Once you’ve settled on a property, agreed a price, and intend to buy the property, it’s wise to get the appropriate inspections. For most, this means a building and pest inspection. But there are other reports that may be pertinent to your home. Here’s a list of some of the inspections you may want to conduct: –

Building Inspection Your inspector provides a report on the stability, water tightness and standard of workmanship of the property.

Pest Inspection Your inspector will identify current and previous pest infestations, and will usually provide a set of recommendations on how to treat any infestations that are found.

Strata Report If you’re buying a unit or townhouse then you may elect for a strata report. This report includes aspects of the strata such as the building history, financial management, by-laws, current or historic disputes etc.

Plumbing Report If you have concerns about the quality of the plumbing system, you may engage an inspector to conduct a full analysis of the plumbing, sewerage and storm water systems.

Electrical report If you have concerns about the quality of the electrical system, you may engage an inspector to conduct a full analysis t o confirm compliance and identify possible safety issues.

Building Completion report If you are buying new construction you may look for an independent inspection of the property. The report may identify issues that fall within builder’s warranty.

Pool / Spa Report If you have concerns about the quality of the pool or spa, you may engage an inspector to conduct a full analysis to confirm compliance and identify possible safety issues.

You may find inspectors that are able to conduct all of the above, or you may choose to mix and match as the need arises. Again, set expectations up-front so that you can be sure that the inspections will be conducted professionally and in a timeframe that suits you. You’ll certainly want to use an organisation that guarantees a quick response so that you can complete the required inspections in a timely fashion. Normally you’ll engage the inspectors towards the end of the lifecycle, but it’s useful to line up a shortlist of people that you can use at short notice.