Property inspection ideas give food for thought

Press, 27 January 1988, Page 49

Property inspection ideas give food for thought

The two articles on property inspection appearing on this page are provided by Mr G. L. McGregor, Editor of the “New Zealand Real Estate Journal.” Most people know very little about building construction and motor mechanics. When buying a car they might consult an “Agrade mechanic” or pay for an Automobile Association inspection of the vehicle, yet when making an immensely greater investment in buying a house they simply believe what they see and what they are told about the condition of the property. Aucklander John Barrett decided to fill that gap, offering himself as a qualified specialist to report on residential property and to go further and act as a building consultant. Ironically, so far very few other than Mr Barrett have appreciated his much-needed expertise. He widely promoted the service with real estate agencies throughout Auckland, then waited for the rush. It didn’t eventuate, though he’s had some referrals.

“I’m surprised at this because there are an awful lot of people out there, including many real estate salespeople, who don’t know much about construction and what might be lurking to catch the unwary. “At the same time, a lot of

things are not as bad as they look. Rotten floorboards will throw many prospective purchasers but there is a need to examine why they have rotted, how can the problem be overcome. Once that information is obtained the prospective purchaser can then make a sound decision. Why reject a property which you like in all other respects just because there are a few unsightly rotted floorboards?”

Mr Barrett has worked in construction for many years. He holds an Advanced Trades New Zealand Certificate of Building, started working for master builders in housing then branched out into commercial work, then into renovation work and “spec” housing on his own account. “Many people worried about the cost of a property get a valuation yet ignore the quality of materials and workmanship

and methods of construction. This is difficult to accept. “One property I inspected on behalf of a client was advertised as having a gravel drive. I found two scoria tracks with very limited life, and was able to initiate an. agreement for an allowance in the price to cover this shortcoming. “Lots of people look at the newly painted roof, and say ‘great.’ They never go up and look at that paintwork and how many filling repairs have been carried out. “On one inspection I found the acclaimed ‘Lovely new front fence’ was nothing but untreated car-packing case wood, newly painted, which before too long would be costing $3O a metre to replace. "Another small example, I came in after the prospective purchasers had made two inspections, went to test close shutters over the front window, and one fell off, having been only held to the frame by paint over rustedthrough hinges. "Those cracks in retaining walls — now that’s something Mr Barrett charges around $l2O to inspect and report on homes up to 150 sq m arising and $l6O for large homes. The consulting service is available at $4O/hr.