“I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain, what a glorious feeling I’m happy again”
This is what every property buyer should be singing if they are lucky enough to be inspecting a property while it is raining.
Over 80% of domestic building faults are related to water. Hence when it is raining the prospective property buyer has a unique opportunity to see exactly where the water is flowing and pooling, assess the quality of construction and potential faults that will lead to premature deterioration of the building.
The following are some of questions that will be answered during a downpour. Is the water running away from the building or under it? Is ground surface drainage adequate or is water pooling around structures? Is water draining adequately from the roof or is it pooling in areas that it is likely to cause corrosion to roofing materials? Is the fall on the roof guttering adequate or leaking? Are balconies draining properly or leaking? Are the downpipes coping with the downpour?
So next time it’s raining, get out and attend that open for inspection. Get your raincoat, head to the inspection and observe the water flow while belting out “singing in the rain“. Not only will you learn a lot about the valuable asset you’re contemplating buying, you could psyche out some of the other buyers.
