Home buyers need protection
Did you know that buyers of secondhand homes in South Africa effectively lose their consumer rights when signing an offer containing a voetstoots clause? Voetstoots says you accept the property “as is”. Without a home inspection to properly inform the buyer – voetstoots is dangerous! Both the buyer and seller need protection in a property sale. Buyers need to know the true condition of the property they want to buy. All properties have defects – mostly minor issues, but others more serious. HouseCheck will give you the facts!
A HouseCheck inspection will reveal defects including:
- Things that need fixing or replacement – areas of the house we check include: The roof, waterproofing, roof cavity, walls, visible foundations and slabs, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, plumbing and drains, electrical & gas installations, grounds & storm water drainage and finishes.
- Safety issues: We check for faulty geyser installations; mould and damp; illegal electrical or gas installations; automatic gates and doors which have no safety device to prevent children from being crushed; illegal non-safety glass; swimming pools which don’t comply with regulations so that you and your family can be safe; lack of firewalls between the house and the garage.
Who benefits from a HouseCheck inspection?
- Firstly the buyer who gets an independent evaluation of the true condition of the property. The buyer will know what items need attention and what it will cost to repair. A HouseCheck report also tells which defects are “structural, safety or functional” and which are “maintenance” items.
- Secondly the seller benefits – because there should be no after-sale comebacks.
- Lastly there is a huge benefit for the estate agent who doesn’t have to deal with animosity between buyer and seller if defects only become known to the buyer after the sale.
- Because the buyer has most to lose, usually the buyer pays for the inspection. But in some cases the seller pays – and sometimes the estate agent even contributes.
At what stage of the deal should I get an inspection done?
Ask your agent to insert a home inspection contingency clause into your offer. If your offer is accepted then we will arrange the inspection and deliver your report within one working day.
What does a HouseCheck cost?
The average cost of a HouseCheck is about R3 600. Our fee depends on the size of the property and is payable before you get your report. Pay by EFT or credit card – you can use your budget facility.
How do I get a quote?
Visit https://www.housecheck.co.za/book-now/ Fill in your details and the number of rooms in the house. HouseCheck will email you a quote 7 days a week. You can accept online or discuss your needs with the inspector whose contact details will be on the quote.
How do I get more information?
- Visit our website: www.housecheck.co.za or email john@housecheck.co.za
- Phone our Call Centre: 0861 77 44 77 or our CEO on: 083 310 9766
