Checklist for pre-purchase inspection
There are many things you should remember when buying a property. This checklist will help you to complete the most critical tasks before and after purchasing a house.
There are many potential problems between the time that you inspect the property and make an offer, and when you settle on the property. These issues can be structural or financial.
A house inspection checklist will help you track everything you need, from building and pest inspections to searches relating the property and its title. Ours is divided into two lists: pre-purchase inspections, and land and title searches.
Checklist for pre-purchase inspection
- Personal inspection
- Building inspection
- Pest inspection
- Surveyor’s report
- Inspecting swimming pools
- Pre-settlement inspection.
Checklist for Land and Title Search
- Search for titles
- Search for registered plans
- Search for land tax
- Search for Bankruptcy
- Search for contaminated land
- Search for main roads and council development
- Water search and local authority
- Search for Council zoning (or town planning)
- Search for records of body corporate.
What pre-purchase inspections are you required to perform?
A thorough inspection before you buy will help you get a clear picture of the condition of the property.
Personal inspection
A property will usually be subject to an inspection before it is sold. This allows potential buyers to walk through the space and see any defects. It is worth going to multiple inspections if possible. You can also bring a friend or another trusted person along to help you spot any potential problems.
It is important to inspect a property before you buy it.
You may also consider noise and natural lighting. Also, make sure to check door hinges and light switches for any signs of damage. You might even want to inspect the taps to determine the water pressure and check for termite or mould activity.
You should consider whether there is enough parking for you and whether it is located in an area that is flood-prone. It is possible to research the cost of insurance in the area where you are planning to purchase, as well as the costs associated with owning an apartment.
Building inspection
Although it is vital to inspect a property visually, it may not be sufficient to determine any structural problems or issues. It is important that you hire a qualified building inspector to perform a pre-purchase inspection of the property. A building inspector will usually consider the following factors:
- Plumbing
- Doors and windows
- Gutter, roofing and downpipes
- In-floor and under-floor crawl spaces
- Fences and retaining walls
- Garages, carports, and garden sheds
- Stairs, floorboards, and structural support beams
- rising damp
- Water drainage on the property
- The presence of asbestos.
A building inspection report will highlight any defects or problems that are needed to be fixed. A building inspection report may be requested by sellers when they list their property.
You may be able negotiate a lower price if a building inspection reveals any problems that need to be fixed. This will allow you to save money on future repairs.
Pest inspection
Pest inspections are often performed in conjunction with building inspections. They are a visual inspection by licensed professionals to find any pests on the property. The pest inspector will be able detect signs of termites or borers in the property and assess any damage they have caused. A pest inspector will make recommendations and suggest ways to deal with a pest problem.
Surveyor’s report
A surveyor’s report will show you exactly where your property’s boundaries are and warn you of any potential blockages. This report can be very useful if there are any future disputes with your neighbours regarding the boundaries of your property.
Inspecting swimming pools
Swimming pools must comply with safety regulations in your territory or state, such as safety signs and CPR signs, and they must also conform to the construction standards of your territory or state. You should ensure that the pool on the property you are considering buying is compliant. You may also want to get a report on the structural integrity of the pool.
Inspection before settlement
Pre Purchase Inspections in ottawa or final inspections are performed in person before settlement. This is often done on settlement date, or two to three working days prior. After all other inspections and searches have been completed, this is the final step. This is your final chance to make sure everything is in the same condition as when you signed the contract.
Is the house vacant? Are all belongings and trash of the previous owner been cleared away? Did the tenant refuse to move out of the home?
Are all conditions of the contract, including cleaning and painting, met? Are all fixtures and fittings working (e.g. dishwasher, air-conditioner)? Are the gardens overgrown or abandoned since your agreement to buy the property?
The seller may not meet any conditions or have a major problem with the property. You, the buyer, have the right to defer settlement until the issue has been resolved.
