I. Eight Questions about Looking at Houses in Australia
Second, the golden rule of housing inspection in Australia
Three or five house visits before buying a house.
Eight questions on housing inspection in Australia
1. Is it necessary to do building inspection?
When buying a house in Australia, especially old houses, townhouses and apartment buildings, buyers basically have to do building inspection, and apartments can decide whether to do it according to the situation.
2. When will the house be inspected?
For privately bought and sold houses, after the offer is accepted or the house sales contract comes into effect, you should contact the building inspector immediately. Building inspectors also need time to arrange.
The auction house, that is, the buyer who wins the auction, must unconditionally fulfill the terms of the contract, so any architectural problems of the house after the auction can only be accepted. If you think it is necessary, you need to arrange a building inspection before you act.
3. How much does it cost to do a house inspection?
Generally around 300-500 Australian dollars, of course, the price will be different according to the size of the house. Some big companies will be more expensive.
4. How long does the whole house inspection process take?
It usually takes 1-2 hours.
5. How do I know the result of the house inspection?
After the general building inspector has finished the inspection, he will immediately call the buyer to explain the general situation of the house and the main problems that need attention. If it is a private sale, it may involve the question of whether to continue to accept the contract. The written report will be sent to the buyer's address later.
6. When can I get the detailed report of the house inspection?
According to the specific situation of the building inspector, it is generally 1-2 weeks.
7. The house inspection report is very long. What if you don't understand?
You can contact the building inspector to explain the problem and give a preliminary solution.
8. There is something wrong with the building inspection. Can I cancel the contract?
If there is such a clause in your contract: inspection of the main building, you can terminate the contract.
This clause generally has two situations:
A, the contract guarantees the buyer's satisfaction, so as long as the buyer points out the unsatisfactory problems, the contract can be terminated;
B the contract can only be terminated when there is a "major construction" problem in the building. In this case, if the buyer's building inspector finds that there is a "major" problem, but the seller does not agree, it will be more troublesome and require a court decision.
The golden rule of house inspection in Australia
Spend $500 or more on a house inspection report before buying a house. You may think it's expensive and not worth doing, but when you find the problem, you may lose more.
The golden rule:
Qualification inspection-It is best for qualified house inspectors, surveyors or architects who have bought "loss compensation insurance" to complete the report. Housing consultants must be licensed according to 1989 housing construction law.
Participate in the inspection-in addition to getting a written inspection report, you can also participate in their inspection work, so as to get some suggestions immediately, such as how much a renovation will cost, and you can also adjust your quotation according to this suggestion.
Shop around-the average price of a simple house inspection report is $500, but a comprehensive report on house construction and pests only costs $ 340-600.
The contents of the report-from minor problems to structural problems-should be included in the report, such as the inspection results of power sockets, water and electricity facilities, locks, windows, walls, floors, ceilings and balconies, as well as the inspection of water pressure, pipes and drainage pipes. The report should also include issues such as whether the chandelier space and the floor are wet.
What is not included in the report-In Melbourne, the general contract shows that inspectors will not bring carpets, personal belongings, insulation materials, electrical appliances, plants or discarded items.
Five times to see the house before buying a house
Nothing is more enjoyable than finding a property that meets your budget and your heart. However, it should be reminded that even if it looks beautiful, there will be some hidden problems, and maintenance may cost a lot of money.
1, land subsidence
Land subsidence is common in new houses and houses built in active soil and long-term drought areas. Generally, with the passage of time, the house will sink slightly, but the larger sinking will destroy the foundation, frame or other structures of the house.
2. Water stains on the ceiling
Water leakage from the ceiling is a serious problem and must be solved immediately. Buyers should check the water stains on the ceiling or cover up the traces with paint.
3. Termites
In Australia, these wood-eating insects cause millions of Australian dollars in losses to wooden frames, floors and stakes every year.
4, asbestos board
In the 1980s, there were asbestos eaves or asbestos boards on the floors of kitchens and bathrooms and under tiles in many houses. The best way to check is to tap the surface-if it sounds like hardened glass, it's probably asbestos board.
Step 5 wire
Buyers should check the fuse box to see if safety switches and circuit breakers have been installed recently to prevent short circuit or leakage.