## Six Property Red Flags to Watch Out for Before Hiring a Building Inspector

Buying a property with severe building issues can lead to unexpected costs, sometimes amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. While it's always essential to get a building inspection, there are a few common problems you can identify yourself before hiring a professional. Catching these early can give you a clearer picture of potential costs and help you make an informed decision about whether the property is worth pursuing. Remember, finding issues doesn’t necessarily mean you should cross the property off your list—it just helps you be better prepared.

Here are six key things to watch for during your initial inspection.

### 1. Wonky Floors

Uneven or "wonky" floors are a potential sign of deeper structural problems. In houses where the issue isn’t obvious, check the corners of rooms for any dips or slopes. Be cautious of carpeted rooms, which can hide uneven floors. If the house requires re-stumping or re-blocking, especially in properties with limited access (like attached homes), the cost to fix this can be significant. Catching it early helps you factor in these costs.

### 2. Water Damage

Water damage is particularly troublesome in apartments and units, and fixing it can be expensive. When inspecting the property, look for tell-tale signs such as ceiling stains, mould in bathrooms, rotting cabinetry, and swollen floorboards. Pay special attention to recent paint or patch-up jobs—these might be covering water damage. If left unchecked, water damage can lead to bigger structural issues down the road.

### 3. Roof Structure

You don’t even need to be at the property to check the roof! Using Google Maps’ satellite view, you can quickly assess the roof’s condition. Look for signs of rust or structural deformation. If the roof appears worn out, be prepared for additional costs for repairs or replacement. A good roof is crucial for maintaining the overall integrity of the home.

### 4. Proper Ventilation

Poor ventilation is a common issue, especially in older homes or fully attached properties. Without proper airflow, moisture builds up, leading to mould and damp issues. Look for rooms with poor air circulation or a lack of windows and vents. Musty smells or visible mould are clear indicators of inadequate ventilation. Also, check under the house—if there's water pooling and no proper ventilation, it can lead to long-term structural problems. Recent patch jobs in bathrooms are also a red flag for underlying damp issues.

### 5. General External Quality

The external condition of the property can reveal a lot about potential long-term issues. Check for damage, such as bowed walls, crumbling mortar in brick homes, or rotting weatherboards. For brick homes, cracks or lifting walls could indicate deeper structural problems, often caused by tree roots or shifting foundations. These could require extensive repairs down the track, so it’s important to spot these issues early.

### 6. Utilities and Appliances

Don’t forget to test the basic utilities and appliances during your visit. Check whether all the lights work, and if one or more don’t, this could hint at electrical issues. Look for strange water flows, like water running where it shouldn’t. Also, take a look at the switchboard. If it’s outdated, you may need to upgrade it, especially if you plan on installing modern appliances like air conditioners. A new switchboard can be a considerable expense, so it's good to be aware of this upfront.

### Conclusion

By keeping an eye out for these six issues, you can save yourself time and money in the property-buying process. Spotting problems early on helps you avoid costly surprises and gives you more information to make an informed decision. This doesn’t mean you should automatically reject a property if you find issues—just be aware of the potential repair costs before you move forward.

It’s still highly recommended to get a full building and pest inspection to confirm any issues you've spotted and uncover any others. That way, you're fully informed before you make one of the biggest investments of your life.

Understanding these red flags can help you make smarter decisions and avoid purchasing a property that requires more work and money than anticipated.