Handy hint

[phm]

Hi there.

When you get a building inspection done, make sure you have someone read it that has building experience. What sounds quite innocent to the inexperienced reader, may be a giant problem to the knowledgeable.

[Desto]

The two building inspections I had done for me were done by the same inspector. On both occasions he pointed out to me problem areas and explained how serious they were. These were then also discussed in his written report.

I would have thought that the building inspector would as a matter of course explain the nature of existing or potential problems in lay person's terms like mine did.

That appears not to have been so in your case, Gunna. Maybe change to another building inspector?

Good alert, though, Gunna. Maybe not all building inspectors are the same. Is there some kind of professional standard they have to adhere to?

Desto.

[Jacque]

One inspector I used had an easy-to-follow system set up. He attached a smiley stamp rating to each particular area he inspected, and I was able to easily ascertain what were the serious problems and what weren't. If it only had one, for example, I was able to ring him and have a chat about the possible problems.

I always ring the inspectors just afterwards so that my house is fresh in their mind and they can give a quick verbal rundown.

[Sunstone]

Dear Phm,

As with Festo as you become more versant with the terminology you will find the reports are quite straight forward.

However would recommend that you try and be on site for as many building inspections as possible. At this time you can ask them all the questions under the sun and have a thorough understanding of the problems, estimated cost to fix and therefore the detailed further negotiating points for the property.

Wherever possible (although not always possible) I do try to be there when the pest and building inspections are done - It makes the inspections even more valuable.

Cheers,

Sunstone.