Risks buyers take by accepting “free” building inspection reports from vendors (sellers).
Home seller report risks. QBIS. An illegal structure built by the owner without Council approval. This was not mentioned in the vendors report.
The owner of this property decided to employ a inspector suggested by the selling agent. Here are some examples of what can go wrong when accepting so called “free” building inspection reports from vendors and how costly they can prove to be.
Consequences of an illegal structure not mentioned in a vendors (sellers) report.
- Insurance companies are highly unlikely to take on the potential liability of any structure that has been built without Council approval. Always check with your insurer to know where you stand in case of the unexpected happening !
- Potential risk of damage to other properties and/or people if the structure was lifted in a storm.
- This would not likely be covered by your insurer.
- You would have to pay for this potential liability!
Potential risks of illegal structures omitted in home sellers reports.
- Potential damage to other properties and/or people if the structure was lifted in a storm.
- This would not likely be covered by your insurer.
- You would have to pay for this potential liability!
Addition expenses to the house purchase price because of illegal structures.
- Removal of the structure
- Drafting of plans.
- Council approval.
- Soil tests.
- Re-building in accordance with approved plans and where necessary, engineers direction.
- Certification costs.
Risks of patio roof collapse from improper securing, ommited in a home sellers report.
Metal fascias are not designed to support any structures, especially not with rivets. Structures must be secured and supported through the fascias and then to the roof structure, by means of bolted brackets.
Posts of the structure were also supported by paving that had moved considerably, indicating that further movement was likely. Posts must be supported by independent and reinfored footings to comply with building code requirements.
Home seller report risks. There is no such thing as a “free” reports without risks, especially from home sellers!
- A vendor report is paid for, by the seller and worded in such a manner to help the sale of a property go through.
- Major problems are often omitted
- Their inspector has no legal responsibility whatsoever to you for omissions or understating any defects.
- Their omissions can cost you dearly in the long and short term.
Never lose sight of the fact that when you go to sell, the problems are yours to fix or lose money in a resale!
Worth knowing before accepting a “free” report from a vendor (seller).
Inspectors referred to by agents are not likely to receive future referrals (their constant source of income) if they supply a report that could potentially cost a property sale!
SMH article on unqualified building inspectors
Qld Government regarding complaints about pre-purchase or termite inspections
Millerharris lawyers: Home buyers nightmare property