Finding a qualified inspector

There are ways to ensure that you’re Building and/or Pest Inspector is right for you.

Here are some Geraldton Property Inspection tips and directions:

1. Are they Housesafe Accredited? Ask this question.
2. Ask for a copy of the Inspectors PI insurance (Certificate of Currency for Professional Indemnity.) This way you know both YOU and the inspector are covered in the event that something major and/or minor is missed in their report.
3. Did you know over 40% of property pre-purchase reports end up in a dispute! Don’t let this happen to you.
4. Be confident in who you are hiring for the job you request.
5. Check the inspector’s website
6. Google their name to see who is talking about them.
7. There is no standard fee for a building and/or pest inspection so be aware, the cheaper the fee, the less reporting that may be carried out.
8. The cost of a standard Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Report will depend on ability. As a guide only, the fee should be between $500 and $1,000 depending on the inspector’s experience and the size of the property being inspected.
9. Some inspectors may charge a 0.1% inspection fee of the contract sale price. This process is common in other Countries.
10. If you are quoted anything below $400 you may want to rethink this offer and investigate further by following our tips.
11. Several companies are quoting up to $400-00 in 2014 for both pest and building inspections. This is simply impossible for a competent property inspector to carry out both using the relevant Australian Standard’s requirements to produce a reporting document in as little time that may be expected. Be very aware of software packaged reporting that can be sent to you from the inspection site.
12. Over 70% of Australia’s Pre-Purchase Property Inspectors are either uninsured and or are not appropriately qualified or accredited.
13. A car inspection will cost you $250 for a $10,000 car so what would you pay to inspect a $500,000 home? (Do the math!)
14. Do not listen to a Real Estate Agent in relation to time frame and if they say, “Be quick because there are others ready to put offers in,” this may be a fallacy of some description.
15. Research your property and its intended inspection.
16. Other inspections may be required, so ensure the inspector you engage can carry out or refer others onto you for such inspections.
17. Are they a member of PPI, Pre Purchase Inspectors National Registry? www.pre-purchase.com.au

The way of the future

If a building and or a pest Inspector can’t provide you with any of the above information then it would be wise not to hire this inspector and investigate further.