When buying a property in Sydney’s hot real estate market, it can be tempting to want to speed through the process or skip steps to beat out other buyers and secure your dream home. But one crucial step you should never bypass is the building inspection.
Getting a professional building inspection done before purchasing a property in Sydney is highly recommended—and in many cases, it can save you from making a costly mistake and months of headaches down the line. Still not convinced? Here are the top 10 reasons why you need to get a building inspection for any Sydney property you’re considering.
- Identify structural issues before buying: From cracked foundations and brittle timber framing to sagging roofs and lopsided walls, a building inspection will uncover any major structural defects or integrity issues with the property upfront. Ignoring structural problems and buying the home anyway often leads to incredibly expensive repair bills later on.
- Assess pest activity and damage: No one wants to move into a home infested with termites, rodents or other pests. A professional building inspector will closely inspect the property for any pest entry points, activity or damage from wood borers and other critters that can wreak havoc on a home.
- Check for water and moisture issues: For a coastal city like Sydney, moisture issues like rising damp, leaks and mould growth are fairly common problems. An inspection will reveal any moisture problems, drainage obstructions or waterproofing defects that need to be addressed.
- Identify electrical and fire hazards: Outdated electrical wiring, lack of safety switches, wiring defects and other electrical hazards can quickly create fire risks. Inspectors will examine the electrical system and components to ensure everything is up to code and safe.
- Evaluate overall property condition: Beyond major structural issues, an inspection will assess the current condition of all components like windows, roofing materials, plumbing, HVAC systems and more. The inspector will note any elements nearing the end of their lifespan and provide cost estimates for replacements.
- Get details on repairs needed upfront: With a detailed report outlining defects and needed repairs, you’ll go into the transaction knowing exactly what work will be required and approximately how much it will cost. That allows you to plan and budget accordingly instead of being blindsided by unexpected repair bills later.
- Leverage report for price negotiations: If the inspection reveals costly repair needs, you can use that information to renegotiate the purchase price, get repair credits from the seller or even back out if the defects aren’t worth taking on.
- Check for legal/code compliance: Building inspectors will assess whether the property meets applicable building codes and regulations, as well as alert you to any illegal or non-compliant additions or renovations that could become a problem down the road.
- Gain valuable intel for renovations: If you’re buying an older home intending to renovate, a building inspection provides valuable intel on the current condition of the structure and systems that will impact remodel plans and budgets.
- Give peace of mind: Ultimately, a building inspection provides peace of mind that you know exactly what you’re getting into with a property purchase. That protects your financial investment and eliminates surprises or regrets later on.
In Sydney’s fast-paced, expensive real estate market, a pre-purchase building inspection is a small price to pay for making one of the biggest investments of your life wisely and confidently.
