Pre-purchase Inspections Building eValuate is a Hobart based building consultancy which specialises in pre-purchase, Building defect and property condition reports. Buying a home may be the biggest financial investment a person will make. A pre-purchase inspection is a very small investment relative to the purchase price of the home and gives the buyer the assurance that the property has been thoroughly checked over by an accredited builder. The inspection will highlight any defects, existing problems and potential problems areas in the house before you commit to buying. This is important information for the buyer as repairs can be budgeted for, or a reduction in the purchase price can often be negotiated. What do we inspect in a pre-purchase inspection? Our pre-purchase inspections comply with Australian Standard AS 4349.1-1995. The inspection comprises a visual assessment of the property to identify major defects and to form an opinion regarding the general condition of the property. Building eValuate are certified level 1 thermographers. We use a Flir infrared camera as a supplementary tool for our building diagnostics services. Infrared thermography is the quickest and most definitive method to detect moisture, energy losses and electrical issues in buildings. Thermal camera investigations are a non-destructive inspection process which can provide us with valuable information on a variety of building issues. The following areas are inspected where access is available: 1. The interior of the building: ceilings; walls; floors; windows; doors & frames in the kitchen; bedrooms; living areas; bathroom; WC; ensuite; laundry; stairs & damp problems. 2. The exterior of the building: walls (including lintels, claddings, doors & windows); timber or steel frames & structures; chimneys; stairs; balconies, verandas, patios, decks, suspended concrete floors and balustrades. 3. The roof exterior: roof (including tiles, shingles & slates, roof sheeting, gables, flashings); skylights, vents, flues; valleys; guttering; downpipes; eaves, fascias and barges. 4. The roof space: roof covering; roof framing; sarking; party walls; insulation. 5. The sub-floor space: timber floor (including supports, floor, ventilation, drainage, damp); suspended concrete floor. How do we arrange a pre-purchase inspection? The inspector will arrange a convenient date and time with the agent/vendor to inspect the property. The inspections take up to two hours depending on the size and condition of the property. The purchaser is encouraged to attend as it is a good opportunity to discuss any current issues or potential future developments that may be planned. The inspector is an experienced accredited building practitioner and is qualified to offer advice on costs and the feasibility of proposed building changes. Reports are available in both electronic PDF and paper formats and are completed on the day of the inspection. Inspections are conducted in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4349.1 by an Accredited Builder with 25 years experience and full professional indemnity insurance cover. Visit our website www.buildingevaluate.com.au for a sample report and full description of services. Pre-sale Inspections During the property sale process there are often two main phases of price negotiation. The first is when an offer is made, and the second is after the buyer obtains a pre-purchase inspection report. This can be a stressful time for both the vendor and buyer and can in some cases cause the deal to fall through. By having your home inspected prior to offering it on the market, you may be able to simplify the negotiation process. You will be made aware of any faults that potential buyers may be concerned about, and prepared in advance for this. Items that need attention can be addressed prior to the sale rather than have potential buyers put off by these often minor defects, or demanding large reductions in the contract price. Benefits of a Pre-Sale inspection • Help remove a second price negotiation on your contract. • Be up front about your home’s condition. • Major items can be handled ahead of time on your terms. • Inspections also provide positive and informative comments. • Increases the saleability of your home. We conduct thorough inspections and produce comprehensive written reports in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4349.1. We act independently in the interests of our clients and have no affiliations with specific property sales consultants. Our building condition reports are prepared using specific reporting software which addresses all aspects of AS 4349.1. The report includes annotated photos and detailed information about structural defects, safety issues and overall property condition. Reports can be provided in both electronic PDF and paper formats and can be made available on the same day. House Energy Ratings Tasmania has recently moved from a minimum 4-Star to a 5-Star energy efficiency rating for Residential Buildings. New buildings will be subject to more stringent design standards and those which fail to comply under the BCA provisions may have to undergo an assessment using specialised computer simulation software. A House Energy Rating (building thermal assessment) will highlight areas of inefficiency and the assessor can then recommend changes in design to comply with the new 5-Star National House Energy Rating Scheme. We are ABSA Accredited Energy Assessors and use AccuRate Software developed by the CSIRO to assess multiple factors which affect the thermal performance of a building including: climate and wind; location; orientation, form and design; building fabric; and occupant behaviour. An energy efficient home is both cost saving and more comfortable to live in, in addition to the obvious environmental benefits. Existing properties can also be assessed. The Consultant Paul Kleywegt is an Accredited Building Practitioner and HIA Member with 25 years experience in residential and commercial building specialising in quality redevelopments of older properties. He has extensive firsthand experience with sustainable practices, building materials and design. Experience building in Australia, Europe and Japan.