Building and Pest Inspections for Strata Titled Units/villas

[Quick Learner]

With Strata title units and villas you own and are responsible for the internal of your dwelling and in some cases the outside of the property as well. Correct???

When making a purchase is it worthwhile getting a building inspection?
Where does your responsibility and the body corporate responsibility start and end?

Regards
QL

 

[Meisterin]

Hi Quick Learner,

Normally the solicitor or conveyancer will not recommend getting a building report for a strata title property, because if there are any problems the strata records will have them and it will also have estimated cost of fixing them.

However, it may be prudent to get a building report for strata titles as well, because it may uncover building problems that Owners Corporation was unaware of- remember that owners only become aware if they are notified by owners at the meeting.

Rather than buy into a potential problem why don't you get a building report for $350 and then you will be assured that there isn't any serious problem with the building?

 

[yadreamin]

In the strata we have we have it written into the minutes that a pest inspection is carried out yearly, internally and externally.We all pay about $100 for this and it includes any treatments if required.As the units/townhouses all have adjoing walls its important that all units/townhouses are inspected.Check the minutes to see if its an annual thing.If not inquire about it.
Just off side for a bit, we had a window broken in our town house and it went through the strata insurance because it was part of the building, not our own personal policy we carry.
cheers yadreamin

 

[MrB]

Most important thing to have is a report done on the Strata Plan records.

This will show what funds are in hand, any history of building problems, troublesome occupiers, etc.

A building report might be handy but unless it covers every unit is really not much use. A problem in any other unit's common property will still cost you (as part of the body corporate) the same as if it was in your unit.