Building inspections aren’t required by law. But if you’re a smart home buyer, there’s no reason to skip this crucial step in the buying process.
Building inspections are important for several reasons. They can help ensure that a home is safe and structurally sound, which is important for both the occupants’ and the property’s value. Inspections can also uncover hidden problems that could be costly to repair.
While building inspections are not required by law in all states, they are generally recommended by real estate professionals. The cost of an inspection can vary but is typically between $200 and $500. For many homebuyers, the peace of mind that comes with knowing their new home is up to code is worth the extra expense.
When building contractor Christopher Garza from the Bayside-based company CAG Construction & Management was recently asked by a friend whether he thought building inspections were worth the money, his answer was a resounding yes.
“Absolutely,” Garza said. “You’re buying a home in Victoria, likely the most expensive purchase you will ever make. You want to ensure that it’s structurally sound and that there are no major problems that could cost you a lot of money down the road.”
While Bayside building inspections will uncover major property problems, Garza said they could also give buyers peace of mind. It’s a matter of priorities, and a building inspection should always be high on the list for anyone looking to purchase a home.
“It’s always better to be safe than sorry,” he said. “If there are any major issues with the property, you’ll be glad you had an inspection.”
For Melbourne-based realtor Danni Adler, the cost of an inspection is worth it for her clients.
“I always recommend that my clients get a building inspection before they purchase a property,” Adler said. “It’s such an important step in the home buying process.”
While the cost of an inspection can be a deterrent for some homebuyers, Adler said it’s important to remember that it’s a small price to pay in the grand scheme.
“A home is a big investment,” she said. “You want to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for. The truth is that some realtors even suggest to their clients that an inspection is no longer necessary. I beg to disagree,” she added.
The cost of an inspection can indeed seem like a lot, but when you consider the potential cost of repairs that could be uncovered, it’s a drop in the bucket. In the end, it’s up to the buyer to decide whether or not they want to get an inspection, but for most people, it’s a smart investment.
Even a newly-constructed house or building will have imperfections. Without a qualified Bayside building inspections inspector, these imperfections could go unnoticed until they become serious – and expensive – problems. There have been countless cases of home and building owners spending tens of thousands of dollars to repair hidden damage that could have been caught with a simple inspection.
