Whether you own a suburban family home or a commercial business downtown, your property is perhaps one of your most prized investments. As such, it only makes sense for a responsible owner to ensure that their property is safe to reside and work in.
Performed on a regular basis, building inspections can reveal all the critical information regarding a property’s condition, systems, safety aspects, maintenance, and more. In this dedicated guide, we’ll explore a number of practical reasons why it’s in your best interest to have your home or place of business regularly inspected by an expert.
To Check Structural Integrity
If your house or commercial venue wasn’t built during the last 10 years, hiring a professional for an annual property inspection is of the essence. In fact, older buildings are more exposed to structural issues and damages, which, if not tended to immediately, can have serious consequences. A qualified inspector will examine the property from basement to roof and check whether the structure isn’t compromised in any way. As such, no one wants to witness an unfortunate collapse, knowing they could have done something to prevent it.
To Ensure the Occupants’ Safety
Naturally, a property must adhere to various safety standards to guarantee that it’s perfectly safe to live in, work in, welcome clients in, and such. Whether it’s structural damages, problems related to air quality, or the presence of toxic chemicals or rodents, commercial and residential building inspections are your best line of defense against common safety issues. So, whether you live in Queensland or Massachusetts, some research should point you towards a certified and experienced team of property inspectors to ensure your family’s and staff’s health, safety, and wellbeing.
To Uncover Hidden Flaws
It isn’t rare for people, soon-to-be parents and entrepreneurs alike, to fall head over heels for a piece of property. Spacious, affordable, and fulfills all their criteria, they’re often unaware that there may be a catch. In fact, the venue in question could’ve been built with illegal modifications or additions. This might cause issues as far as obtaining permits, tax matters, or insurance. By enlisting a property inspector, you tackle the issue at the source before it costs you thousands of dollars to fix. Think of it as an essential investment.
To Estimate Future Repairs
In a similar vein, and unless you’re an experienced building contractor yourself, you’ll have a hard time estimating the costs of any repairs or fixes in your property. Whether it pertains to electrical installations, plumbing systems, insulation, or energy efficiency, you need a professional’s input to appraise how much these upgrades will set you back. This has the added benefit of preventing deferred maintenance, which, as we’ll see next, can cost you a lot more than just money and dealing with specialized contractors.
To Improve Owner Liability
If you rent out a piece of property for residential or commercial purposes, it is your sole responsibility as an owner to ensure that venue’s overall condition. Accidents aren’t rare, whether it’s at home, the workplace, or the local coffee shop.
As such, ensuring a well-maintained environment for your tenants, employees, or customers can go a long way in minimizing your risk of being exposed to lawsuits (personal injury, wrongful death) or other legal complications. A periodic inspection will ensure your property abides by the highest standards for personal safety.
To Protect your Investment
Unsurprisingly, homes and places of businesses aren’t cheap to acquire, costing hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. For all the reasons mentioned above, having your property checked out once or twice a year will help you protect your investment and optimize its market value. Whether you want to maximize the income generated from it or plainly sell it, ensure that the house or building in question is in top condition is bound to make it easier.
To Validate Insurance Policies
Last but not least, be aware that a property rife with defects or issues won’t easily grant insurance approval. In fact, insurance companies will be less likely to insure your residential or commercial venue unless it meets certain standards criteria. So, having an initial and ongoing inspection will maximize your chances of securing a well-rounded coverage plan. Consult with a professional for the best course of action.
Ultimately, there’s no shortage of compelling reasons to have your home or business venue regularly inspected. While it might be tempting to cut corners and overlook some issues, this can have serious consequences down the line. So, always be proactive, and look for an expert service provider to guide you through every step of the process.
