspections, although not required, have become a critical step during the home buying process. It’s important to consider getting a building inspection before signing a purchase agreement on your home as it can save you a lot of headaches in the future. 

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and professional building inspector, look no further than Inspect House for your next home inspection. A trusted and qualified service for many years, talk to our building inspectors near you, or book online for your next inspection.