I have the building & pest report – and it’s like the tale of two buildings. Totally separate buildings that only happen to be remotely on the same continent. I mean, just look at this. Compare and contrast, if you will, the difference between the report I’ve paid for, and the one the previous purchaser paid for:
Roof:
Report1: The Roof is in a very poor state of repair, and will likely need total replacement, including that of the supporting beams.
Report2: There are no obvious leaks, and the roof appears sound.
Walls:
Report1: The walls are made of timber, which is likely to be much more solid than that of modern buildings. There is no obvious termite damage or rot.
Report2: Severe dry rot is apparent in all the walls, and much of the weatherboarding needs replacement. The underlying structure may also need total reconstruction.
Kitchen:
Report 1: The kitchen is very old, and will require much work to bring it up to a modern standard. The stove appears to be on an extension lead, suggesting the building requires total rewiring.
Report 2: The kitchen has recently been renovated, and presents few issues.
Conclusion:
Report1: It is difficult to recommend this building as being mortgageable
Report2: Considerable costs may be incurred in making this building habitable, due to the heritage listing.
It’s the same for the pest. One report says there’s highly likely to be a major infestation, and discusses if any of the timber can be saved (unlikely). The other says that it couldn’t find any termites.
Now, I know the place is a bit of a pit, but the least you’d expect is that the inspectors would have a clue.
The moral of the story is: don’t bother getting a pest or building report: neither of them are worth the money, and quite frankly a building report is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.
