Many disputes between the client and inspector occur because the client did not expect the inspection to be subject to some form of limitation.
In order to avoid such disputes it is necessary that the inspector, who is normally the more knowledgeable party,
Inform the client during the agreement phase of limitations that may restrict the full achievement of the client’s purpose of inspection.
The opportunity to inform the client prior to the inspector’s visit to the property is limited and there will always remain the possibility of unexpected limitations that will be apparent only when the inspector visits the property; however, it is important that the client have a realistic understanding of the inspection limitations prior to the inspection.
Examples of expected limitations:
Include – Legal right of entry, locked doors, security system, pets, furniture and similar obstructions.
While these are common and expected limitations, the inspector should not assume that the client is aware of the significance of the various factors, but rather should inform the client.
Examples of limitations that may not be expected at any particular inspection, but which are common:
Include – Access restrictions due to height or narrow boundary clearance, thick vegetation, small roof or crawl space and adverse weather conditions.
It is not practicable for the inspector to anticipate and inform the client of all possible limitations that may be present when the inspector visits the property; however, the client should have an appreciation, during the agreement period, of the types of limitation that may occur.
2.1 GENERAL (From the Australian Standards 4349.1-2007)
An inspection agreement between the client and inspector shall be entered into prior to the inspection-taking place. The inspection agreement shall include the defined purpose, scope and acceptance criteria in accordance with section 2 of the AS 4349.1-2007.
All parties shall agree any changes to the purpose, scope or acceptance criteria at the appropriate time.
NOTE: The inspection agreement should be in writing and signed by all parties to the agreement before the inspection is conducted.
At Geraldton Property Inspections we make it easy to view and sign your agreement with electronic signatures, our agreement is all done online.
There’s a few ways we ensure signatures are legally binding:
- We use the Stripe API which allows parties to sign their own name with their mouse or finger (touch screens)
- We record the IP address of the signing parties and the date/time it was signed.
- We offer both parties electronic copies of the signed document and keep them stored on our servers
- We lock down the document from being modified after it has been signed.
So when you are booking a pre purchase property inspection with any inspector make sure you sign an agreement as part of the
Australian Standards 4349.1-2007 so you know what inspection you are getting, what is being inspected and what it may exclude.
If you have any question send us a email – info@geraldtonpropertyinspections.com.au
or give us a call on 1300 99 45 78
All the best from the team at
1300 99 45 78