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 least give you the means to negotiate a lower purchase price.”
Knowler goes on to say that buyers should not make the mistake of assuming that because the bank or insurance company sent an “inspector” to your house, it is all structurally okay with your home.
She warns: “(Even if) your estate agent and financing bank don’t say a word about the need for a professional structural assessment, don’t put in an offer without one”. http://www.iol.co.za/blogs/wendy-knowler-s-consumer-watch-1.1608
