While we know that apartment inspections have always been a vital element, a recent article from Domain.com.au has highlighted a growing concern. Perth has unfortunately been ranked among one the worst cities for apartment living, with issues surrounding quality and affordability. As apartment living becomes more common, it’s crucial for buyers, owners, and investors to be aware of potential defects and maintenance issues. A professional apartment inspection provides peace of mind and helps secure your investment.
Key Risks for Buyers & Owners
The demand for apartment living is steadily increasing, but with it comes some challenges, such as:
- Older Apartments | Older apartments can have poor ventilation, insulation, and outdated building standards. With this comes higher utility bills and the potential of more frequent upkeep requirements.
- Newer Developments |May face construction quality challenges due to industry constraints such as limited budgets, compressed timelines, and trade shortages.
- Strata Reports | While useful, Strata reports vary in scope and detail. They are commissioned by the Council of Owners so can be budget driven. Cheaper options don’t always reveal the full extent of potential issues within an individual apartment or common areas.
Without a proper apartment inspection, you may not be fully aware of what you’re purchasing or what maintenance issues you may be facing in the future.
What’s Included in an Apartment Inspection?
At Home Integrity, we offer two types of professional apartment inspections, Pre Purchase Apartment Inspections for existing apartments, and Practical Completion Apartment Inspections for those who have chosen to purchase off the plans.
An inspection covers a range of critical areas to ensure the property is structurally sound while listing any potential defects. Our inspections typically include:
- Structural Integrity | Identifying cracks, movement, and overall stability.
- Moisture and Ventilation | Checking for moisture behind showers and airflow issues.
- Plumbing and Electrical | Checking functionality. (A licensed professional is required for compliance. We can provide recommendations)
- Kitchens and Bathrooms | bench top, cupboards, sink/taps, splash backs and appliances,
- Balconies| Assessing safety, tiling and balustrades..
- Exterior | carpark bay or car port and storeroom where applicable.
Off-the-Plan Buyers | Why Pre-Handover Inspections Are Critical
If you’re purchasing an apartment off the plan, a pre-handover inspection is essential. Brand-new build doesn’t mean a defect-free home. It’s a good idea to have an experienced professional assess the finished project and check for:
- Defects that need to be flagged within the developer’s liability period | Addressing issues before handover ensures they’re fixed at the builder’s expense.
- Common issues with waterproofing and insulation (if visible) | These can be costly to rectify if not identified early.
Secure Your Investment with a Home Integrity Apartment Inspection
With Perth’s apartment market under scrutiny, understanding the condition of your property is more important than ever. Whether you’re buying, selling, or ensuring your home is well-maintained, a thorough inspection provides peace of mind and valuable insights.
Reach out to our friendly team to discuss whether an apartment inspection is right for you.
