Home inspection checklist for buyers

According to the Property Practitioners Act, every property owner is required to declare in writing to any prospective buyer of the property all substantial flaws of which the owner is "aware." The ordinary South African seller, on the other hand, would most likely be unaware of the property's shortcomings and would fail to disclose it in the owner's mandatory condition report.

The Property Practitioners Act also requires every estate agent (now known as a "property practitioner") to: 

• Not accept a mandate to sell without first getting the required owner's condition disclosure.
• Ensure that each potential buyer receives and signs a copy of this disclosure.
• As part of the legal agreement between the seller, buyer, and agents, ensure that any subsequent agreement of sale includes the owner's mandatory disclosure.

While the Property Practitioners Act does not impose home inspections, it does declare that nothing stops prospective buyers from getting a professional property inspection report prior to purchase. A professional home inspection is more than just a list of all the flaws in a house. It should identify any problems, make recommendations for corrective action, and estimate the cost of repairs.

Importance of a home inspection

Home inspections allow a buyer to uncover any serious flaws with a home before closing. A substantial fault is a serious flaw that may cause structural or functional harm to the structure or endanger human safety. If a home inspection discovers severe flaws, you have a certain amount of time to withdraw your purchase offer.

A home inspector should also spot any evident infractions of construction codes or laws. Such issues are extremely typical in older homes built prior to the most recent construction rules, such as the asbestos prohibitions. You must be aware of these shortcomings in order to make better-informed selections about your new property.

Your Home Inspection Checklist

When property searching, having a precise home inspection checklist in mind may help make the process faster and smoother. Make a more confident offer on your future home by using our home inspection checklist. The following items should be prioritized in your personal inspection:

• Foundation

Examine the foundation of the walls and ceilings in each room for cracks or noticeable shifting. Make the same inspections outside, searching for any huge trees whose roots are creeping on the foundation. Check the ground around the foundation for any areas that appear wet, spongy, or sunken.

• Roof and ceiling

Determine the general condition of the roof and inquire about the last time it was changed. Inspect the roof for stains, dark areas, moss, and missing shingles or tiles.  Assess the condition of the ceiling's wooden beams. 

• Plumbing

Look for signs of leaks in the walls, ceiling, and windows. Check the water pressure and the functionality of the fixtures. Don't forget to check under-sink cabinets for any signs of leakage. You should also inquire about the age of the water heater.

• Exterior

Check the condition of the gutters and downspouts and if they are securely fastened and draining away from the house. You can even identify whether the house will require repairs or repainting soon. 

• Electrical

Analyze the electrical panel to see if it is an older one with fuses, a modern one with circuit breakers, or both. Outdated wiring may be a hazard in and of itself, as well as a pain to replace. Check to see if all of the switches are operational and if the outlets have been earthed.

• Odour

If the house has a stench, attempt to figure out what's causing it and whether it's fixable. A musty odour may indicate water damage.

Cost of an inspection

Depending on the size of the property, a full inspection report may cost between R4000 and R10 000. Buyers who are well-informed want thorough reports that include all major and minor flaws and provide estimates of the costs of repairing or replacing defective goods.

Are you looking for the home of your dreams? Get in touch with Knight Frank today. We will help you find the perfect property.