Buyer guide
How to read your building and pest report without the stress
Building reports can look alarming, mostly because every home has a list of defects. The trick is to read in the right order: summary first, then major defects and safety hazards, then timber pests, then the limitations.
Building reports can look alarming, mostly because every home has a list of defects. The trick is to read in the right order: summary first, then major defects and safety hazards, then timber pests, then the limitations.
Read in this order
- The summary. It tells you the overall condition compared with similar homes of the same age.
- Major defects and safety hazards. These are the items that can cost real money or put people at risk.
- Timber pest findings. Active termites, past damage, and conducive conditions.
- Minor defects. Usually maintenance: worn seals, small cracks, loose fittings.
- Limitations. Areas we could not see, and what that means for your risk.
Minor does not mean ignore
A long list of minor items in a home suggests years of deferred maintenance. Add them up when you budget, even if none of them is a deal breaker.
Call us
Every report includes a chance to talk it through. Write down your questions, have the report open, and ask anything. Then talk to your solicitor about your options before the Inspection Date.