What we look at when inspecting properties for our clients (The Buyer)
Written on the 5th of September 2011 by Liz Wilcox
On arrival.....
Check out the area to ensure the home conforms to the other homes in the area
Ensure the other homes add value to your intended purchase
Ensure the land is relatively level
Check that drainage is good and that surrounding homes are not all higher than the home being considered for purchase
Verify that any outside improvements (eg garden sheds, garages, carports, etc) add value
The home....
Check for safety switch
Check for fire alarms
Check hot water system for age and whether it is electric or gas
Measure bedroom size
Attributes of each room – Air conditioning, fans, flooring, curtains or blinds
When the house size is a major factor on the buying price – try to verify the size of the house, were possible – it’s best not to solely rely on an Agents ‘opinion’. We also try to get a floor plan when available
Check any improvements are approved by Council – where possible
Investigate evidence of structural damage or faults- were visible
Check if the roofing is tile, colour bond or asbestos - where possible
If the property has insulation
Investigate the condition of fascia-boards, gutters and downpipes
Check the condition of paintwork, carpets, tiles, plasterwork, in-built wardrobes, wet area
Look for evidence of a leaking roof, i.e. stains on the ceiling and damp spots, mildew, etc
Look in laundry, bathroom and kitchen cupboards for water issues
Check taps for water hammering and leaks
Check that all the lights and power-points work where possible
Verify the tiles are solid and not lifting
Look for evidence of white-ant activity
Verify all fixtures (such as the air-conditioner, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, etc) are operating where possible
Note the brand of cook top, oven and dishwasher
Confirm exactly what is included and excluded in the property, eg dishwasher, remote controls, curtains, blinds, rugs, light-fittings, TV aerial, garden shed, outside cubby house.
Look at anything that may need maintenance & note it down - where possible
Take photos of the good, the bad and the ugly for our clients.
Take photos of up the street and down the street.
Take note which way the house is facing – and impact this will have on living areas
Take note of which way the outdoor entertaining area is facing
If our client is a home buyer then we look at how it suits their personal requirements and meets their Property Goals.
If the property is for an investor, we look at the property with different eye’s e.g tenants, investor, the growth potential, how easy it will be to sell in years to come and will it suit a home buyer in the future.
There are even more things we look at and take into consideration when inspecting properties for our clients - this is just an overview.
Then after all of this, it may be determined that the property simply does not meet our expectations for our client’s needs and requirements – sometimes we just know you can do better with your money!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article has been carefully compiled and is not intended to be treated as a warranty or promise of its content and is to be used as a guide only.
