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Importance Of Building Inspection Before Buying A Property?

Back in the day, a builder mate could give the home of your dreams a once over and their word was enough for you to purchase what was the single most expensive life time purchase any one could make.

Now consumers, bankers, insurance companies, lawyers are not happy for a quick once over with no liability. In today’s environment, it is imperative to engage in a Trusted Building Inspections company with professional and suitably trained Building Inspectors who has PI and PL insurance and also follows the NZS 4306:2005 standards for Inspections.

The Christchurch rebuild experienced accelerated growth in the Residential Building Sector and not all Builds were Built the same. The same can be said with the EQC repair work carried out over what has been nearly a decade. Today it is imperative that a Building Inspection is carried out by a Professional Building Inspections Company as Lawyers, Insurance companies and Banks now require not only a standard Building Inspection but an EQC Scope of works check carried out also.

When a Jim’s Building Inspector casts their keen eyes over a Building element or detail, they are looking for key indicators or sign. Like a trade’s person with an eye for square, plumb or levels, the Professional Building Inspector will notice things that the ordinary person would miss. Your local Jim’s Building Inspector will often come across these indicators that will draw attention to an area and would warrant further investigation.

The Builder mate will often look in the wrong places and miss defects or they will go to the other extreme and note every single minor defect and sink a sale. Builders in their own day to day routine, often neglect basic code practices in the haste to move on to the next job. Then all of a sudden, bad habits become the norm. These are the very same builder mates that Jo Blogg trusts their personal life savings with when buying a home.

All our Jim’s Building Inspection Reports are informative, providing buyers with a reason or possible cause for a defect, possible remedial action and referral to a professional trade network. Our Qualified Inspectors follow the NZS 4306:2005 standards and our reports are set out in an easy to understand format with good content and detailed photos. Reports should be leveraged for negotiations and also provide the purchaser with a realistic outlook when defects are identified. First home buyers often need to be reminded that the home they are purchasing is at least 50 years old and wear and tear is typical and this is also reflected in our reporting. However, there are times when our reporting is also a matter of fact whether the home is new or old and the reality is our number one aim is for customer satisfaction, their peace of mind and protection when they are make their informed decision to buy.

Conclusion

A building inspection provides essential insights into a property’s condition, helping you identify potential issues before committing to a purchase. It ensures peace of mind, informed decisions, and protection for your investment. Hiring a qualified inspector guarantees a thorough and professional assessment, making sure you’re not caught off guard by costly repairs later.

FAQs 

Why is a building inspection necessary?

A building inspection helps identify hidden issues, providing peace of mind and preventing costly surprises post-purchase.

What does a building inspection cover?

It covers structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and other key elements of the property.

Can a building inspection save money?

Yes, by identifying issues early, it can prevent expensive repairs and guide negotiations with sellers.

Can I do my own building inspection?

While you can check for obvious issues, a professional building inspection is more thorough and can uncover hidden problems.

What’s the difference between a builder and a building inspector?

A builder might miss minor defects or focus too much on small issues, while an inspector follows a structured, professional approach to assess the property.

How do I choose a building inspector?

Ensure they are licensed, insured, and follow industry standards like NZS 4306:2005.

Should I get a building inspection for new homes?

Yes, even new homes can have hidden defects or construction issues.

How do building inspectors ensure accuracy?

Inspectors use standardised checklists and guidelines, along with their professional expertise, to identify and assess potential problems.

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