Building inspector vs. building consultant – know the difference!

The world of property, property investment and real estate is large and the difference between the roles within the industry varies vastly.

You’re here because you’re keen to know exactly what is the difference between a property inspector and a property consultant. Let’s begin with the latter.

A Property Consultant Is…

A property consultant is another word for a property manager. It is their job to manage the purchase, leasing, and other miscellaneous tasks associated with the property market. For example, a property consultant is responsible for listing your property for rent, and in a way that would encourage potential tenants to enquire about it.

They are also responsible for evaluating tenancy applications and to conduct all the assorted income, background and reference checks that come with that territory. They can also act as an intermediary between tenants and landlords should any disputes or disagreements emerge and act in a manner that resolves the issue for all concerned parties.

Property consultants also need to perform periodic tenancy inspections, pay outgoings such as council rates, land tax and sometimes water rates (other times the tenant pays for this). It is also their responsibility to arrange regular repairs and routine maintenance of a property to ensure that it does not fall into disrepair. They are also accountable to the landlord and should provide transparent reports detailing the property and any associated financials.

On The Other Hand, A Property Inspector Is…

A property inspector is an un-biased, independent health, safety and quality assessor. It is their job to inspect properties prior to purchase or renovation to identify and report on any potential problems, hazards and issues.

They are also able to advise on the best approach with regards to repair, renovation or treatment.

For example, a property inspector will typically assess the roof, foundation and structural integrity of a property to ensure that it is safe – if it is not they will list that in their report.

A building inspector can also assess for issues such as Asbestos insulation (for older properties), Energy Efficiency ratings, pest or vermin infestation and other health concerns such as black mould.

They can inspect and rate the efficacy of a properties current insulation as well, an important factor to ensure the house remains cool in summer and warm in winter.

All of the information that a building inspector determines from these assessments should be able to be presented in an official report that can list everything in layman’s terms but also be technical and precise enough to be presented in a Court of Law.

Get in Touch for More Information

Now you know the difference between a property consultant and a property inspector!

The Property Inspectors provide accurate and objective building reports for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Book an inspection online, check out our range of existing building reports for purchase.