DIY Building Inspections: Grab Your Downloadable Checklist Now!

Hey there, future homeowners and property developers! Embarking on the journey to buy a house is indeed a monumental step in anyone's life. Guess what? Conducting a thorough building inspection before you seal the deal is your golden ticket to a smooth purchase. Let's dive into why it's so crucial and how you can ace it with a handy checklist!

Why Bother with a Building Inspection?

Well, the primary goal here is to pinpoint any potential issues lurking in the property before you take the plunge. Trust me, the last thing you want is to stumble upon nasty surprises that burn a hole in your pocket later on.

Now, if you've already set your sights on a property and are about 90% sure about buying it - meaning you've signed a buying agreement subject to a building inspection or are gearing up to win an auction with a certain bid in mind - it's time to pause. This article might not be for you. In such cases, it's best to employ a professional for a comprehensive report.

Your Own Inspection Journey

So, you're at the initial stages of your property hunt, keen on doing a bit of detective work yourself, eh? Great! This article is here to guide you from the very beginning of your property research until you're about 90% sure of your choice.

Here's the deal: conducting your own inspection isn't about skimping on professional fees. It's about being hands-on and making informed decisions. You might be looking to negotiate a better purchase price, ensuring that your key concerns are addressed, or identifying potential issues to discuss with a professional inspector later. Ready to get started? Grab a cuppa, and let's delve into how you can conduct a meticulous inspection with a systematic approach.

Crafting Your Personalised Inspection Checklist

Embarking on your personal inspection journey means creating a meticulous checklist in an Excel spreadsheet. This isn't just a mundane list; it's your personal tool that aids in comparing different properties, keeping a record of your observations, and potentially helping you negotiate prices with solid data at hand.

Wondering how to go about it? It's a breeze once you get the hang of it! Start by downloading our template.

Follow these Three steps:

Step 1 - Determine Your 'Why'

Before you dive in, take a moment to understand why you want to conduct your own inspection. Your 'why' will guide you in setting up your Excel spreadsheet, tailoring it to suit your unique needs and preferences. Remember, this step is crucial in helping you identify what's most important to you in your future home or investment property.

Step 2 - Setting Up the Own list

Before you step out to visit the properties, take some time to adjust our template to your liking. Here's a sneak peek into how it works, with some examples to get you started:

1. Address: This section allows you to record and compare all the properties you've seen. For instance, you might have columns for '123 Main St' and '456 Elm St' to directly compare these properties. This data can even be used as a negotiation tool with agents, showcasing objective measures of why their listing might be priced too high.

2. Aspect: Here, you can add any important features or aspects that you brainstorm. For instance, a property developer might focus on potential renovation areas, while home buyers might look at the quality of the local schools.

3. Weight: This column helps you determine how important an aspect is. For example, a property developer might assign a weight of 1 out of 10 to the house's aesthetic, while a homebuyer might give it a 6 out of 10. Tailor this based on your 'why'.

4. Score: This is where you score each aspect for that property. For instance, you might give a property a score of 8 for location but only a 5 for current condition.

5. Note: Use this space to record anything you've identified that you want to discuss with professional building inspectors when the time comes for a full inspection.

Step 3 - Setup Photo Record Methodology

Develop a systematic way to record photos during your visits. Generally, it's best to take photos in the order listed in your Excel sheet, starting with a snapshot of the letterbox to group the photos by property.

Navigating the Common Hurdles

Now, let's talk about some common hiccups you might face during your inspection journey and how to tackle them:

What if you don’t know how to score an item?

Say, you spot a crack in the wall and you're not sure if it's a major structural defect or just a minor issue. Well, that's exactly what the note section is for. Jot down your concerns there and make sure to get answers to all these pressing questions before you finalize your property purchase. Whether it's consulting a building inspector, seeking advice from an architect for property development insights, or even assigning a family member to check the walkability to the nearest pizza place, the note section is your go-to place to record all these details.

What if the agent doesn’t allow a detailed inspection?

In such cases, leave the items you couldn't inspect blank. If you're really smitten with the property and are considering making an offer, show the blank items to the agent and express your keen interest in inspecting these areas before making an offer. If, for any reason, the agent is reluctant to show you these areas and they are important to you, this checklist will be your ally in ensuring you don't just settle for verbal promises and that you gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

What does the Total Score at the end of the page mean? Should you only purchase the property with the highest total score?

Not necessarily. This number serves as a guide, a tool to assist you in making a decision, not dictate it. For instance, if you find yourself torn between two addresses, where one has a total score of 322 and the other 419, you might naturally lean towards the latter. But if your heart is set on the first property, delve deeper to understand why and reassess if you've weighted your aspects correctly. This exercise is not only enlightening but can also be a fun activity that brings clarity and consensus among all decision-makers.

Ready, Set, Inspect!

So, there you have it, folks! Your friendly guide to conducting a building inspection before you buy. Remember, this exercise is not just about numbers; it's a fun activity that brings clarity to your home-buying process. So gear up, grab your downloadable checklist, and happy inspecting!