Before you buy a home, it makes sense to have the property inspected for problems. You don't want to move in and find that there are a lot of issues that need fixing. Most of the time, a standard pre-purchase inspection report tells you what you need to know on a basic level. However, you can also arrange a more in-depth special purpose report. Why is this a good idea?

1. Look Beyond the Basics

A standard building inspection report gives you a general overview of the property's condition. While useful, standard reports look for obvious problems. Inspectors do a comprehensive job but don't necessarily look beyond the surface.

For example, if an inspector notices an area of mould in the house, they may mention this in their report, but they won't give any further information or analysis.

If you commission a special-purpose inspection, the inspector looks beyond the surface. If they find a problem, they investigate it. You get a better idea of any work that may need to be done and its costs.

2. Target Areas of Concern

If you know a bit about buildings, then you know to look out for certain problems. For example, if you're buying a property built before 1990, there is a good chance it contains some asbestos.

A standard inspection report might mention asbestos if the inspector sees any, but it won't cover hidden materials. Asbestos in older properties is often found in internal structures like walls. If you ask a special-purpose inspector to specifically look for asbestos, you'll find out if there is any in the house and how much there is.

3. Look After Your Money

If you move into your new home and discover that it has a problem that wasn't picked up in a standard report, then you need to fix it. You won't have budgeted for the work and it may be a financial strain to find the money so soon after buying the property.

If you use a special-purpose inspection, you're more likely to spot problems before you buy. If the property has significant defects that would cost a lot to fix, then you can back out of the sale or budget for the work. You can also use the report to negotiate a discount on the asking price to cover work costs.

If you want a more comprehensive report, talk to your building inspector. They may be able to do a special-purpose survey themselves or can put you in touch with specialist inspectors if you need them.

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