Homer's Housing Market Advice

3 Considerations When Planning A Building Inspection For An Off-The-Plan Property

Buying off the plan is a good way to exercise some control over the building process—allowing you to get what you want in terms of design and layout. But with minimal building knowledge, how do you know whether the construction work is meeting acceptable standards? You must have a building inspector check the property at various stages of the construction process. Here are some considerations when planning a building inspection for an off-the-plan property.

Plan To Start From When The First Slab Is Finished

You will ideally want to engage a building inspector from the time the first slab is finished because the foundation is key to a strong home structure. A poor foundation will result in a poor quality home, so the building inspector will help identify any flaws before it is too late. All concrete will be inspected to ensure a consistent finish without being too flaky. Each level will be inspected to check whether the slab allows for some deviation between rooms. If there are any issues with deviation and frames, then you can get them rectified before they become major issues.

Make Sure Frames, Walls And Roofs Are Checked

When the builder installs doors and windows in the house, you'll want to ensure the positioning is right with adequate support at all ends. You will also need to get the roofing inspected after installation to ensure no defects and openings to your home. Everything from roof flashings to shingles will be covered in the inspection. Ceiling plasters and internal walls are also checked to inspect for any possible damage and to ensure all standards are met in the construction process. Wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens are also inspected to check for waterproof membranes.

Get The Entire Property Checked Before Final Handover

Before you take final possession of the property, get an exhaustive inspection to check the quality of construction. All work in the house should meet acceptable standards and should reflect the approved layout that was agreed between you and the builder. Inspections before the final handover cover internal fittings, external fixtures, structures and finishes. These inspections are vital because they help you identify any major structural issues before you make the final payment on the property.

Any property issues are best corrected at the construction stage, which is why it is important to hire an independent building inspector before you get possession of your brand new property.


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