A home inspection is a vital step in the home buying process, providing a thorough assessment of the property's condition and identifying potential issues.
READ: Sellers here’s why a good real estate agent is worth their weight in gold
Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa shared in an article published in March 2024 that the first compulsory set of home inspections occurs after an Offer To Purchase has been signed. The seller needs to acquire the necessary certificates of compliance (CoCs) to show that the home meets the minimum standard for safety. This includes an electrical, plumbing, gas (if your property has any gas installations), and beetle compliance certificates that will need to be issued before the sale can go through,” Goslett explains.
READ: Selling your home? There are up to 5 compliance certificates to be obtained
Quay1 Regional Manager, Christine Marsh, says a home inspection is an essential part of the home buying process, providing valuable insights into the property's condition and helping you make an informed decision.
Here’s why it’s important and what you can expect:
Identify Potential Issues: A home inspection can reveal hidden problems such as structural defects, faulty wiring, plumbing issues, and roof damage. Knowing about these issues beforehand allows you to make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises after purchase.
Negotiate Repairs or Price Adjustments: If the inspection uncovers significant problems, you can negotiate with the seller to either fix the issues before closing or adjust the purchase price accordingly. This can save you money and ensure the property is in good condition when you move in.
Ensure Safety: Inspections help ensure that the property meets safety standards. Inspectors check for hazards like radon, carbon monoxide, and asbestos, ensuring the home is safe for you and your family.
Peace of Mind: Knowing the exact condition of the property provides peace of mind, giving you confidence in your investment and helping you avoid unexpected repair costs.
What to Expect from the Process:
Hiring an Inspector: Choose a qualified and experienced home inspector. Your real estate agent can recommend reputable inspectors, or you can find one through professional associations like the South African Institute of Building Inspectors (SAIBI).
Inspection Day: On the day of the inspection, the inspector will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the property. This includes examining the roof, foundation, walls, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and overall structural integrity.
Duration: A typical home inspection can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. You are encouraged to attend the inspection to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the property’s condition.
Inspection Report: After the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report outlining their findings. This report will include descriptions of any issues, photos, and recommendations for repairs or further evaluations.
- Next Steps: Review the inspection report with your real estate agent. If major issues are found, you may need to renegotiate the terms of the sale, request repairs, or decide if you want to proceed with the purchase.
READ: Useful checklist before you start your home search
According to RE/MAX of Southern Africa, the general defects, faults or failings to check for include:
- the roof for leaks or cracks or structural issues
- all electrical systems and wiring
- the plumbing system for water pressure issues or leaks, including the swimming pool (if you have one)
- the sewage system on your property, septic, conservancy tank (or whatever sewerage disposal system applies) to make sure there are no blockages or leaks
- the foundations for cracks, bulges, flooding, and dampness
- wet walls and any mould or problems with tiling
- If your house has excess water that needs to be pumped away, you will need to declare this and appropriate information about your pump/drainage system.
- Check for structural defects associated with the property boundary. Is there a disagreement between you (or anyone else) about the boundary lines of your property? Does anything encroach on the property? If so, what?
- If you have made alterations, extended or built more structures on your property, were these properly approved by the council?
- Has the property or any part of it been declared a historic monument or a heritage site?
“Good real estate professionals will also go the extra mile for all their clients,” says Goslett. “They want everybody involved in the transaction to be happy, and for everything to go as smoothly as possible. This means that they’ll do their own home checks before handing over the keys to ensure that their clients do not walk into any surprises.”
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