Buying off The Plan - Independent Building Inspection or Not?

bremo on 13/04/2018 - 16:16

Hello Ozbargain community!

I have bought a house 'off-the-plan' in Melbourne which is still under construction. They are currently putting the frame up, with an estimated completion of December. I have been contemplating hiring an independent building inspector to do a frame inspection, lockup inspection and handover inspection. I do trust my builder and have no reason to think they are doing anything dodgy, but I am making a huge investment into my family home and want to make sure it is done properly.

Does anyone have any experience with independent building inspectors for new builds?
Was it worth the cost?
For new builds only, have you had a building inspector pick up anything that required fixing?
What is a reasonable price to pay for the inspections at the three stages (frame, lockup, handover)?
Do you think it is worthwhile?

Thanks in advance to all, I value everyone's input, the OzBargain hive-mind is a valuable resource :)

Home & Garden

Comments

  • dcep on 13/04/2018 - 16:25
    +1

    you need to find building inspector that willing to climb into ceiling space

    eg. some dodgy workmanship, didn't lay insulation properly inside ceiling spaces with gaps here and there, leaving you with oven hot summer & arctic cold winter

    • bremo on 13/04/2018 - 16:31

      Thanks Phunky, exactly, it's the things I can't see that worry me. Insulation, roofing, sound proofing (we have a shared wall with the neighboring townhouse) and things I haven't even thought of.

  • PAOK11 on 13/04/2018 - 16:44
    +1

    http://www.builderscollective.org.au/disabled-builder-wins-b…
    Be like this guy :)

  • thatonethere on 13/04/2018 - 17:06
    +1

    Yes good idea. You want to find a building inspector which is brutal and OCD about every detail - typically NOT ones used by real estate agents to sell houses.

    I have used them for two new houses and they came up with a very precise list of defects which were fixed under warranty (plus advice to me on how to determine whether they had done a proper job).

  • justhooked on 13/04/2018 - 17:14
    +1

    Yes also best to tell your builder that you will get an inspection done at each payment stage normally 4 or 6
    This will keep him on his toes and make sure he uses good contractors. Not to say you have to do that many

  • bremo on 16/04/2018 - 15:31
    +1

    I think I am going ahead with a building inspection. Was quoted $420 per 'stage', and I will get 4 inspections. I think it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

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