Property audits are conducted for various reasons. Instances where a property should be audited are:
- When making an offer to purchase a property
- When deciding on any refurbishments and/or renovations at a property
- When changing the use of the property—for example, going from a long-term property to a short-term rental property
Regardless of the type of property (if rented or strictly used by the owner), a property audit is a great document to have as it identifies issues that may be of a structural or health and safety nature, gives explanations on why the issue is problematic, offers recommendations on how to fix the issue and offers costs to remedy the issues. There may be times when these recommendations include inspections by specific professionals, such as a structural engineer or pest control inspector, for example, and this will be noted in the report.
We take the responsibility of conducting these audits seriously and we must inspect every area of the property meticulously, starting with the exterior and entrance and working our way through the interior of the home.
- All the interiors of the property will be inspected
- All visible areas of the exteriors of the property will be inspected
- All storage areas on the property, including basements, attics, attached storage areas, detached storage areas and utility rooms, will be inspected
- The roof exterior (visible and where applicable) will be inspected
The report will note:
- Any visible damages to/issues with the floors, skirting boards, walls, cupboards, windows, shelving, drawers, counters, ceiling mouldings, and ceilings.
- All inoperable light switches, lighting, alarms, plumbing, fans, air conditioners, kitchen equipment, electronics, and safes.
- Any damaged furniture, linens, and curtains/blinds in each room.
- All visible problems on the exterior with the roof, guttering, and downpipes.
- Any inoperable safety equipment, such as smoke detectors.
- Any potential health and safety issues, such as retaining walls, faulty bannisters, railings, and/or steps.
- A comprehensive list of any issues that need to be addressed, relevant quotes for each item and listed by priority.
- Any recommendations for further inspections or assessments to be carried out by a suitably accredited specialist, such as a pest control inspector, electricity supply authority, water supply authority, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, surveyor, or solicitor,
- A summary of the overall condition of the property.
Digital photographs of the items and issues included in the report to be addressed will be taken to complement the audit report.
The cost of conducting a property audit for a 2-bedroom condo starts at US$200 + VAT.
For a 3 to 5-bedroom house, this cost starts at US$350 + VAT.
These costs vary depending on whether the property is used for short-term or long-term rental and the number of bedrooms.
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Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466
Freephone UK: 0800 0885574
Toll-Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
