Property Inspections Perth
When viewing a property you don't need to be a builder to have a general idea of the condition of the property. A builder will identify defects that may save you thousands of dollars in the future, but you should also consider the following when viewing a property:
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Additions / Alterations
If you believe that there are any alterations / additions (including patios) at the property ask the real estate agent if it has been approved by council. Ensure that there are no clauses in the Offer & Acceptance contract excluding these items from requiring approval prior to the transfer of ownership should you decide to make an offer on the property. Your settlement agent will be able to assist you here. Note that if the property has been built in the last 6 years it will still be subject to Builder's warranty, as will any alterations or additions less than 6 years old that exceed the value of $20,000. Also, if you plan to make any alterations to the property upon moving in, you should consult your building inspector and they will be able to offer advice of a general nature prior to making your offer. |
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Orientation
Consider the orientation of your property when viewing the home. For example, main living areas should generally face north. You are not expected to be a building designer nor should the orientation of a property be a deal-breaker, although by noting the following design principals you should have a general idea of whether the property will incur high heating and cooling costs. Your building inspector will be able to provide you with further advice should you require it.
Consider the orientation of your property when viewing the home. For example, main living areas should generally face north. You are not expected to be a building designer nor should the orientation of a property be a deal-breaker, although by noting the following design principals you should have a general idea of whether the property will incur high heating and cooling costs. Your building inspector will be able to provide you with further advice should you require it.
- A house should have maximum window areas on the north wall
- A house should have minimum or no windows on the east and west walls
- A house should have sufficient roof overhang on the north wall to prevent the summer sun from entering the house
Space
Are the spaces within the property big enough to fit your things? This may seem like an obvious one but sometimes the charm of a property detracts from the reality of living in it. This can prove especially relevant in properties that have been staged. As with orientation, this may not be a deal-breaker, but you may have to factor in the purchase of some new furniture.
Are the spaces within the property big enough to fit your things? This may seem like an obvious one but sometimes the charm of a property detracts from the reality of living in it. This can prove especially relevant in properties that have been staged. As with orientation, this may not be a deal-breaker, but you may have to factor in the purchase of some new furniture.
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Amenities
Note the positive and negative amenities within the property itself. You may consider the following to be necessary in your home:
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Rates
The real estate agent should be able to answer the amount that you will pay in rates should you purchase the property. Don’t be afraid to ask the question of what your council, water, and electricity rates will be when you move in. If the real estate agent shows a reluctance to give you an answer, they may be hiding something.
Don't be afraid to ask questions as this is one of the biggest decisions of your life.
After viewing the property it is a good idea to walk around the suburb afterward. This will not only give you a ‘feel’ of the suburb itself, but allows you to confirm whether the property is ideally located to take advantage of the reasons that you chose the area as your target suburb. You will also be able to build up a profile of the people who live around the property you wish to purchase.
The real estate agent should be able to answer the amount that you will pay in rates should you purchase the property. Don’t be afraid to ask the question of what your council, water, and electricity rates will be when you move in. If the real estate agent shows a reluctance to give you an answer, they may be hiding something.
Don't be afraid to ask questions as this is one of the biggest decisions of your life.
After viewing the property it is a good idea to walk around the suburb afterward. This will not only give you a ‘feel’ of the suburb itself, but allows you to confirm whether the property is ideally located to take advantage of the reasons that you chose the area as your target suburb. You will also be able to build up a profile of the people who live around the property you wish to purchase.