Ordinary report and only partial service given for a very expensive REPORT.
As a property buyer I found the HOUSECHECK building & Inspection reports to be the most expensive I've ever purchased. The reports were ordinary at best e.g. The report showed a photo of the veranda/balcony ceiling with an arrow pointing to it with the words "good condition". Big deal anyone could see that! By the same token the reporting on the underfloor part of the house was terrible. I inspected it myself and noted very damp soil and condensation on the underside of the permanent metal formwork used for the slab but barely a mention of this in the report! Also, they don't deliver the service they say they will. The report clearly states that a prospective purchaser can speak to the inspector and seek clarification on items reported on in the reports. I rang the company asking to speak to the inspector for the property I was considering buying. I rang early morning hoping to catch him before he started his other inspections but was advised he was busy inspecting, but he would ring me back. He never did! So, I went to the auction with unanswered questions i.e. and only a partial service. I bought the property with this element of risk hanging over my head. On top of the initial $99 I have had to pay another $399 for the report since I won the auction. Also, it is hard to decipher between the inspectors recommendation, the inspector's findings and general explanatory notes within the report. If you are a buyer and you see a Housecheck report don't waste your money. If serious about buying the property, hire your own builder and arrange an inspection through the agent and you will get better value and an inspector who is working for you, not the vendor.
