The Importance of Home Inspections in Cape Town
In countries like the US and UK where home inspection cape town are a recognized part of the property buying process, consumer protection regulation is much more developed. But until South African law makes this a requirement, homeowners need to rely on professional services such as HouseCheck.
Providing thorough, professional and dedicated home and property inspections with results delivered to you the same evening via e-mail.
What We Do
Home inspectors are a vital part of the purchasing process. They examine the physical structure and systems of a building to identify problems and safety concerns. Their reports can save you money, time, and headaches. They are also a great resource to have when making repairs or renovations.
They can be found through adverts in house and home magazines, architectural digests, newspapers, upmarket flyers and through property developers and building companies. They are also becoming more widely available through online search sites like Uptasker which offers a one-click link to suppliers’ websites, as well as the ability to compare ratings and reviews.
Home inspections are relatively new to the South African market but have a proven track record in markets like the UK and USA where about 80% of all homes sold are subject to a pre-purchase inspection. Buyers who fail to commission an inspection may find that significant defects are discovered after they move in, by which time it is often too late to renegotiate or withdraw from the contract.
How We Do It
Home Inspections observe and report on the condition of a real estate property, normally a house, townhouse or apartment. They cover the exterior, the interior and the structure of the building, as well as its major systems and appliances.
A comprehensive home inspection follows the New Jersey Standards of Practice and takes about three hours for a typical house. The home inspector walks the property, looking at and discussing its condition with the client. A detailed written report is then prepared and delivered later that evening via e-mail.
This service is particularly useful for owners considering placing their property up for sale or for those whose agreement of sale does not include a home inspection contingency. It focuses on issues of primary concern to buyers – roof, structure, heating/cooling equipment, plumbing and electrical components and crawl space. We can also use infrared / thermography to pinpoint dampness in walls, floors or ceilings. This service is not designed to replace a full home inspection but rather to act as a “snagging” service.
Why We Do It
A property is a huge investment and it makes sense to ensure that you are making such an expensive purchase with the most accurate information possible. Having the home inspected will allow you to know whether there are any structural problems before you commit to the sale and will also make you aware of any issues that need to be addressed in order to keep the house safe.
A professional home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a building, conducted by a qualified inspector. Unlike an appraisal, which is used by lenders to determine market value, a home inspection report includes an evaluation of the condition of the property and its components.
While home inspections are relatively new to the South African market, they have been proven successful in markets like the United States and the UK, where roughly 80% of all property sales are completed only after a thorough inspection. Homebuyers who skip this crucial step are often surprised by hidden defects and costly repairs that they discover after moving in – sometimes even after they have already signed the offer to purchase.
Contact Us
Whether you are buying a new home or selling your current one, a quality professional home inspection is an important step in the process. It is not only a chance to dot your i’s and cross your t’s but can also protect you from unexpected costs down the road.
Value-added services include thermal imaging, termite and pest inspections, lead and mould testing, water and electric compliance certificates, consultation and advice. Choosing an inspector who can offer these additional services is advantageous as it increases the scope of the inspection and may provide additional information not included in the standard report.
A new build snag list is a detailed checklist of minor defects found in a newly constructed property before the buyer takes possession. It is particularly useful if the building contract does not contain a home inspection contingency or if the buyers want to be sure that all outstanding issues are addressed before taking over ownership of the property.