What to look for at a property inspection?
It is a strange thing about buying a home that, despite the financial outlay of at least a six figure sum, many buyers spend a relatively short time inspecting the property. A look through at an often crowded open home, or a 30 minute private inspection with the agent is the norm. At best, the buyer might come back for a second look. Many buyers know as soon as they arrive at the property that ‘this is the one’. That may be true, but it is still worth doing a thorough check. This is some advice on the things to look for that buyers often miss.
Space
According to the property research company Corelogic, owner/occupiers stay put in their house for just over 11 years on average. Apartment dwellers stay for just under 10 years. Given this, you need to be sure that the home you are buying will be big enough for your needs as your life changes during the next decade.
This is pretty easier for young buyers who know they are going to start a family. But, for buyers with older children, give some thought to what you space needs will be when you little ones become big ones. Accommodating teenagers and young adults is quite different to wanting close access to babies and toddlers.
On the flip side to the ‘will we still fit here in five years’ time’ is the question, will we need this big house if it is just the two us in five years’ time?
Storage
Storage is a funny thing with house inspections. You’ll know there is plenty of it as the agent will be keen to point it out. It will be noted in the marketing material. If this is not the case, then make sure you check the storage capacity of the house. Not just the kitchen either. Look for storage in bathrooms, laundry, garage, hallways and general storage. Is there space to put suitcases, the lawn mower, sporting equipment?
The focus on bedrooms tends to be ‘hanging space’ when really shelves and draws are just as important. If a bedroom has only a rail and shelf style wardrobe, is there room to add a chest of draws?
The wet areas
Now you will most likely get a building inspection done if you go to contract, however, there are some simple checks you should make in the wet areas (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) before getting to contract stage.
Open the cupboards underneath the sink/vanity. Is the waste piping dry? Are there signs of bubbling chipboard or rust? Be sure to run the taps. What is the water pressure like? Don’t feel uncomfortable about doing this. Remember you may be about to spend lots and lots of money to buy this place. You have a right to check things out.
Related to this is a quick inspection of the hot water system. This is particularly important in older homes. Hot water systems generally last for about 10 years. Signs of rust at the base of the system probably suggest it is getting to the end of its life. They don’t cost a fortune to replace, but you need to be aware that it may be an expense you’ll face in the near future.
Accessibility
Is this property easy to get into and out of on foot and by car? Do you need side access to the backyard? What is the fencing like on the property? Perhaps the front yard is unfenced and therefore is a wasted space – especially for families. What would be the cost of fencing the front yard?
Car parking is an important issue too. Will your vehicles fit in the garage or carport? Is it a side-by-side configuration or a tandem? Tandem parking is likely to condemn you to a life of car shuffling or will probably result in one car being parked on the road. Can you really live with that for 10 years?
Look for the things you can’t easily change
This is the most important advice of all. Paint can be changed, kitchens upgraded, floors can be polished – but every home has some features that either can’t be changed or will cost a fortune to do so. And it is these that can be missed at a home inspection:
• The position of the house on the block – in Queensland especially, what part of the house faces west? Is there a lot of wasted space in the yard because of where the house is positioned? Will you be paying for land you have to maintain but won’t use?
• The position of the house in the street – what is on either side and on the back fence? The street might be quiet at a weekend open home, but what is it like during weekday peak hour? What is the street like at night?
• Outdoor entertaining – most people want a nice space to be outdoors in most weather conditions. This can be one of the most expensive forms of renovations to do properly.
A final word on inspections, don’t be afraid to ask for a second or even third inspection. That is the agent’s job and they should do all they can to facilitate it.
