Property Inspection Services
What we do
Types of Inspection:
Home-buyers inspection or buyers’ inspection
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant and costly transactions you’ll undertake.
First-time homebuyers often purchase at the upper end of their affordability range and overlook the second most expensive aspect: maintenance and repairs.
A professional home inspection can help you optimize your investment by identifying issues before finalizing the purchase and price of your new home. This inspection can save you money in the long run and alleviate the stress associated with such a major investment.
For this reason, the PPRA (Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority) recommends all prospective property buyers have a Home Buyers Inspection.
Home Sellers Inspection or Seller’s inspection
A seller’s inspection of your home can help you sell it more easily, quickly, and potentially at a higher profit. It also serves as an excellent marketing tool!
Addressing issues upfront, rather than waiting until negotiations begin, can prevent lower offers, delayed closings, or reduced selling prices.
Additionally, a seller’s inspection can double as your seller’s disclosure!
Rental Home Inspections
Including a Rental Inspection Report in a written tenancy agreement benefits both landlords and tenants. The Rental Housing, Unfair Practices Regulations, and Consumer Protection Acts outline the procedures for home inspections and the refund of the damage deposit.
Both parties are required by The Rental Housing Act to conduct inspections at the beginning and end of the tenancy. If either party cannot attend, they may appoint a representative to act on their behalf.
If landlords or rental agents fail to inspect the property when the tenant moves in, they forfeit the right to take action if the rental unit is damaged during the rental period.
Typically, a landlord or rental agent can withhold the rental deposit to cover the cost of repairs for any damages. However, without a prior property inspection, they cannot legally do so and must bear the full repair costs. Therefore, it is advisable for landlords to also conduct a midterm inspection, approximately halfway through the tenancy, to monitor the property’s condition and address any issues early.
Building progress inspections
If you’re building your own home or overseeing alterations and extensions, this is the inspection you need.
A building progress inspection can be scheduled daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, or at the start and finish of specific construction activities like brickwork, roof installation, and plastering.
This type of inspection is especially crucial if you’re using imported contractors from neighbouring countries.
Walk Through Inspections
A walkthrough isn’t a formal home inspection; it’s more of an informal check. During our visual walkthrough, we’ll point out things we notice and share our thoughts with you. These are just our initial observations and a general overview.
What’s involved in a walkthrough inspection?
A walkthrough usually takes about the same time as a full inspection—around 1½ to 3 hours, depending on the size of the house. Feel free to ask questions and take notes while we discuss any issues we find.
We don’t provide a written report. Instead, we’ll chat with you about our observations, and you can jot down notes during the walkthrough. This saves you time and money since there’s no written report to prepare.
Before we start, we’ll ask you to sign an InterNACHI Walk-Through Inspection Agreement. This protects us from liability since we’re deviating from the usual InterNACHI Standards of Practice for Home Inspections.
DAMP AND MOULD HOME INSPECTIONS
If you suspect a mould problem in your property, it is advisable to carry out a mould inspection. We strongly recommend a professional inspection if you experience sleep loss or breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or respiratory irritation. Neurological issues like headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea are also signs that an inspection may be needed.
If your home has visible mould contamination, such as on walls or ceilings, an inspection is essential. A mould inspection will determine the true extent of the problem and provide recommendations on how to address it.
Itemised Limited Home Inspections (Single Component Inspections)
We also offer home inspections for specific components in your home. Whether you’re dealing with roof leaks, bulging ceilings, damp problems, or other issues, we can provide a focused inspection to address your concerns.
MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
A maintenance property inspection is a thorough assessment of a property to identify any existing or potential maintenance issues. It involves inspecting various components of the property, such as the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), structural elements, and more. The goal is to detect any signs of wear and tear, damage, or areas needing repair or preventive maintenance.
This type of inspection helps property owners or managers proactively address maintenance needs to ensure the property remains in good condition and to prevent more costly repairs or safety hazards in the future.
COMMERCIAL INSPECTIONS
A commercial property inspection is a comprehensive assessment of a commercial building or property. It’s typically conducted by a qualified inspector or inspection team to evaluate various aspects of the property’s condition, functionality, and safety. The inspection covers structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems, roofing, insulation, and other essential features.
The purpose of a commercial property inspection can vary:
- Due Diligence: Often performed before purchasing or leasing a commercial property to assess its condition and identify potential issues that may affect the investment.
- Maintenance and Safety: Helps property owners or managers understand the maintenance needs of the building and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Insurance and Lending Requirements: Required by insurance companies or lenders as part of the process to obtain insurance coverage or financing.
The commercial property inspection results are typically documented in a detailed report that outlines any defects, recommendations for repairs or maintenance, and observations about the overall condition of the property. This information is crucial for decision-making regarding property transactions, ongoing maintenance plans, or compliance with regulatory requirements.
