Pre Settlement Inspection

Pre Settlement Inspection – Why it is very important.

When you sign a contract to buy a new apartment or townhouse ‘off the plan’ you are usually required to pay a deposit (10%) and then pay the balance (usually 90%) when the new apartment or townhouse is completed by the builder / developer.

When you buy ‘off the plan’, you generally don’t get an opportunity to view the  new apartment or townhouse until you attend what is commonly referred to as a pre settlement inspection.

At the pre settlement inspection, you are given an opportunity to inspect your finished apartment  – often only a couple of weeks prior to making the final payment (i.e. the balance of 90%).

When the builder / developer contacts you to arrange a time for the pre settlement inspection, you are often only given 30 minutes time to closely inspect the apartment and make sure it has been constructed and finished compliant with the relevant building plans, building specifications, Building Codes and relevant Australian Standards.

Only an experienced building consultant / inspector with many years of experience and an eye for detail is going to be able to complete a thorough pre settlement inspection and accurately determine whether or not your new apartment or townhouse has been fully and properly completed and finished.

Safety barriers around balconies need to closely inspected to make sure they are firmly fixed in position and safe.

GPO’s (power points ), light fittings, ovens, cook tops, range hoods, air-conditioning units / systems and exhaust fans etc. need to be tested to make sure they are working properly and have not been damaged during installation.

The alignment of all doors and drawers need to be checked to make sure that they are correctly installed and open and close freely without sticking.

Paint finish is also closely inspected by a trained independent building consultant during the pre settlement inspection.

The hot and cold water pressure from taps and shower roses needs to be tested and the drainage flow rates from kitchen sinks, basins, shower bases, baths, laundry troughs and toilet suites also need to be tested.

Imagine trying to do all of this in 30 minutes without any experience or knowledge of the National Construction Code / Building Code of Australia and all relevant Australian Standards !

In light of what has been outlined above, it is clearly prudent to engage an independent building consultant to thoroughly inspect and accurately report on the condition and finish of your new apartment or townhouse.  The report can be handed directly to the builder  / developer and they can then be asked to fully and properly complete your new abode before you ‘settle’.

If your builder / developer has just given you a date and time to attend a pre settlement inspection, call Finalinspect to arrange for an experienced independent building consultant to attend the inspection with you.

Call Finalinspect now on 0408132152. Alternatively, you may send us your details via our website for a free quote – https://finalinspect.com.au/email-us-request-a-building-inspection-quote/