Building inspection before or after bid?

Perform architectural inspection before or after bid?

When is it smart to have a building inspection done? Below is a brief overview of the main pros and cons for each option. Do you want more details? Read on and see which option suits your situation best.

Perform a building inspection before the bid

✓ You know the defects and can make an informed offer.
✓ You have a strong negotiating position and can make a lower offer.
✗ You pay for the inspection even if you don't buy the home.
✗ In a tight market, it can take too much time.

Conduct architectural inspection during negotiations

✓ You can still include the outcome in the price negotiation
✓ You avoid costs if your bid is rejected
✗ The inspection needs to be arranged quickly, which can be stressful
✗ Another buyer may be ahead of you without an inspection

Perform a building inspection after the bid

✓ You only pay for the inspection if your offer is accepted.
✓ You can dissolve the sale in case of major defects (subject to structural inspection).
✗ The price is fixed, making negotiation difficult.
✗ The seller is not obliged to reduce the price in case of defects

Want to know more about when it's best to have a building inspection performed? In the rest of the article, you'll read about when it's best to have the inspection performed and how to use it when making an offer.

Perform architectural inspection for bid

Having a structural inspection done before the offer gives you certainty about the structural condition of the house. This prevents surprises and helps you make an informed decision. But is this always the best choice? Doing an architectural inspection before making the offer is especially wise if:

• You buy an older home. These types of homes are more likely to have hidden defects.
• The property has overdue maintenance or signs of damage are visible.
• You have doubts about the structural condition, such as cracks in the walls or moisture spots.
• You buy a home with no reservations, so you have a clear picture of all the risks up front.

Benefits building inspection for bid

Want to make sure you're not making a mis-sale? Then an architectural inspection beforehand can be smart. This will give you immediate insight into the condition of the house and you will be stronger in negotiations. The advantages of an architectural inspection before the offer are:

• You know immediately if there are defects and avoid unexpected costs.
• You have a stronger negotiating position and can base your offer on the results of the architectural report.
• You can make a lower bid if defects are found.
• You gain insight into necessary maintenance and potential additional costs.

Disadvantages building inspection for bid

A pre-bid architectural inspection does not only have advantages. In some cases, it can also have disadvantages. The main disadvantages are:

• You incur costs without security, because an architectural inspection costs an average of €400 to €700. If you don't buy the property, you'll lose this amount. With homeup's partner, an architectural inspection costs only €450.
• You may be wasting time in a tight housing market, allowing another buyer to get ahead of you with an offer without an inspection.
• The seller may accept a faster offer and opt for a buyer who does not have an inspection performed.

In some cases, an inspection during negotiations or after the offer may be smarter. Read on and find out the best time for you to have an architectural inspection.

Want to get a building inspection for the bid? Contact homeup's partner for a building inspection and get a full architectural report for €450.

Conduct architectural inspection during negotiations

Having an architectural inspection done during negotiations gives you more security without incurring immediate costs before you make an offer. This means that you schedule the inspection as soon as you make a serious offer, but before the preliminary sales contract is signed. This can be a smart strategy, but it also has disadvantages. A structural inspection during negotiations is especially wise if:

• You want more certainty about the structural condition before you sign the purchase contract.
• You want to avoid making an offer on a home with hidden defects.
• You don't want to risk incurring costs for an inspection while the seller receives and may reject your counteroffer.
• You still want to use the outcome of the inspection in negotiations with the seller.

Benefits architectural inspection during negotiations

A building inspection during negotiations can be advantageous. It gives you more negotiating room and avoids unnecessary costs. The advantages of this approach are:

• You avoid having an inspection performed without certainty of the deal.
• You can use the outcome of the inspection in negotiations with the seller.
• You have extra time to decide because the inspection takes place before you sign the purchase contract.
• You can still include a resolutive condition in the preliminary contract of sale if defects are found.

Disadvantages building inspection during negotiations

Although this strategy has advantages, it also has risks. The main disadvantages are:

• That the seller may accept a faster offer, causing you to miss out on the home.
• The inspection often has to be arranged quickly, which can be difficult when there is little time for negotiations.
• If the market is competitive, you run the risk of choosing another buyer who does not have an inspection done.

A structural inspection during negotiations is a good middle ground between certainty and speed. You avoid unnecessary costs and can use the inspection in negotiations. But in a tight housing market, you may risk missing out on the property. In doubt about the right approach? Read on and find out if a post-offer structural inspection is a better choice for you.

Do you want to have a building inspection done during negotiations? Request from homeup's partner for €450 and building inspection to check the structural condition of the property.

Perform construction inspection after bid

Having a structural inspection done after bid means that you make an offer first and only then have the condition of the home inspected. This is a common strategy because you only incur costs if your offer is accepted. But is this the best choice? A post-bid structural inspection is especially wise if:

• You are buying in a tight housing market and need to act fast to avoid missing out on the property.
• You want assurance about the structural condition, but don't want to incur costs until your bid is accepted.
• You want to use an offer subject to a structural inspection, so you can still get out of the sale if major defects are found.
• You want to know if you can make a lower offer if it turns out that there is overdue maintenance or hidden defects.

Benefits building inspection after bid

A post-bid structural inspection can give you more security and reduce financial risks. The benefits of this approach are:

• You won't incur unnecessary costs if your bid is not accepted.
• You can include the structural inspection as a resolutive condition in the preliminary contract of sale, allowing you to get out of the sale in case of serious defects.
• You still have the option of making a lower offer or asking the seller for necessary repairs.
• You can use the outcome of the inspection to finalize negotiations.

Drawbacks building inspection after bid

Although a post-bid inspection has advantages, there are also disadvantages. The main disadvantages are:

• You have less room to negotiate because your offer has already been accepted.
• The seller can demand that the bid be final and leave no room for adjustments.
• If the inspection shows major defects, you still have to decide whether to abandon the purchase or accept additional costs.

Are you a starter and not sure yet when to get a building inspection? Read on and check out our tips for first-time buyers.

Is a building inspection before, during or after the offer the best choice for you? Get in touch with homeup's partner and get advice on when it's best to perform the building inspection.

Tips for first-time buyers about a building inspection

Are you about to buy a home? Then a structural inspection can be an important step in the process. As a starter, you don't want any surprises later and you want to be sure that you are making a smart investment. These tips will help you make an informed choice and avoid unnecessary costs.

Want advice on when to get a structural inspection? Contact homeup as a buying agent and they will guide you through the entire buying process.

1. Choose the right time for the building inspection

The moment you have a building inspection done determines how strong you are in the buying process. It depends on your situation. Are you unsure when it's best to have the inspection done? Then check out the most common situations for first-time buyers and best times to have it done:

• You are a starter and are buying an older home. An older home often has overdue maintenance and possibly hidden defects. In this case, it is wise to have the structural inspection done before bidding. This way you avoid bidding on a house with hidden costs.
• You're buying in a tight housing market. In a market where houses sell quickly, you often have little time to arrange an inspection in advance. In this case, opt for an inspection after the offer. It is then wise to include the technical inspection in the preliminary sales contract. This way you retain the option of dissolving the sale if major defects are found.
• You have a limited budget. If you have to weigh every euro carefully, a post-bid inspection is the best choice. This way you will not incur unnecessary costs if your bid is not accepted. Just be aware that a bad report will still cost you money, whereas you might have preferred to know in advance that the house was not in good condition.
• You want to be strong in negotiations. Do you want to make an offer with good substantiation and convince the seller? Then an inspection during the negotiations can help. You have already made an offer, but use the inspection to adjust the price or make arrangements for necessary maintenance.

2. Make proper arrangements in the purchase contract

A structural inspection is only useful if you make the right arrangements in the preliminary sales contract. This prevents you from being stuck with a house with unexpected costs. Therefore, pay attention to the following issues when drafting the purchase contract with a structural inspection:

• Bid subject to a building inspection. This ensures that you can adjust the bid or even cancel the sale if there are serious hidden defects.
• The inspection must take place within the legal cooling-off period, so you still have the option to cancel the purchase if the report is disappointing.
• Discuss with the seller whether there is still room for negotiation if defects are found, as some sellers will no longer accept a price adjustment.

By recording this well in advance, you won't have any nasty surprises. It gives you the assurance that you are not stuck with a home with unexpected costs.

3. Choose a reliable building inspector

Not every building inspection is as comprehensive. Some inspectors check more than others. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to the following points:

• Not all inspectors check the same items. Therefore, always ask if foundation, electrical and moisture problems are also included.
• A visual inspection by an inspector is not always thorough, so check for a report with cost estimates as well.
• A building inspection costs on average between €400 and €700, but at homeup's partner you pay just €450 for a full architectural report.

A quick inspection may seem convenient, but a cheap inspection that skips important points can cost you a lot of money later. Always choose a licensed building inspector who really checks all the important issues.

4. Ask if there is already a construction report

Sometimes the seller has already had an inspection done. This can be helpful, but it is important to remain critical. Therefore, check the following before accepting an existing report:

• Check how recent the report is, as an inspection from two years ago says little about the current structural condition of the home.
• Make sure the inspection was done independently and not for the benefit of the selling party.
• Always ask about possible hidden defects not listed in the report, such as wood rot in window frames, moisture problems or cracks in the foundation.
• Check if necessary maintenance is indicated by the report. Is this the case? Then you need to determine whether you want to pay for it yourself or renegotiate with the seller.

An architectural report from the seller can be helpful, but it doesn't always give a complete picture. If in doubt, it's smart to have a building inspection done yourself.

A building inspection is a smart investment for first-time buyers. By choosing the right time, making good arrangements and selecting a reliable inspector, you can avoid financial surprises. Not sure yet when you want to have the inspection done? Consult with a building inspector and do not make any hasty decisions.

Frequently asked questions about a building inspection

Buying a house is a big step. You want to be sure that the house has no hidden defects. An architectural inspection helps you gain insight into the condition of the house. But when do you have such an inspection performed? And what does it cost? Or is an architectural inspection a waste of money? In this FAQ we answer the most frequently asked questions about the structural inspection.

Would you like to request an immediate architectural inspection? Get in touch and receive a full architectural report for €450. Do you prefer guidance when buying a home? Engage homeup as a buying agent and get expert advice every step of the way.

What does an architectural inspection of a house cost?

An architectural inspection costs on average between €400 and €700, depending on the size and age of the home. An architectural inspection at homeup's partner costs only €450.

The cost of a building inspection varies by region and provider. Sometimes the selling party offers a recent report, but it is wise to have a building inspection done yourself. Be aware that these costs are not tax deductible.

Want to have a building inspection done? Contact us for a building inspection and get a full architectural report for €450.

What time building inspection?

You can have a building inspection done before or after a god is issued. Both options have their own advantages.

Benefits of a building inspection before bidding:

• You know immediately if the property has hidden defects.
• You can base your bid on the structural condition.
• It can mean additional costs if you end up not buying.

Benefits of a building inspection after bidding:

• You don't pay for an inspection until your bid is accepted.
• But beware: you have less negotiating room in the event of defects.
• You can rescind the preliminary contract of sale if the inspection turns out badly.

Many first-time buyers choose to bid subject to a structural inspection. This way you have security, but no unnecessary costs.

How does subject building inspection work?

A conditional architectural inspection means that you can cancel the purchase if the inspection shows major defects in the house. This condition is recorded in the preliminary sales contract.

How does a conditional building inspection work?

1. You make an offer subject to structural inspection.
2. After accepting the offer, have a structural inspection performed.
3. The structural inspector inspects the home and prepares a structural report.
4. Do serious hidden defects appear? Then you can: cancel the sale with no financial consequences. You can also negotiate and make a lower offer. There is also the possibility of asking the seller for necessary maintenance.

This caveat gives you extra security and prevents you from buying a house with unexpected defects.

Is buyer present at a building inspection?

As a buyer, you are not required to be present at the building inspection, but it is recommended.

Benefits of being present at the building inspection:

• You can ask the building inspector questions.
• You will get an immediate explanation of any defects and necessary maintenance.
• You get a better idea of the condition of the property.

Can't attend? Then you will always receive an architectural report with all the findings. You can also ask someone else to attend the building inspection.