Dads, you’re more than just role models — you’re protectors and providers, and we know you try your best! When house hunting, you’re not just looking for a place to live — you’re choosing a safe, secure foundation for your family’s future. From school zones to structural integrity, every decision matters when you're building a home where love and stability can grow.
Jean‑Marc Masson knows this balancing act well. A father himself, he is also a Certified Master Inspector and the owner of Home Inspection Services South Africa. With years of experience inspecting properties across the country, he understands the emotional, financial, and spiritual responsibility that comes with being a dad.
“A home isn’t just a structure,” says Masson. “It’s where families grow, rest, and are shaped. As fathers, we’re called to steward that space wisely.”
“Being a homeowner is a privilege, but it comes with responsibility,” he adds. “Fathers often feel the pressure to provide a ‘safe’ home — and that safety starts with knowledge. A thorough inspection empowers you to make wise decisions that protect both your family and your finances.”
Masson shares his professional knowledge to ensure dads can be confident that the home they choose is not just a good fit — but fit to live in.
Q&A: What every dad should know
Q1: Does a property’s price always reflect its value, based on its condition?
A: Not necessarily. A home in a sought‑after area may be priced attractively but could hide major structural, damp, or compliance issues. A lower price may indicate urgency to sell or conceal underlying problems. Without an inspection, you’re taking a gamble.
Q2: Why is it important to do a basic inspection, even as a novice?
A: It helps you slow down and look beyond surface‑level aesthetics. You don’t need construction expertise to notice water stains, smell mustiness, or check if windows are stiff. Small signs often point to bigger issues. For a broader checklist including hidden costs and bond essentials, see “The Ultimate Property Buyer’s Checklist”.
Q3: What should buyers ask sellers?
Has the home ever experienced flooding or water intrusion?
Are all alterations and additions approved on municipal plans?
When was the roof last inspected or repaired?
Are any known defects covered under building insurance?
Has there been any past mould, damp, or termite activity?
Q4: What are signs of structural problems?
- Sagging rooflines
- Cracks wider than 5 mm, especially diagonal ones above windows or doors
- Doors/windows sticking (possible foundation movement)
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Rusted reinforcements on balconies or retaining walls
Q5: Why include outdoor areas in the inspection?
Outdoor features like paving, retaining walls, and pool fencing often go unchecked. Yet issues in these areas can cause long‑term damage or immediate safety risks — especially with small children.
Q6: How do building plans relate to inspections?
Building plans are vital. Inspectors compare what should exist with what’s actually there. Unapproved structures like closed‑in balconies or extensions may pose legal and safety hazards.
Q7: Should defects be conditions in the Offer to Purchase (OTP)?
Absolutely. If problems are discovered, make your offer conditional on repairs or negotiate a price reduction. This gives you negotiation leverage and protection.
Q8: What does a professional inspector offer beyond what buyers might notice?
Independent inspectors follow a systematic process, covering everything from roof covering to sub‑floor moisture. They’re trained to spot hidden issues and interpret what surface symptoms signal. Banks only perform valuations, not full inspections.
Q9: Do banks accept private inspection reports?
Banks typically only value property — they don’t assess condition. Independent inspections are for your due diligence and peace of mind.
Q10: What are red flags during a viewing?
Large or stepped cracks in walls
Water damage or mould (musty smells, bubbling paint, dark stains)
Loose or sloping floors
Stains or bulges on ceilings
Poor drainage around the house
Incomplete or rushed DIY finishes
Exterior paint flaking near the damp‑proof course
Q11: How can buyers avoid being swept up in excitement?
Remind yourself that you’re not just buying a lifestyle — you’re inheriting responsibility for roof, walls, and structure too. Bring a friend, sleep on it, and always get a professional inspection before signing.
“At the end of the day, providing a safe and secure home is about more than bricks and mortar,” concludes Masson. “It’s about creating a place where your family can thrive, find peace, and grow in love.”
Bonus Dad Tip
Did you know that in South Africa, sellers aren’t obliged to provide a home inspection report — but buyers are protected under the Consumer Protection Act in some scenarios? That makes an independent inspection one of the most powerful tools a father can use when safeguarding his family’s future.
Know your rights
In South Africa, homes are often sold under the voetstoots clause — meaning “as is”, with all defects. Buyers generally have no claim unless they can prove the seller knew about a defect and deliberately failed to disclose it.
However, if you're buying from a developer, investor, or agent-managed company, the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) applies. This overrides voetstoots and gives buyers the right to:
A property that's safe and in working order
Written disclosure of all known defects
Remedies like repairs, refunds, or contract cancellation if the home is misrepresented
The Property Practitioners Act (2022) also requires estate agents to provide a completed disclosure form. If this isn’t done, the sale is invalid.
Why this matters: A professional inspection is your best protection. It helps uncover issues early and gives you evidence to act — before you sign anything binding.
Top 5 smart dad tips for house hunting and inspections
1. Add a “subject to inspection” clause Make the OTP conditional on a satisfactory inspection within 7 days. This protects you if serious issues come up.
2. Choose your own qualified inspector Use a certified, independent inspector — not one recommended by the agent. Their job is to protect your interests.
3. Use the report to negotiate If defects are found, ask for repairs, a lower price, or add repair conditions to the sale.
4. Don’t skip outdoor and hidden areas
Ask about:
Roof condition – Leaks can lead to mould, which affects kids’ health and costs thousands to fix.
Drainage – Pooling water isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a mosquito magnet and a slip risk.
Damp and mould – Triggers allergies and respiratory issues, especially in young children.
Electrical compliance – Outdated or non-compliant wiring can be a major fire risk and costly to replace — and can delay transfer.
Insulation and ventilation – A poorly ventilated or uninsulated home is uncomfortable in summer/winter and expensive to run.
Pest infestations – Termites, cockroaches, or rodents are common in older homes and can be tough to eradicate once settled.
Plumbing – Check for old pipes, low water pressure, or slow drains. Leaks inside walls or under tiles can go unnoticed but cause massive long-term damage — and redoing bathrooms is expensive.
Here’s to all the dads making wise property choices and building safe, loving homes — one brick at a time.
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Private Property.
