How to assess whether a property is soundly built

Having a building and pest inspection report is an invaluable tool for estimating the cost of essential repairs or renovations required to ensure the home is safe to live in.

Our recommendation is to engage a certified Building and Pest Inspector once you have signed a contract to purchase your preferred home. The Building and Pest Inspector will be able to give you a detailed report on the structure of the home, drainage, electrical wiring and circuitry, and potential for termites.

It is also important to seek expert advice as to whether the home is also going to be thermally comfortable and sustainable. The aspect and thermal properties of the structure are attributes of any site which are of prime importance and will affect long term ownership costs if you wish to ensure your home is comfortable all year round.

Whether a property is constructed of brick, timber, mud-brick or any other material, the structure must be sound and you need to consider ongoing maintenance costs.