According to Rod Poyser from Central Victoria’s Rod Poyser Inspections, “just as you wouldn’t buy a car without a roadworthy check, the same applies for a professional inspection of your property before putting it to the competitive property market”.

Although some properties are sold in a “as is” condition, it can be more beneficial in terms of time and sales outcome, if hidden issues can be easily rectified prior to listing your property.

Potential purchasers are often adverse to even minor maintenance issues, which can be seen as a hassle after the long-awaited dream home purchase.

Spotting defects during an open-for-inspection is difficult enough. It can be a serious deterrent for potential purchasers if they have to organise an electrician or plumber to address issues in their newly purchased home. It’s therefore in your best interest to know what your house needs in order to be presented in its best possible condition prior to listing.

Poyser recommends avoiding headaches in your sales process by commissioning a vendor’s pre-sale report for a “health check” of your property by an experienced property inspector. 

An investigation of your home by someone who knows about a property’s interior and exterior can reveal some common issues, such as: inadequate wet area waterproofing, drainage issues (such as surface drainage and guttering/downpipes) which creates potential pest nesting and damage to materials, weakened roof material, inappropriate insulation, inadequate fixings on the roof exterior and cracked tiles allowing water leaks to ceiling space, structural cracking of bricks, subfloor ventilation and dampness, and incorrect installation of services.

A vendor’s pre-sale inspection involves engaging an experienced property inspector who has the knowledge and detection tools to make an assessment of your house, provide a comprehensive report and in-depth verbal discussion with the client about the report findings. The pre-sale assessment includes:

Any defects, minor/maintenance items and safety hazards, will be outlined with clear and intuitive symbols, providing easy-to-read information on the current condition of your property. A checklist of to-do items and to-engage items is also provided.

Poyser says this ensures you’re not delaying the sale process or scaring away potential buyers, while also presenting your home in the best possible light to attract the highest price and a happy customer.