Approved plans are important part of buyer’s due diligence
Approved plans are important part of buyer’s due diligence A buyer asks: When buying a house, is it a must to get the plans from the seller? What are the disadvantages from not requesting this? Thanks John Graham replies: It is always wise to get plans from the seller and to do a visual due […]
At what stage do I get the inspection done?
At what stage do I get the inspection done? Good day, I am interested in buying a unit from a private seller. Seller has asked me to put an offer on the table – I wanted to find out – when do I request an inspection to be done – is this done when I […]
Journalist warns buyers to get home inspection done first
South Africa’s top consumer journalist, Wendy Knowler of Independent Newpapers said in her Consumer Watch column this week: “Do not even consider buying a property without first having it professionally inspected. “The service is relatively inexpensive – about R3 000 for the average home – but could spare you financial ruin at worst, or at […]
Dream timber house turns into a nightmare
Timber housing can be a nightmare if the timber framed house has not been properly built by a competent builder registered with the National Home Building Registration Council (NHBRC) and built in accordance with the National Building Regulations for timber housing (SABS 082/88), now known as SANS 10082. On the other hand the voetstoots (“as […]
More praise for HouseCheck
If you’re wondering whether it is worth spending a few thousand rand on a HouseCheck report, then take a look at two thank you notes we received this week in response to home inspection reports prepared by Dawie de Lange, HouseCheck franchisee/inspector for clients in the Pretoria area: Thank you very much, this is very […]
Chaz Everitt advises that buyers should use home inspectors
This week Berry Everitt, CEO of leading estate agency Chas Everitt has published a list of tips for first time home buyers. He says that before signing a sales agreement, buyers should ask every question they can think of about the property and preferably also get the house inspected by a professional home inspector. You […]
Due diligence on sectional title units is vital
Prospective buyers should do a thorough due diligence of a sectional title property before committing to a purchase. This should include both a condition inspection report (home inspection) and a due diligence of the body corporate. As most people know, a sectional title property differs from a freehold property in that the freehold property owner […]
Voetstoots leaves an expensive mess
An expensive mess for home buyers, resulting from a voetstoots clause, is well-illustrated by the reporting of an Appeal Court judgement in the Cape Times of 28 March 2013. The facts are: A thatch roof house in Gauteng was sold voetstoots. Aware that thatch could be a problem, the buyers wanted some assurance that the […]
Seller’s inspections help the sales process
A transparent willingness by the seller to opt for full disclosure of the condition of the home creates credibility for the seller and often helps facilitate the sales process, says John Graham CEO of HouseCheck. “House inspections are necessary for both the sellers and the buyer,” says Graham. “Sellers benefit from an inspection before putting […]
Roof replacement or repair?
Roof replacement or repair Some older house roofs in South Africa need replacement rather than repair. A home inspection will help identify if roof replacement or roof maintenance is the best option. Much of South Africa’s housing stock is in the older suburbs, which were established before or soon after the Second World War. These […]