Property inspector recommendations for ACT

Discussion in 'Property Experts' started by PropertyMarker, 21st Jan, 2020.

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  1. PropertyMarker

    PropertyMarker Active Member

    Joined:
    3rd Jul, 2015
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    Location:
    Sydney
    Hi all,

    Just bought an apartment off the plan and the real estate agent has called for pre settlement inspections.

    Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a property inspector in Canberra?
     
  2. Todd

    Todd Well-Known Member

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    16th Oct, 2016
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    Location:
    Canberra
    By "pre settlement inspection" the agent most likely means the owner doing a walk through and look at the apartment either on the day or the day prior to settlement. You wouldn't normally have a professional inspector attend this walk through. However you could check the taps/hot water yourself and check that the aircon is working and take a general look at walls and carpet during this inspection. Also check the front door locks probably and that internal doors open and close properly. Also windows working correctly is worth checking.

    Was the sale subject to you completing and being happy with a building and pest inspection? It's unlikely this clause was in your sale contract for an off the plan property and if not then there is no point doing one of these now anyway. Also I wouldn't bother doing a building and pest on a brand new apartment. There is likely to be some defects anyway and you should have about a 7 year period for the builder to have to rectify any major building defects and probably a 3-6 month period (get your conveyancer to read the contract and to check time period for these things) for any minor defects such as air con/dishwasher not working, door handles falling off, window, carpet not laid correctly, leaking taps etc etc.

    For major or minor defects and repairs, you will likely go through your body corporate committee to handle these. The developer will most likely set up a strata manager so there is one on settlement, but I recommend you get in contact with them and get the first meeting set up asap and attend it, sit on the executive committee ongoing and then try to get tenants and owners to report any defects as soon as possible then get in touch with the builder asap to get these things rectified. If you want to protect your investment then become an active member of the BC.

    If you did want to get a building and pest inspection report, I have used actpropertyinspections.com.au a couple of times before, and have been happy with their reports and service. Probably around $400-500 for an apartment.
     
  3. Thomacino

    Thomacino Well-Known Member

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    9th Nov, 2018
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    Location:
    NSW - Sydney
    You won't need a professional for off the plan pre-settlement inspections.

    My suggestions are to be observant, open every doors, check for rubbing or sticky doors, appliances are working, light fittings, scuff marks on the walls if any etc.

    Pre-settlement inspections are essentially you informing the builder you're happy to accept the property.
     
  4. PropertyMarker

    PropertyMarker Active Member

    Joined:
    3rd Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    32
    Location:
    Sydney
    Thanks all,

    As this is my first property, I'm not too sure what to check. However, I've found a few checklists that I'll be going through when inspecting the property. I was thinking I can learn from the inspector whilst he goes through.

    No subject to sale clause is in contract however this is the first of two chances that I can get things officially noted for rectification.

    Do you see any value in getting a inspector before the 3 month deadline of the second notice of defects?
     
  5. Thomacino

    Thomacino Well-Known Member

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    9th Nov, 2018
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    Location:
    NSW - Sydney
    Ultimately it is your choice on how much you spend in engaging a professional.

    Per my previous comment, its your chance to go through and inform the builder of any defects or things that are not quite completed.
     
  6. Todd

    Todd Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    16th Oct, 2016
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    298
    Location:
    Canberra
    Your choice but personally I don’t see the value in getting an inspector within those three months. If things are not working you will notice them in that time period if you are living there. Would save the money.
     
  7. PropertyMarker

    PropertyMarker Active Member

    Joined:
    3rd Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    32
    Location:
    Sydney
    Thank you. Will look into doing it myself.
     

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