Building inspections are a great way to ensure your new home is safe and structurally sound before you buy. They’re often carried out by a licensed building inspector and give you an in-depth report on the condition of the property, including any defects, safety hazards, and minor maintenance issues.

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Identifying structural issues is essential for several reasons. Structural problems can be expensive to fix and they can pose a safety hazard, especially if they’re not detected early on.

Pre purchase building inspection are a great way to identify these problems and save you from the heartache of a major repair bill down the track.

It can also help you negotiate a better price for the property, and provide you with negotiating power when it comes to resolving any issues that arise during the inspection process.

Getting the right inspector can be critical. Tyrrell says: “Make sure you choose an inspector that’s experienced and qualified. They should have a lot of experience and can provide you with an honest assessment. Make sure they can explain things in terms you understand.”

Findings from a building inspection may point out some renovations that haven’t been completed to code. This could mean they’re causing a safety hazard or that the work hasn’t had council consent, which can cause problems with insurance.

The inspector will also give you an idea of what needs to be done to bring the building up to where it’s supposed to be. This can give you a good starting point for putting together an accurate budget of what the repairs will cost.