Buying a home is the biggest financial investment most people will make and it will generally form the largest part of their monthly debt repayments. Yet we tend to spend less time “test driving” our potential new home than we would a new car.
Before buying a home, it makes sense to have a professional do a full analysis to make sure you are not buying a dud. A home inspection could save you tens if not hundreds of thousands of rands.
PropInspectors, a home inspection firm, offers advice and highlights some important questions:
1. Why a home inspection?
A thorough home inspection by a qualified professional is an ideal tool to help you make a more informed decision about the home you are buying, or the investment you are making, will not incur unnecessary costs down the line.
In South Africa, the “voetstoots” clause means the property is sold without any guarantees — protecting the seller from any recourse with regard to latent defects. It is in the interests of the buyer to have a thorough inspection before a sale is agreed.
2. What does the inspection cover?
With no legislation in place at present for the compulsory inspection of a house prior to sale, it is important that the inspector you choose uses a comprehensive checklist. A home inspection is a thorough visual examination of the outside and inside of a home.
It should consist of a 400-point checklist covering all aspects of the building and give a comprehensive report on items such as visible foundations, glass, plumbing and geyser, electrical system and the construction of the roof.
3. What experience is necessary?
You want someone who is not only experienced but also well trained. Knowledge of construction or a similar discipline is helpful but is no substitute for experience in this unique field.
If an inspector is newly qualified, he or she should be working with a partner or a more experienced inspector.
4. How long should the inspection take?
A thorough inspection should take about two to thee hours, depending on the size of the property. You want the property inspected properly and thoroughly and nothing left to chance.
5. What will it cost?
The price of your home inspection will be dependant on the size of the house and the scope of inspection. Typically, you should look at paying between R900 and R3 000.
6. How long does it take to get the report?
Any good inspector should have a report ready for you within 48 hours. The report should include photos highlighting the problem areas and a full detailed report of the condition of the property.
7. Will you be able to attend the inspection?
This would be a good educational experience for the seller or the buyer. If the inspector does not want you to attend the inspection, this should raise a few alarm bells.
8. Does the home inspector hold membership in a professional association?
The only recognised association in South Africa is the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (Nachi SA). To give you peace of mind, ensure that the property inspector you use is a member.
9. Training
The business of performing home inspections requires continual education, the ability to identify defects, an understanding of deferred maintenance effects and those of neglect, weathering and ageing.
The training focuses on the home building and installation standards and the inspection points in a house. It should therefore have a practical approach whose purpose is to guide home inspectors, home owners and all other relevant real-estate practitioners in the industry.
10. Is the inspector covered by insurance?
Any inspector should have errors and omissions insurance, which is a prerequisite for Nachi members. The insurance gives peace of mind, and reassurance to the buyer or the seller that, if anything unforeseen does arise, there is cover.