CHECKLIST WHEN LOOKING AT BUYING A HOUSE

Buying a home is a big decision, and it’s important to make sure you’ve considered all of the factors that will affect your decision. One way to ensure that you’ve thought of everything is to create a check list of items to review when looking at a house. This handy check list when buying a house can help you make an informed and confident decision about your new home.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro, this list will help you ensure that you’re getting the best home for your money. So, let’s get in to it and go over some key items to consider when looking at a house to buy. This list is just a few key items to prompt a you as a purchaser to look a little deeper. This list can is handy at open homes and to somewhat understand what sort of condition the home is in before engaging in a contract.

Here are some items to consider when purchasing a house:

Location: Consider the neighborhood, proximity to schools, public transportation, and local amenities.
Size: Think about the size of the house in relation to your needs, both now and in the future.
Condition: Evaluate the condition of the house, including the age and upkeep of the roof, siding, windows, and other major systems.
Layout: Consider the layout of the house and whether it meets your needs in terms of number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as the flow and functionality of the floor plan.
Storage: Think about the amount of storage space in the house, including closet and cabinet space.
Outdoor space: Evaluate the size and condition of the yard, as well as any outdoor amenities such as a pool or deck.
Parking: Consider the availability and type of parking, including a garage or driveway.
Future potential: Think about any potential for renovations or additions, as well as the potential resale value of the house.
Budget: Make sure the price of the house fits within your budget, taking into account any necessary repairs or renovations.
Building and pest inspection: Engage a building and pest inspector to identify any potential issues with the house.
Share the building and pest inspection report with your solicitor or conveyancer to negotiate repairs or reduction in purchase price to account for the issues identified.
Energy efficiency: Look for energy-efficient features such as insulation, windows, and heating and cooling systems to save on energy costs.
Commute: Consider the commute to work, school, and other daily destinations when choosing a location.
Structural integrity: Look for any signs of damage to the foundation, walls, and roof. – more listed below
Doors and Windows: Inspect the windows and doors for proper operation, including the locks and hinges.
Check operation of appliances, taps, lights, fans ect.
Personal inspection – does this house suit your current and future needs?
Building and pest inspection – Your in the right place call us today 1300910917 !
Surveyor’s report
Swimming pool inspection – Best to contact your local pool supply company for a recommendation.
Pre-settlement inspection – We also offer Pre-settlement inspections designed to confirm handover condition.

LAND AND TITLE SEARCH CHECKLIST RECOMMENDED TO BE RAISED WITH YOUR CONVEYANCER

Title search – A title search is a process that helps to verify the ownership of a property and any encumbrances or restrictions on the title. This is an important step in the conveyancing process as it ensures that the property can be legally transferred to the new owner.
Registered plan search – A registered plan search is a search of the property’s registered plan of survey, which shows the property’s boundaries and any easements or covenants that may affect the use of the land.
Land tax search – A land tax search checks to see if the property owner is up to date on their land tax payments, which are levied by the government on the ownership of land.
Bankruptcy search – A bankruptcy search checks to see if the current owner of the property is bankrupt.
Contaminated land search -A contaminated land search checks to see if the property is located on land that has been contaminated by hazardous materials or activities.
Council development and main roads search – A council development and main roads search checks to see if there are any plans for development or roadworks in the area that could affect the property.
Local authority and water search – A local authority and water search checks to see if the property is connected to the local water and sewage systems and if there are any outstanding charges or issues with these connections.
Council zoning (town planning) search -A council zoning (town planning) search checks to see if the property is zoned for the intended use and if there are any planning restrictions or conditions that must be met.
Body corporate records search – A body corporate records search checks the records of any body corporate (also known as a strata or homeowners’ association) that the property may be subject to. This includes information about the management and maintenance of common areas and any rules or regulations that must be followed.

This check list for buying a house is handy however, A building and pest inspection is an important step in the process of purchasing a new home. It can help identify any potential issues with the property, such as structural damage, plumbing problems, or Timber pest infestations. By completing a thorough building and pest inspection, you can protect yourself from unexpected costs and ensure that you are making a sound investment.

A building and pest inspection will help you evaluate the condition of the property and identify any areas that need further attention. Some items to include on a building and pest inspection checklist might include the age and condition of the roof, walls, and foundation. Also, the presence of pests such as termites or wood rot. By reviewing this list, you can gain a better understanding of what you should be looking at while at open homes. This list is also a short intro as to what might be included in a building and pest inspection.

FOUNDATION/STRUCTURAL

Cracks in brickwork
Do the Doors and windows open and shut correctly (binding, out of square, height compliant)
Fence and retaining wall condition (leans, rotations or loose foundations)
Garages, carports, and garden sheds (leans, rotations or corrosion to foundations)
Weep holes covered
Drainage not pointed away from the house
Cracks or uneven driveways or footpaths
Large trees with roots in close proximity to the house
Cracks in walls check interior and exterior
Floors visibly not level

A building inspection is best practice this list is only to prompt a potential purchaser to look deeper at open homes.

WATER/MOULD/SMELLS

Musty mould damp smells could indicate moisture related concerns
Smoke and or pet smells can deter certain buyers
Visible – Damp rid type containers could alarm an inspector or buyer.
Overgrown foliage against the house
Visible Mould

A building and pest inspection is best practice this list is only to prompt a potential purchaser to look deeper at open homes.

ELECTRICAL

Exposed wiring
Wires with only electrical tape
Are the Fixtures operational/damaged
Switches or fan controls operational/damaged

A building and pest inspection will only report on visual wiring defects an electrical inspection is always best practice.

ROOF

Loose, corroded or damaged roofing, gutters and downpipes
Safe and proper access to the roof void for building and pest inspection purposes.
Cracked or broken roof tiles
Ceiling stains

A building inspection is best practice this list is only to prompt a potential purchaser to look deeper at open homes.

PLUMBING/DRAINAGE

Missing Silicone behind shower spindles
Is all the plumbing intact?
Patchy, missing or discoloured shower grout and silicone
External ground surface falling towards the structure
Visible evidence of pooling locations against the exterior wall
Leaking or constantly running plumbing fixtures
Leaking or constantly running toilet system
Leaking or constantly running hot water overflow
Evidence of Surface water around the property
Water stains or leaks under sinks
Water hammer
Drains emptying slowly or backing up

A building and pest inspection will only report on visual plumbing defects a plumbing inspection is always best practice.

PEST/TERMITES/BORER/MOULD/FUNGI/DECAY

Air conditioning overflows are they plumbed away or to a stormwater service.
Hot water overflows are they plumbed away or to a stormwater service.
Weep holes covered
Overgrown foliage against the house
Timber Decay or Wood rot
Tree stumps in close proximity to the structure 30mt
Stored or scrap timbers in ground contact
Timber in ground contact abutting the structure
Termite management durable notices in the meter box or under the sink (expiry date)
Fence and retaining wall condition (decay, termites or wood borer)
Ask for the Termite History if any confirm repairs or treatment
Termite management – check for drill holes or baiting stations and durable notices in the meter box or under sink (confirm if they are still in date if expired the Australian standard requests the PCO to supply an option to reinstate)