From Darwin to Perth, Brisbane to Adelaide, Australia has one of the highest levels of home ownership in the world. Buying a home in Australia for the first time can be one of the most exciting times in your life - it can also be one of the most complicated too! So, are you in the market to purchase a new house for you and your family? If yes, then you certainly would need a home buyer inspection checklist to guide you in knowing if you are making a good purchase. Otherwise, you might end up with a house that is full of hidden defects and much-needed repairs.
Here is a short home inspection checklist. Go over it so you can have the full knowledge of what to inspect.
1. Organize your own checklist
It is like creating a mini checklist within your home buyer inspection checklist. For example, create a list of specific rooms in the house you are going to check. List down what are the things you will need to look at when you inspect the living room, the bedroom, the basement, the kitchen, the bathroom, and so on and so forth. This way you will not be confused when you do the actual inspection. You will know immediately how and where to begin.
2. Structure of the house
Your inspection should focus on all the walls, the foundation, the ceilings, and more to see if all are in good condition. Also, make sure to note any crack or weakness that you will see. You certainly would not want to get your car damaged by any imperfections in the driveway.
3. Check the electrical wiring system
Does it follow the electrical and building code of the city, town or state? Are the electrical wires adequately hidden from view and will not cause any untoward incident as what you might expect to happen from exposed wires? If you are doing the inspection alone, it would be better if you have someone with you who knows all about electrical wiring.
4. Fire safety inspection
Make sure you check if there any violations of the fire safety code of the city. While this is often the responsibility of the fire department, try and include this in your checklist. So, you would know where to place fire extinguishers where these are necessary and other fire precaution equipment and standards.
5. Plumbing
You should look into the pipe materials used by the builder or if there are any modifications made. A sewage inspection should also be included in your home inspection checklist.
6. Pests
Pests are significant health hazards, and you should conduct a pest inspection and find any pest movement.
7. Check the condition of the roof
Now you will have to go up to the roof to accomplish this. Look for any ill-fitted parts and of course search for any leaks. Some building inspectors would advise you to check the house just after it rained. That way you will quickly see if there are any leaks.
This short but useful home buyer inspection checklist should help you get a good idea of what are the things you should look out for when inspecting a house.