Planning the purchase of a new property or the sale of your current property can be a very exciting time. It’s easy to get swept up in all the plans and ideas that it brings. However, whether you think you’ve found your dream home to buy, or you’re ready to sell up and move on, there are some seemingly dull but important things to do first. One of these things is a property inspection.
Let’s say you do a search, “professional property inspections Narre Warren” and you find the ideal candidates to carry it out. What is it that is really important for you to have checked and understood? Below is a list to help you know:
-
Heating and Water Systems
First on the list to check are the heating and water systems, which include the water heater or other boiler unit, the plumbing (especially gas plumbing), and all fixtures throughout the property. Any signs of leaks, weak or compromised piping, improper insulation, wrong or faulty installation of the water heater, and more all require immediate attention.
For the water heater, in particular, it is required by law that these are installed and maintained only by licensed professionals. A full inspection should quickly confirm whether or not the unit in question was indeed installed up to code.
-
Roof
Next on the list is the roof. The number of potential problems with any home that start with the roof is potentially endless. It does not just leak the inspector is looking for, but also structural integrity, safety, compliance with local regulations, as well as gutters and drainage (see more below for drains). A roof that is found to be structurally unsound presents a potentially lethal risk to anyone living on the property.
-
Basement and Foundation
Lots of things can go wrong when you start to look at the dark, damp underbelly of a property. It’s arguably the most critical element of the structure that holds it all up and is also susceptible to a litany of potential problems. Bad weather over many years, as well as natural disasters, the impact of pests, and local wildlife, among other factors, all contribute to cracks and other damage in the foundation that literally undermines the safety of any property.
-
Air Conditioning
In a hot country like Australia, safe and properly working air conditioning systems are a must-have in any home. They run for much more of the year when compared to other countries around the world where they may lie dormant for half the time. HVAC systems can become home to numerous pests (including snakes) when neglected over time. They also can be the source of mildew and mold growth. Their interior and exterior units need close inspection.
-
Chimney (if Applicable)
If the home has a fireplace and chimney, then inspecting the chimney stack is another must. Like the foundations, chimneys bear the brunt of bad weather and storms, not to mention general wear and tear over time. They are affected even faster than foundations, too, because they’re always exposed to the elements, the extreme heat of the day, the cold of the winter, and all the weather that gets thrown at them. A collapsing chimney would definitely put a crimp on the joy of buying a new family home.
-
Drainage
Another key inspection point is all the drainage points of the home, including gutters, indoor and outdoor drains, and especially sewage pipes. One key thing to check is that outdoor sewage pipes are not being invaded by the roots of surrounding trees, bushes, and hedges. Such problems need to be identified and solved as quickly as possible to avoid more extensive damage.
