How many times have you heard this story? Someone you know has needed to get new builders to fix what the old builders should have fixed after their home was damaged by the earthquakes? Sadly, substandard repairs have happened all over Christchurch to too many people.
Because many houses have been badly repaired, it’s very important to check any EQC or insurer’s repairs have been properly completed, as well as the overall condition of the property. In post earthquake Christchurch, it’s essential for house buyers to get a property inspection carried out by an appropriately qualified professional.
Who Can Be A Building Inspector?
So who can complete a building inspection? Building Inspectors are not required to hold a formal qualification. So in theory, anyone with a basic knowledge of the construction industry can call themselves a building inspector.
There are lots of people who can go through a house and give verbal opinions. Some of these people might be former or current builders. But, the report which counts, is a written report from an established firm, which has carried out proper checks including under the floor and in the ceiling cavity. A verbal report from a friend or a “friend of a friend” does not provide you with any recourse if big problems are discovered later on. It’s best to do your research, and choose an experienced inspection professional who knows what they are doing.
Benefits Of Building Inspections
“If you’re buying at auction and relying on the vendor’s building inspection, there’s not much you can do in future if you discover something is wrong. To take action, the report must be commissioned by you,” says lawyer and firm Partner Phil Sewell.
It’s surprising how often significant issues are brought to light by property inspections. There’s a reason buyers make conditional offers based on what a report might find. Our purchaser clients are often surprised by undiscovered earthquake damage, or if they were aware, they had no idea of the likely cost to remedy.
Our conveyancing team spend a lot of time dealing with issues which come to light from the property inspection. Either we request the vendor fix the defects, or we seek compensation so the buyer can remedy the defects themselves later on. Often it is better for a buyer to get the compensation in the form of a reduced price, so they can undertake the work to a standard they know of and at a time which suits them.
Getting repairs done yourself is usually better than relying on the vendor, whose tradespeople might not carry out the work to a proper standard. There are many details to address in this situation and getting those details right is important. Like so much of our conveyancing work, property inspections are all about attention to details and getting them right for you.
Insight Building Inspections
Nick Brownlee of Insight Building Inspections has over 20 years’ experience in the building and construction industry. Following the Canterbury Earthquakes, he saw a need for highly detailed property reports that were easy-to-understand.
“Buying your next home is one of the biggest investments you can make, so you have to be absolutely sure about your decision,” says Nick.
Nick uses aerial drones to inspect roofs, and remote controlled rovers to check underfloor cavities, where most inspectors are unable to check.
“If you’re selling, you’ll see if there are any areas that need a little attention, or are a major cause for concern before putting your home on the market. If you’re bidding on a home where I’ve provided the building report for the vendor, I can commission a new report in your name so you’re protected in future,” says Nick.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling property in Canterbury, choose the team who will tell you how it really is, and not just what you want to hear. For property conveyancing, come and see your team at Godfreys Law. For highly detailed, easily understandable building inspections, we recommend contacting Nick Brownlee at Insight Building Inspections.
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