A new property is an exciting time for everyone involved, but there are many things to do before marketing the property. There are legal responsibilities you need to keep up to date with, including the property inspection.
The primary purpose of an inspection is to assess the overall condition of the property’s interior and exterior and record any repairs or maintenance that may be required. We will take you through some of the checks that take place in a property inspection.
Statutory inspection checks
There are three key areas where annual checks must be carried out to fulfil legal responsibilities. These checks save lives, and they are the landlord’s responsibility, not the agent’s:
- Gas – Have every gas appliance, boiler and flue checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer on an annual basis.
- Fire – Install and test a smoke alarm on each property floor as a minimum. Replace batteries when needed.
- Electrical – Have a registered electrician carry out a professional check every five years to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or sooner if the most recent report recommends it.
Damp and mould
Condensation is the most common form of dampness, which occurs when excess moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window. You can spot dampness or mould problems by noticing flaking paint, mould spores, dark patches and an unpleasant, musty smell. Damp is less common in modern homes than it is in older properties.
Mould is unsightly and can represent a serious health hazard, so check bathrooms and external walls for mould and mildew.
Pest infestations
Infestations can be distressing, inconvenient and difficult to eradicate without the proper approach. Property and health can be at risk depending on the pest, so employing a pest control expert is always best, especially with wasps and bees!
Asbestos
Asbestos surveys are the most essential tool in establishing the risks present and enabling those with duties, like an asbestos inspection in London, to fulfil them. There are a few different types of Asbestos surveys:
- Management surveys – Surveys of this type are usually the first step in establishing whether your premises contain asbestos and establishing a management plan if they do.
- Pre-demolition surveys are required when demolition work is scheduled at a property.
- Pre-refurbishment surveys – This survey is used when refurbishment work is planned for a property, like pre-demolition surveys, this is an intrusive inspection; however, the scope of the work will depend upon the nature of the planned refurbishment.
Leaks
Check all taps and plumbing for leaks and drips and fix these before they develop into serious issues. You should also check gutters for signs of wear and tear, as blockages can cause leaks and water damage. Carrying out a visual inspection of the roof is highly recommended as well.
Property inspections are an excellent way for everyone to understand what’s happening with the property. These are important to be carried out correctly so no nasty surprises come up later.