You are about to purchase your property in Perth. In your process, we recommend getting a building inspection report completed. As a matter of fact, it is highly recommended to conduct a building and pest inspection as a standard practice. Doing so might draw out issues you didn’t know existed within your property, as they weren’t necessarily obvious to the naked eye. Here is our little introduction to the world of building inspections, some of the issues you might see arise and what might be the best steps forward if you see an issue come up.
What does a building inspection report generally cover? Please be aware, that under the REIWA annexure, most of what the building inspect will cover is maintenance. These include (but not limited to):
- The definitions of what a builder is, consultant/building inspector is, what is classified as a date, what is meant by major structural defects and what is meant by standard and report.
- Time is everything or should say of the Essence – If the buyer and seller agent do not receive the report before the date, then the buyer will be deemed to have waived the benefit of the REIWA annexure.
- It states that if a report identifies major structural defects means a fault or deviation from the intended structural performance of a building element, and is a major defect to the building structure of sufficient magnitude where rectification has to be carried out in order to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of utility, or further deterioration of the building structure. Major structural defects does not include any non-structural elements.
- Suppose the seller does not agree to remedy the major structural defects within 5 business days from the notice. In that case, the buyer may give notice in writing to the seller or seller’s agent to terminate the contract, and the deposit is the be paid back to the buyer.
Here is what can happen once you notice an issue has arisen: If your building inspector has identified issues during their inspection, they will put it in their report. They will talk about the seriousness of the issue and what may happen if the issue is not resolved. From here, you are in a position of negotiation, based on what problems have occurred and issues have arisen.
- Determine what you’d like the seller to repair.
- Discuss what you can live with and what you cannot live without.
- Get a quote for the repairs – source a few quotes.
Working with a Perth conveyancer who is in your corner, through all aspects of the property journey. If helps to have a conveyancer in your corner who can guide you through the various elements involved in a property purchase. Megan and our team at Essence Conveyancing are here to help you get the best experience from your property journey. Get in touch with us today and let us discuss how we might be able to assist.
Disclaimer: Please note, the contents of this article do not constitute conveyancing advice, are not intended to be a substitute for conveyancing advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should seek conveyancing advice or other professional advice in relation to any particular matters you or your organisation may have. To find out more, please contact us.