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Three Types of Building Inspection to Consider Before Buying a Property

18 January 2017

Cecil Bryant

Before purchasing a property, it's essential to make sure that you have full details on the condition of the building and are able to identify any issues. This ensures that you won't be caught out by any unpleasant surprises after you've paid. There are three key types of building inspection which you should consider, depending on the type of property you're purchasing.

For older buildings, an asbestos inspection is essential. Asbestos can be extremely dangerous when not dealt with properly, so you need to know exactly where in the building it's located, and what condition it's in. A pest inspection is a good idea regardless of the type of property you're purchasing but is particularly advisable if the building is located in a rural area. For new builds, a handover inspection gives you the peace of mind that your home has been built according to local regulations.

Read on for details on the three types of inspection you should be considering before buying.

Asbestos inspection

Asbestos is a building material that was widely used up until 2000, when it was discovered that inhaling asbestos particles could cause a variety of serious lung diseases. Asbestos is commonly used in walls, roofs, and garages, and is sometimes combined with other materials, making it hard to identify yourself. If the property you're looking to purchase contains asbestos, you need to know about it. If the asbestos is located in an area where it won't be damaged or disturbed, then in many cases it's safest to leave it. However, for asbestos that could be damaged, professional removal is the best option. Either way, knowledge is key. Without an inspection, you could unknowingly disturb asbestos while decorating or carrying out DIY.

Pest inspection

A pest inspection will give you full details on any creepy crawlies currently occupying the property you're interested in, as well as the likelihood of future infestations. Termites are a common problem and can cause huge amounts of structural damage. Ascertaining the extent of the damage, as well as how difficult the pests will be to exterminate, will allow you to make a fully informed decision on whether or not to purchase.

Handover inspection

If you're purchasing a newly-built house, then a handover inspection is essential. This thorough inspection will ensure that your home has been built according to local standards, without any mistakes or cut corners. If your inspection contractor does find an issue, then you'll be able to have this resolved before you hand over any cash. Even new houses can have problems, so don't skip the inspection.

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