A key step when purchasing your own home or an investment property is to carry out an inspection of the building. Whether you’re buying your first home, or you’re an experienced investor, inspecting a house can be a daunting task. It’s important to be thorough when you’re completing a property inspection, as this can be the difference between buying your dream home and stepping into an expensive nightmare.

In many cases, a property inspection will be a condition of the sale, which allows you as the buyer to walk away from the deal if your inspection reveals anything of concern. We would typically suggest that you engage a professional firm to carry out both a pest and building inspection.

This week we’ve put together our top ten items to check for when you’re completing your property inspection.

1. Check for any cracks in the walls

You should be sure to check both the internal and external walls for any large cracks. A qualified building inspector should be engaged to check this, particularly if you do notice any cracks in the walls.

2. Check for any mouldy smells or dampness

It’s important to check inside the cabinets and other areas of the house for any damp smells. This could be an indication of water leaks, which should be investigated further.

3. Check for any sagging or misshapen ceilings

Be sure to check the ceilings in each of the rooms throughout the house for any sagging. This should be an indication that there are problems with the ceiling sheets, which can be an expensive issue to fix in future if it’s not detected early.

4. Check that the external roof lines are straight

Always be sure to walk around the property and check that the roof lines are straight and free from any defects. If you find that the roof line is misshapen or crooked in some way, this could be an indication of poor build quality, or a lack of maintenance over time.

5. Check the gutters for rust

It’s important to get up to the roof level and check inside the gutters for any rust. Make sure that you don’t simply check the gutters from the bottom, as you may find that you can’t clearly see any problems without checking them from above.

6. Check that the downpipes run into storm water drains

In some cases, properties will have their downpipes simply running off onto the ground, rather than into actual storm water soak wells. Be sure to check the areas around the downpipes for any excess flooding or damage as this may be an indicator of potential problems.

7. Check for any ‘bubbling’ of the paint

If you find that paint is bubbling up, then this may be a sign of water penetration. This could also be a key indicator that there is mould in the property, which can be difficult to get rid of.

8. Check the size of the hot water system and water pressure

Be sure to turn on each of the taps in the property and check that the water pressure is sufficient. It’s also a good idea to check that the hot water system is large enough for your family and that the hot water turns on reasonably quickly.

9. Be sure to complete a pest inspection

This is a very important step to complete before settling on the property. Check for termites and any other pests that could be very expensive in future.

10. Check for any doors that stick

If you find that some of the doors in the property tend to stick, then this could be evidence of movement of the structure over time. This can be very costly if it’s not addressed, so again, be sure to get a professional to inspect this.

We hope you find this checklist helpful in completing your next property purchase.

Ally Home Loans Pty Ltd is your ally in finance for all of your home loan, investment property, business and commercial financing needs. With our wide range of lending solutions, expertise in financial planning and investment strategies, and extensive experience in working with both Australian residents and Australian expats, we are your partners for your lending needs.

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Ally Home Loans Pty Ltd is an Authorised Credit Representative (Credit Representative Number – 494608) of My Local Broker (Australian Credit License – 481374). Important Disclaimer: Your complete financial situation will need to be assessed before acceptance of any proposal or product.