Shaynna Blaze on essential inspections

The least glamorous parts of buying a property are, of course, some of the most important. It's easy to get carried away by the design and the décor, the location and the kerb appeal — and while these things are significant, they won't count for much if the house isn't sound.

Of all the acts of due diligence needed before purchase, building and pest inspections are two that buyers should never, ever skip: they may save you money, heartache, or both.

After all, your budget should stretch beyond the initial purchase.

Shaynna Blaze, host and designer on Nine's Buying Blind, says, "Think of your budget not just as the purchase price, but as what you have to spend in the future."

Building inspections will look for indications that something serious could be going on with the property — damp, defective waterproofing, problems with the roof and other structural checks. They will also check the plumbing and electrical systems.

Pest inspections in Australia focus mainly on termites. While the headline grabbing pests – like Redback spiders – might cause more shivers down the spine, it's these burrowing insects that will cause more damage to your home.

Ultimately, the cost of each inspection should pay for itself, whether in saved capital or peace of mind.

As Shaynna says, "You can use [them] as a bargaining chip… or [they] may tell you to walk away from the property because it's too hard to fix."

*Presented by Suncorp. Find out more at www.suncorp.com.au/homebuyingguide.

This article and video are intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. They do not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. You should consider seeking financial advice before making any decision based on this information.