This article covers the importance of pre purchase inspections, areas covered by the report and areas that are exempted by the report. It further covers the information included in the report.

Pre-purchase inspections are reports carried out on a property before it is bought. The report seeks to identify any significant building problems or defects that exist and their repair costs. The inspector derives the report by comparing the property with other similar buildings of the same construction and age, and then gives an overall property rating for dwelling. The report is necessary as it discloses the problems you would encounter if you buy the property in advance. You can also use the report to negotiate with the seller for a lower price for the property. Furthermore, the report helps you to seek specialist advice on how to solve the major issues and how they would affect the building over time.

Therefore, it is necessary to consider a pre purchase report before buying a property. The inspector checks the entire building internally, externally, sub-floor and roof to come up with all possible defects. The defects that are checked include rising damp, timber decay or termite damage, shower leaks, roof tile condition, sub-floor ventilation and drainage, and cracks in internal walls and external brickwork. However, in order to guarantee the reliability and consistency of the report, it is necessary to hire an expert. The qualified inspectors include architects, surveyors and licensed builders. Nevertheless, it is vital to ensure the person you hire has an adequate professional indemnity insurance cover.

It is also necessary to understand that the format and amount of the pre purchase inspections report vary based on the size, age, condition, type and the reporting process. The factors also play an important role in determining the cost of the report. Furthermore, some inspectors offer reports in a standard format, comprehensive checklist or tailored reports depending on your preferences. In some occasions, photographs of the affected areas may be included in the report. However, the format of the report does not matter as long as the report complies with standard requirements.

It is also important to note that the inspections do not include hidden problems or structural defects. This is because the inspection is only visual. Therefore, if you want structural report, you should consider requesting another additional assessment. Nevertheless, it is necessary to consider an inspector offering detailed information, a list of all defects for quick referencing, photos and repair costs of the defects. In addition to the general property information, the report might also include the inspection of the site. This includes garage, carport, separate laundry, steps, fencing, surface water drainage and paths and driveways among others.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to include all areas that you would like to be covered by the report for a comprehensive report. Other information that is included in the report includes your name, property address, inspection date and the scope of inspection. The report further includes areas that were not covered by the inspection and the reasons for their exclusion. The report further features the summary section, which details in brief the major defects. It is also important to realize that the pre purchase inspections report does not cover termite detection, minor defects and matters outside the consultant's expertise.