FAQ's
Questions specifically relating to selling in the ACT
Q1 - What reports do I require to sell my house in the ACT?
Q2 - What does a building inspection include?
Q3 - What does a timber pest inspection include?
Q4 - What does an energy efficiency rating inspection include?
Q5 - Why do I have such a low energy efficiency rating?
Q6 - What does a compliance inspection include
Q7 - Is there anything I should do before the inspection?
Q8 - What if my inspection report is complete and I decide to do some repairs?
Q9 - Can you change an original report to include any repairs carried out after the report has been issued?
Q10 - Why do you need to be so thorough?
Q11 - What if a buyer has a question about the contents of a report?
Q12 - Does the buyer reimburse me for the energy rating report?
Q13 - Can I pay at settlement?
Q14 - I have not got enough money to pay upfront for the reports. What can I do?
Q15 - How much do we receive from the buyer on settlement for inspections and reports?
Q16 - How long does it take for Surety to conduct the physcal inspection?
Q17 - I have tenants in my property. Do I organise the inspection time with them or will you handle this?
Q18 - Do I need to send the inspection reports to my real estate agent and/or solicitor?
Q19 - What if I have not yet decided which real estate agent or solicitor to use?
Q20 - What if I am doing my own conveyancing and do not have a solicitor?
Q21 - How long do the reports last if my property does not sell quickly and remains on the market?
Q22 - I have copies of the plans for my property. Should I give them to Surety?
Q23 - I had Surety complete reports but did not put the property on the market right away. Now what?
Q24 - I have taken my property off of the market but want to put it back on again. Are my reports still okay to use?
Q25 - Can I change real estate agents without getting new reports?
Q26 - What if I find that not all structures on my property are approved?
Q27 - I have booked an inspection but have decided not to go ahead. Can I cancel?
Q28 - Once the conveyancing package (plans) are ordered, how long is it before I must use them?
Q29 - Does someone need to be on site when Surety conducts inspections?
Q30 - Should I go to the Environmental & Sustainability Development -(ESD) myself for the conveyancing package? Is it cheaper?
Q31 - Do inspection companies have to be licensed in the ACT?
Q32 - An immediate family member is buying my house. Do I still need all four property inspection reports?
Q33 - I am selling a house for demolition. Do I still need all four property inspection reports?
Q34 - I am selling a house that has been partly burnt out? Do I still need all four property inspection reports?
Q35 - I am selling a brand new house. Do I still need all four property inspection reports?
Q36 - I am selling a family member house. Do I need to provide Surety with a Power of Attorney?
Other Questions not specifically related to selling in the ACT (see above for ACT seller specific FAQ's)
Q51 - What does the timber pest inspection include?
Q52 - What does the building inspection include?
Q53 - Can Surety check that the house and other structures on the property are approved?
Q54 - We are buying a property in the country. Do you charge for travel?
Q55 - We are buying a rural property property do you inspect sheds, stables and other outbuildings?
Q56 - I need an owner builder warranty report. What does this entail?
Q57 - Will the inspector look at sumps, water tanks, and pools?
Q58 - I want to be there when the inspector is, so I can talk to him?
Q59 - Do you use photos in your reports?
Q60 - How do I place an order?
Q61 - Are there termites in Canberra?
Q62 - Do you have Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Q63 - Are you a member of the Master Builder’s Association or the Housing Industry Association?
Q64 - What are your payment options?
Q65 - How long does a Building & timber pest inspection take?
Q66 - What experience do your consultants have?
Q67 - Are all of your consultants builders?
Q68 - Do you look for asbestos?
Q69 - Does Surety conduct asbestos inspections?
Q70 - What should I do if you find termites or find termite damage?
Q71 - What areas do you service?
Q1 - What reports do I require to sell my house in the ACT?
Surety’ consultants can provide you with individual property inspections and reports or a complete package of professional inspections and reports, so you only have to deal with one company:
1. Building
2. timber pest
3. Compliance
4. Energy rating
More.
Q2 - What does a building inspection include?
All external and internal areas of a property we can safely gain access to.
External: building structure, decks, pergolas, outbuildings, subfloor, grounds, roof.
Internal: every room for faults and maintenance issues. We run taps and showers to determine if they are working and access the manhole.
More.
Q3 - What does a timber pest inspection include?
Whether there is current termite activity, damage caused by termites, or a history of termite activity—and whether your property is moderate or high risk.
More.
Q4 - What does a energy efficiency rating include?
All habitable areas of the dwelling. We take measurements and note window dressings, insulation in the roof, walls, floor coverings etc.
As required under current ACT law, we use software provided by the ACT Government to determine a star rating for your property—between 0 stars up to 6 stars.
All residential sellers in the ACT—for both Class A & Class B buildings—must have an energy efficiency rating completed.
More.
Q5 - Why do I have such a low energy efficiency rating?
There could be a combination of reasons, including window furnishings, floor coverings, insulation, window size and the direction your house faces.
It is best to speak directly to the Surety consultant who handled your inspection and have them explain exactly why.
Q6 - What does a compliance inspection include?
Compares information provided by the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) in the form of a Building Conveyancing Package to the physical structures that actually appear on site. We then note any discrepancies relating to unapproved structures.
Q7 - Is there anything I should do before the inspection?
It might be helpful if you do a general tidy up—to make it more efficient for our consultants to conduct the inspection. This could involve cleaning out gutters, securing any loose door handles and making sure the manhole and/or subfloor is clear for access.
Check out tips for selling your property.
Q8 - What if my inspection report is complete and I decide to do some repairs?
If the report recommends some minor maintenance issues you or a tradesman decide to fix, and you want potential buyers to know you have done so, you can:
1. have us come back to check what has been fixed and then write an addendum to the original report (which we then re-send to you, your solicitor and your real estate agent)—there is an additional charge for this service
2. attach the receipt issued by the tradesman for the repairs to the contract of sale (as proof of repair).
Q9 - Can you change the original report to include any repairs carried out after the report has been issued?
No. By law, we are not able to change the original report. We can however provide an addendum for a small additional fee.
Q10 - Why do you need to be so thorough?
First, we have legal and insurance obligations to conduct our inspections to Australian Standards. If we do not we can get sued for not being honest and/or accurate.
Second, it is in your best interest to have a report your buyers can rely upon. This makes the sales process more transparent and often eliminates any problems throughout negotiation, especially in the later stages when the sale is almost sealed.
Third, there is no point in hiding matters since the buyer ultimately owns the reports and have access to their contents.
Q11 - What if a buyer has a question about the content of the reports?
They are welcome to call Surety and speak directly to the consultant who completed the inspection.
Q12 - Does the buyer reimburse me for the energy rating report?
No. The legislation says this is your responsibility and is not reimbursable. However we make it complimentary as part of our inspection package.
Q13 - Can I pay at settlement?
We do not offer this service, but we do have a three-month payment plan option (see next question).
Q14 - I have not got enough money to pay upfront for the reports. What can I do?
Surety has a Ezi-Pay service*—a three-month payment plan. We require a $300 deposit and the balance of the service is then evenly divided over the following three months (due on the 15th of each month). A $30 administration fee is charged each month and included in your monthly amount. This administration fee is not reimbursable by the buyer.
*This payment option is only available if you purchase our ACT Sellers Package.
Q15 - How much do we receive from the buyer on settlement for the inspection and reports?
You are generally entitled to be reimbursed for a standard package. Legislation introduced in 2008 specifies that the seller can no longer be reimbursed for anything outside of a standard package (for example, fast-tracking of plans from ESDD, Ezi-Pay administration fees and deferred payment fees). However; we always recommend that you confirm anything of this nature with your Solicitor.
Q16 - How long does it take for Property Works to conduct the physical inspections?
The inspection time depends on the size of the property. It could take around 1.5 to 2 hours for a house up to 26 squares or 250m2 and 2 to 2.5 hours for a larger home.
Q17 - I have tenants in my property. Do I organise the inspection time with the tenant or will you handle this?
We are happy to speak to tenants to organise matters. Indeed, we prefer to do so because it gives us an opportunity to explain what we will be doing and how long it will take. We also like to have contact details for the tenants in case anything happens and we are running early or late.
Q18 - Do I need to send the inspection reports to my real estate agent and solicitor?
No. Surety will pass on the necessary documentation to your real estate agent and solicitor as necessary, on your behalf.
Q19 - What if I have not yet decided which real estate agent or solicitor to use?
That is fine. Just let us know when you decide and we will make sure they receive a copy of the reports. Remember: your solicitor will need the reports for the contract and the real estate agent will need to know the energy rating because it must be included in advertising.
Surety will also send the conveyancing package to your solicitor so they can pass it on to the buyers at settlement.
Q20 - What if Iam doing my own conveyancing and do not have a solicitor?
We will forward all the necessary documentation to yourself
Q21 - How long do the reports last if my property does not sell quickly and remains on the market?
Legislation requires us to include the following statement in all of our reports:
"No reliance may be placed on the report for any contract entered into more than 180 days after the date of the inspection".
There is no effective valid period other than the statement above. If a property is on the market beyond 180 days then generally the buyer’s solicitor will request an up-to-date building and timber pest inspection reports at a minimum.
In this case, Surety can provide updated building and timber pest inspections at a reduced price—as long as the reports are not older than eight months old. If older than eight months our standard prices apply.
Q22 - I have copies of the plans for my property. Should I give them to Surety?
Unfortunately we are not allowed to use plans provided by property owners. We must, by law, source plans ourselves from the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate.
Q23 - I had Surety complete reports but did not put the property on the market right away. Now what?
You have three months from the date of the inspection to use the reports, and plans from ESDD, to put your property on the market.
If the reports and plans are older than 3 months you are required, by law to order new building, timber pest and compliance inspection reports and a new conveyancing package from ESDD. The existing energy efficiency rating can be used if:
- The energy rating is not older than 3 months (refer to the date on the energy rating)
- If older than 3 months and less than 6 months you can use the report as long as a stat dec is provided to your solicitor to advise that no change has occured to the property which could affect the original energy rating result.
It is highly recommend that the above is confirmed with your solicitor
Note: in all cases Surety has to complete an onsite physical inspection again, we unable to just re-supply the reports with new dates.
Q24 - I have taken the property off the market but want to put it back on again. Are my reports still okay to use?
If a property is taken of the market within 6 months of the original inspection date and put back on the market again within the same 6 months you are able to use the same original reports which is per the current ACT legislation. However you may find that a buyer will request updated reports especially if the reports are approaching 6 months or greater.
If you are placing the property on the market again after 6 months of the original report dates you are required to obtain new building, timber pest, compliance and energy rating; however you may be able to use the energy rating rating if:
- The energy rating is not older than 3 months (refer to the date on the energy rating)
- If older than 3 months but less than 6 months you can use the report as long as a stat dec is provided to your solicitor to advise that no change has occured to the property which could affect the original energy rating result.
It is highly recommend that the above is confirmed with your solicitor
Note: in all cases Surety has to complete an onsite physical inspection again, we unable to just re-supply the reports with new dates.
Q25 - Can I change real estate agents without getting new reports?
Yes you can. We would recommend that you keep your property advertised on the market for sale while changing real estate agents, to ensure you comply with the legislation.
Q26 - What if I find that not all structures on my property are approved?
You can leave them unapproved or request the services of a private certifier to obtain approval.
If you choose to get the unapproved structures approved you need to provide the necessary copies to your solicitor so they can be attached to the contract.
Q27 - I have booked an inspection but have decided to not go ahead. Can I cancel?
If you cancel your order after 48 hours of placing it—and before we have received the conveyancing package we order from the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate, we can stop the process. A cancellation fee of $25 applies, however.
If you cancel your order after we have received the conveyancing package from ESDD then we will invoice for both the cost of the plans and the $25 cancellation fee applies.
Once paid, we will send the conveyancing package to you. If you decide to put your property on the market again within three months of the date on the conveyancing package you can use these plans for your sale.
Q28 - Once the conveyancing package (plans) are ordered, how long is it before I must use them?
You must proceed with your inspections before the plans are older than 3 months old.
Q29 - Does someone need to be on site when Surety conducts the inspections?
No, as long as we have arranged to gain entry to all structures on the property. You can leave keys somewhere for us or someone can meet us on site (you do not have to stay throughout the inspection).
Q30 - Should I go to the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD) myself for the conveyancing package? Is it cheaper?
No. The cost does not change if you do this yourself because our package price is all inclusive. Also, it is easier if we handle this step since we are familiar with the procedure required at the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate and know exactly what to ask for. This reduces the risk of the wrong information being supplied and saves time.
Q31 - Do inspection companies have to be licensed in the ACT?
No. Licensing was not introduced when the legislation was passed. The only requirement is that an inspection company has professional indemnity insurance and complies with all Australian standards.
Q32 - An immediate family member is buying my house. Do I still need all four property inspection reports?
No. Legislation does not require this. However; depending on the circumstances, you may wish to have a building and timber pest report done for everyone’s piece of mind.
Note: speak to your solicitor to get a clear definition of ‘immediate family’.
Q33 - I am selling a house for demolition. Do I still need all four property inspection reports?
Yes. The law states that unless the property has already been demolished then the owner must have all four property inspection reports completed—building, timber pest, compliance and energy rating.
Q34 - I am selling a house that has been partly burn't out. Do I still need all four property inspections reports?
Yes, but obviously we are only able to inspect and report on the areas that are habitable.
Q35 - I am selling a brand new house. Do I still need all four property inspection reports?
If the house has never been occupied then you do not need the full suite of reports. However, if you lived in the house—for even one night—you must be law have all four inspections and reports done.
Q36 - I am selling a family members house. Do I need to provide Surety with a Power of Attorney?
Yes. We need to have a copy of the Power Of Attorney for our records before we order the plans on your behalf, to ensure we are have evidence of the correct authority to proceed.
Q51 - What does the timber pest inspection include?
See further specific information on our site
Q52 - What does the building inspection include?
See further specific information on our site?
Q53 - Can Surety check that the house and other structures on the property are approved?
Yes we can. On your behalf, we can obtain authority from the current owner of the property to view the relevant Council building file and also conduct an on-site inspection and provide you with a report based on what we view on site. The report will list what is and is not approved.
This report is not a building certificate and must not be confused with that. The local council is the only authority that can issue you with a building certificate.
Q54 - We are buying a property in the country. Do you charge for travel?
Travel costs may apply. Please call our office for clarification.
Q55 - We are buying a rural property do you inspect sheds, stables and other outbuildings?
We can inspect these items if requested. A small additional fee applies.
Q56 - I need an owner builder warranty report. What does this entail?
For more details: owner builder warranty reports.
Q57 - Will the inspector look at sumps, water tanks, and pools?
These items are outside the scope of the Australian Standard and we therefore recommend you engage specific industry experts to inspect these types of items.
Q58 - I want to be there when the inspector is, so I can talk to him?
What we recommend is that the consultant completes his inspection and then you are able to meet him/her on site to discuss the outcome or answer any specific questions after the inspection.
Q59 - Do you use photos in your reports?
Yes we do, but only those that are relevant. We use photos to illustrate points made and detail particular issues.
Q60 - How do I place an order?
You can call us on 1300 767 741
OR
Book online and receive a discount
OR
Fax an order form to 1300 034 750
OR
Email to orders@suretyproperty.com.au
Q61 - Are there termites in Canberra?
Yes, and it is an increasing problem. Termites are regularly found in yards around Canberra and in some homes.
Q62 - Do you have Professional Indeminity Insurance?
Yes, $1,000,000
Q63 - Are you a member of the Master Builder's Association or the Housing Industry Association?
Yes. We are members of both.
Q64 - What are your payment options?
You can pay by Mastercard/Visa, Bank cheque, Cash or BPAY.
Q65 - How long does a building and timber pest inspection take?
The inspection time depends on the size of the house and what they may find – your looking at anything from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Q66 - What experience do your consultants have?
Our consultants have a high level of building knowledge and experience within the building industry. They are specifically trained and have obtained accreditation to inspect properties in accordance with the Australian Standards.
Q67 - Are all your consultants builders?
Some of our consultants are builders, trade qualified or fully trained within the industry specifically to inspect properties for faults. We have a wealth of experience and knowledge in inspecting properties.
It is important to understand that not all builders are qualified or experienced to inspect properties. This is a very specialist field for someone who has a keen eye for details and experience in seeing a fault when others may not. Some builders only have new construction experience and no experience with established homes.
Q68 - Do you look for asbestos?
No – the Australian Standard does not require us to report on Asbestos; If we observe an area that is damaged, flaking and potentially hazardous as a duty of care we would make a note in the report.
Q69 - Does Surety conduct asbestos inspections?
No, Surety is not able to conduct asbestos inspections. In the ACT only companies licensed to handle such asbestos inspections are allowed to conduct them. Surety is not licensed to do so. In NSW no licensing exists however we have chosen not to do these type of inspections.
Q70 - What should I do if you find termites or find termite damage?
Surety is happy to refer you to a timber pest controller for further investigation or treatment.
Q71 - What areas do you service?
See full outline of our service area
