Property Defect Checking: Scam or Necessity?

In Malaysia, the process of purchasing a new home can be a long and confusing journey. One of the most important steps in this journey is the property defect checking process, where a professional inspector checks the home for any defects or issues that need to be fixed. While this step is often seen as a necessity, some people believe that it is a waste of time and money. However, is private residential property defect checking really a scam, or is it a necessity that can save you time and money in the long run?

The Importance of Property Defect Checking

When you purchase a new home, it is important to have it inspected for any defects that may have been missed during construction. These defects can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural problems that could impact the safety and stability of your home. If left unchecked, these issues can cause major headaches down the road, such as costly repairs and even potential safety hazards.

That’s why many experts believe that private residential property defect checking is a necessity, not a scam. By having your home inspected, you can ensure that all the necessary repairs are made before you move in, giving you peace of mind and saving you time and money in the long run.

But are they really right?

Is it such a technical job that can’t be done by oneself?

[See what I think about MyBHA’s statement on STRA Regulations]

The Risks of Skipping Property Defect Checking

While some people may see private residential property defect checking as an unnecessary expense, it should not be a consideration to proceed with skipping this step. For example, if you move into a home without having it inspected, you may not be aware of any hidden defects that could cause major problems down the road. This could result in costly repairs, safety hazards, and even potential lawsuits if someone is injured as a result of a defect that you should have been aware of.

But within reason…

There is NO need to be obsessive about your defects and check everything with a magnifying glass and litmus paper. Doing this is a recipe for disaster and will incur you thousands of ringgit in losses as you wait patiently for the developer to work on your defect list which may be up to 2 months in some cases.

Look out for things that the developer can attend to quickly and that is high cost. If you can resolve something more quickly on your own, think about how much money you can save by getting to work on your cheaper defect issues yourself and getting a tenant in a month earlier.

Doing Your Own Property Defect Checking

If you are on a tight budget or you feel like you are a capable individual who can take care of things on his own, you can still take steps to ensure that your new home is free of defects. One way to do this is by following a simple property defect checking checklist. This checklist will help you identify any potential issues that need to be fixed, giving you peace of mind and helping you avoid any major problems down the road.

[How much does renovation and maintenance cost in Malaysia?]

Property Defect Checking Checklist

To help you get started with your own property defect checking, here is a simple checklist that you can use:

1. Check the walls, ceilings, and floors for any cracks, holes, or other signs of damage.
2. Inspect the electrical and plumbing systems, looking for any signs of leaks, damage, or other issues.
3. Check the windows and doors for proper operation, including the locks and hinges.
4. Look for any signs of water damage, such as water stains on the walls or ceiling.
5. Inspect the roof, looking for any signs of damage or leaks.
6. Check the foundation and walls for any cracks or damage.
7. Inspect the air conditioning and heating systems, making sure they are functioning properly.

By following this simple checklist, you can ensure that your new home is free of any major defects, giving you peace of mind and saving you time and money in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, private residential property defect checking can be a scam or a necessity, depending on the situation. On one hand, the process may seem like a waste of money, as it only delays the handover of the property and causes you to pay back your housing loan without income. On the other hand, it is essential to ensure that the property is free from defects and is in a good condition before you make a significant investment.

The best way to ensure that your property is free from defects is to do the defect checking yourself by following a simple checklist. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you do not fall victim to unscrupulous contractors who may try to scam you. The checklist should cover all the important areas of the property, such as the electrical system, plumbing, flooring, and walls..

So, instead of relying on private property defect checking companies, it is best to take matters into your own hands and do your own inspection. By following the simple checklist mentioned above, you can ensure that your property is free from defects and is in a good condition before you rent it out.