Your Final Property Walkthrough: Who Should Be There And What To Look Out For
Becoming a homeowner is an exciting time. Still, the process can often create a sense of urgency for buyers, particularly during one crucial step in the buying journey: the final property inspection.
While you may be really excited to see that “sold” sticker on your dream property, we recommend a few strategic steps in that final inspection that will make your new home or investment property the best possible long-term investment.
Allow us at KDD Conveyancing, your property settlement agency in Perth, to explain why. With our wealth of experience in the industry over the last 25 years, we know how exciting it is to be so close to the finish line!
What Is A Pre-Settlement Inspection?
A final inspection is exactly that: the final walk-through of your property before settlement day dawns.
The primary objectives of a pre-settlement inspection are:
- To ensure that your property is in the same condition as when you purchased it,
- To check that any previously agreed-upon work has been completed.
Often, buyers are pressed for time as settlement day draws nearer. It’s not unheard of for buyers to rush through the final inspection or even skip it altogether.
While we don’t recommend it, we understand that deadlines can sometimes be inflexible. Once the ink is dry on your settlement, addressing these issues can become difficult and sometimes costly.
What To Look For In A Pre-Settlement Inspection?
Subject to the terms of your specific contract, there are some common items that are often covered as part of the final inspection. Some of the general final inspection items that may be checked are:
- The electrical and gas: Check that all your light switches and power points are working correctly, as well as any in-built appliances, ovens, hot plates, air conditioners, and exhaust fans.
- The plumbing: Make sure your hot water system functions correctly; check your water pressure by turning on at least 2 to 3 internal taps; flush your toilet; and run and drain your showers and sinks.
- Other items: Check your reticulation system (if the property has one). The same goes for pool equipment and bore pumps. You should ask for copies of any instruction manuals you need (though these do not have to be provided).
Who Can Attend a Pre-Settlement Inspection?
In WA, most property contracts are governed by the Joint Form of General Conditions. This document specifies that two people can accompany the buyer during the final inspection.
We agree that this is an appropriate number of people to attend your inspection. As the saying goes, too many cooks can spoil the broth, and too many attendees can confuse things.
Why Should You Have Someone Attend Your Inspection?
We strongly advise a second pair of eyes for your inspection for the following reasons:
- Fresh eyes can make all the difference. After visiting your property numerous times, it’s natural to start overlooking certain flaws or issues that have become familiar. An additional attendee can offer a different perspective and highlight things you may not have considered.
- Experience matters: Pre-settlement inspections need a keen eye for detail; this is where a professional inspector will have the experience and knowledge to identify minor and major issues that could impact your property’s value or future living experience. They can also help you ask the seller all the difficult questions, such as why they’re selling the property. For example, there may be loud neighbours next door or intrusive traffic sounds from the nearby freeway.
- Safety first: The untrained eye may not easily spot electrical wiring problems. A trained inspection professional can address these potential safety hazards before settlement.
While saving time and money by doing your final inspection alone can be tempting, please remember that the risks far outweigh the benefits.
Enlisting the help of a friend, family member, or expert will give you valuable insights, protect your investment, and help you navigate the property purchase process with total confidence.
Are You Ready For The Final Walkthrough?
We know that a significant commitment requires a lot of love and attention, and that is why you should never have to go it alone.
An open and transparent inspection process can help avoid any significant problems arising in the months and years to come, such as electrical or plumbing problems that may prove costly and require extensive repairs or an entire replacement.
We wish you all the best with your new property and hope you and the seller have a seamless experience.
How KDD Conveyancers Can Help
You can save time and money and reduce stress by engaging qualified conveyancing professionals like ourselves to review your settlement contract (which sometimes runs to 100s of pages long!) and ensure your rights are met during your final inspection.
Our caring and experienced specialists can help you create a positive property settlement experience that is as supportive, smooth-flowing, and pleasant as possible. We have the people and technology to make it work out right for you. Ask us how you could benefit from our input.
Contact KDD Conveyancing today. the pioneering leaders in Perth Settlement Solutions.
Resources For More Information
We strongly advise checking out the following resources to assist with the property settlement process:
