Why You Should Always Get Your Own Building and Pest Inspection Report

When purchasing a property, one of the most critical steps you can take is conducting a thorough building and pest inspection. While a vendor or agent may provide a pre-prepared report, it is always in your best interest to commission an independent inspection. Relying solely on reports provided by the seller can be a costly mistake, as they may not always paint an accurate picture of the property's true condition.

Relying solely on reports provided by the seller can be a costly mistake, as they may not always paint an accurate picture of the property's true condition.

At Walsh Brown Property, we’ve seen too many buyers fall into the trap of trusting vendor-supplied reports, only to uncover hidden issues after settlement. Our goal is to help buyers navigate the market with confidence and ensure they make well-informed decisions.

Potential Bias in Vendor-Supplied Reports

When a vendor commissions a building and pest inspection, their goal is to sell the property. In some cases, they may engage an inspector known for providing lenient or favourable reports. While not all vendor-supplied reports are misleading, the reality is that some inspectors may downplay or omit significant issues to ensure a smoother sale.

For example, a report provided by the seller may list minor cosmetic defects but fail to mention major structural concerns or pest infestations that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to rectify. If you rely on this report without verifying its accuracy, you could be in for an expensive surprise after purchasing the property.

Conflicts of Interest and the Role of the Inspector

A building inspector should ideally be an impartial party with no vested interest in the transaction. However, when an inspector is engaged by the vendor or their agent, there is a risk that they may feel pressure to minimise defects or frame issues in a way that is more favourable to the sale. This is not to say that all vendor-provided inspections are misleading, but the potential for bias exists, and buyers should be wary.

Having your own independent inspector ensures that you receive an unbiased report. Your chosen inspector will be working for you, not the vendor, and will have no reason to sugarcoat any problems they find.

Hidden Issues That May Be Overlooked

A property may appear to be in great condition on the surface, but a professional inspection can reveal hidden problems that are not immediately visible. Some of the most common issues that might be downplayed or omitted in vendor-supplied reports include:

• Termite activity and pest infestations

  
  

  Pests can cause extensive damage to a property's structure, and repairs can be costly.

  
  

• Structural issues

  
  

  Cracked foundations, subsidence, or poorly executed renovations can result in major long-term problems.

  
  

• Roof damage

  
  

  A damaged or aging roof can lead to leaks and expensive repairs.

  
  

• Plumbing and electrical faults

  
  

  Outdated wiring or plumbing issues may require significant upgrades.

  
  

• Water damage and mould

  
  

  Signs of past water damage can indicate ongoing or recurring problems.

A vendor or agent may not want to highlight these problems, as doing so could affect the sale price or scare off potential buyers. An independent inspector, however, will provide a full and transparent report, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Negotiating Power and Peace of Mind

One of the key advantages of commissioning your own building and pest report is the power it gives you in negotiations. If your inspector identifies significant issues, you can use the report to:

• Negotiate a lower price to account for necessary repairs.

• Request that the vendor address major defects before settlement.

• Walk away from the deal if the problems are too extensive.

At Walsh Brown Property, we work closely with our clients to ensure they have access to trustworthy building and pest inspectors. We believe that having all the facts before committing to a purchase can save you from unexpected repair costs and stress in the future.

While it may seem convenient to rely on a vendor-provided building and pest report, doing so comes with risks. The potential for bias, omission of key defects, and conflicts of interest make it imperative that you arrange your own independent inspection. By doing this, you can ensure that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision and protect yourself from costly surprises down the track. When making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, thorough due diligence is essential.

At Walsh Brown Property, we’re here to guide you through every step of the property-buying journey. If you need assistance finding a trusted building and pest inspector or have questions about navigating the market, get in touch with us today. Your peace of mind is our priority. Visit our website or contact us at aly@walshbrownproperty.com.au or 0411771181.

*** Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, it should not be considered as personalised or professional advice. The homebuying process can vary based on individual circumstances, property types, and location-specific regulations.