Illegal construction! Skipping pre purchase inspection could leave you with a bad taste in your mouth!

One of the most common defects found in pre purchase inspection is the incidence of illegally constructed structures. That is structures without building permit where a permit is required under the Building Act. Vendor’s explanations for lack of building permit range from: convincing, misleading, fraudulent and  improbable to downright feigning of ignorance.

Once discovered by the local council ” or council is alerted by disgruntled neighbour”, structures without building permit can become a subject of a council notice “to show cause why it should not be demolished”

This is where the fun starts. Even if the structure is impeccably constructed it’s justification will cost thousands in special reports for it to be allowed to remain.

If repairs and modifications are required then add thousands more.

If it’s badly constructed then be prepared for a write off plus the permit and the costs to demolish.

I am currently helping a couple who have recently purchased a home and actually did get the pre purchase inspection from one of the better known inspection companies, but weren’t properly advised and now they have been hit with a building notice.

That is enough to give them a bad taste in the mouth. If I had been their property inspector this is what they would have got (this is not the picture of their property but of my client who had the wisdom to get “the right inspection company”)

 

Buying a home?    It’s your call!

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