The Purpose of Property Inspection Reports

A property report covers all the same things that a pre purchase building inspection does.  That is, the inspector will look at the overall condition of the interior and exterior of the building, the interior and exterior of the roof area, underfloor areas, and the building site as a whole. Special purpose property reports will also cover other things though such as estimating how much it will cost to fix any problems that are found during the inspection, minor issues either inside or outside the building that you should be aware of, and recommendations on what repairs and maintenance needs to be done to the property.

Property Inspections can carry out inspections for a number of special purposes such as:

• cracks or movement in walls, floors and ceilings
• structural problems and defective frame installations
• subsidence and floors out of level
• noticeable gaps appearing in cornices, skirting boards, around windows etc.
• dampness issues
• noticeable water marks in ceilings
• leak problems from roofs, gutters bathrooms and others
• insulation issues
• asbestos issues
• defective building materials
• non-compliance with building standards.

When considering properties as a prospective buyer, the first information to look at is the Home Condition Report, which may already have been prepared by the seller. This will disclose some information on the property, but remember that it may be biased, as it is coming from the seller. Always get a reliable third-party report that provides information on the exact condition and value of the property before committing to the deal. Other Sydney property report include land surveys conducted by licensed land surveyors. One such type is known as a mortgage survey. This type of survey is required by most mortgage companies if you’ll be requiring financing for your purchase of the property. The cost of this survey may even be covered by the mortgage company. They may also be known as a title survey because it is often required by the title company.

 A mortgage survey is generally conducted to determine land boundaries and building locations. A relatively simple survey, it will note buildings, sheds, fences, easements and required building setbacks, and natural landmarks. After a mortgage survey has been conducted, you can rest assured that the structure you are purchasing meets current zoning and building codes and that no one is encroaching on your property. Mortgage surveys may be considered plot plans or other categories of property surveys when it includes additional details not usually included in a mortgage survey.

The Sydney property report should always be done by a qualified building inspector who is willing to abide by relevant Australian Standards.  They should provide you with a detailed report on the condition of the property, covering all areas that you have asked them to do.  Your inspector should be fully qualified, licensed, and insured. Generally, they will also be a member of an association.  Also, make sure that you ask your inspector for a quote before they begin any work and also ask how long it will take them to do the inspection and provide you with the report.