The purchase of a home is often the biggest investment we make in our lives.  Most of us save long and hard for the deposit and then chain ourselves to a life of budgeting, scrimping and saving more to meet the mortgage payments for the next 15-25 years.  So, despite all this effort, many still go into the purchase with only half the information they need to make an informed decision.

Would you purchase a car without a test drive?  Many of us wouldn’t purchase one without having it checked out thoroughly by a mechanic first.  So why would you buy a home without having it inspected and assessed by a professional?  These days there’s really no excuse for buying a dud house.  Technology has paved the way for comprehensive building, pest and even methamphetamine residue testing to be carried out before you sign your life away for your mortgage.

Inspections can cost a few hundred dollars but can save a new home owner potentially tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and cleanup in the long run.  Inspections can also be of assistance to you as you negotiate with lenders for your loan.  Financial institutions want to ensure their investment is going to still be standing if you’re unable to meet your mortgage payments.

Just because a house looks and feels good, doesn’t mean it is sound.  Underneath the new paint or floor coverings, the cladding or new paved area, or even the furnishings, could be a wealth of problems you won’t discover until after you move in.  That’s where a professional building inspector can help.  

A building inspection should be comprehensive, covering the interior, the exterior, the garden, outbuildings such as sheds and garages, and even the roof.    The inspector usually makes a visual inspection, but will back it up with meters to test for problems such as damp.  They’ll generally go to places you didn’t even consider when you attended the open inspection.  You don’t usually climb onto the roof to check for potential leaks, pop your head into the ceiling to see any damage or go under the house to check out the structure or dampness, but a good building inspector will.

Smart Choice Building & Pest Inspections offers a comprehensive building inspection service, but we also recommend potential purchasers also consider a methamphetamine residue screening and a pest inspection before signing on the dotted line.  

We offer a fixed price building inspection for $420 in Adelaide, the Southern Suburbs, Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Hills including Victor Harbor, Goolwa, Port Elliot, Reynella, Lonsdale, Morphett Vale, Cape Jervis, Yankalilla, Strathalbyn, McLaren Vale, Willunga and all towns in between.

Give us a call today on 0477 700 101.