Understand The Property Before You Make Your Next Move with Building Inspections Property Buyers Trust

Our building inspections provide a detailed visual assessment of the accessible internal and external areas of a property. The exact scope depends on the property type, site conditions, accessibility, and the inspection service selected.

Where accessible and relevant, we may inspect:

• Roof coverings and visible roofing components
• Roof spaces and roof framing
• Internal and external walls
• Ceilings and floors
• Subfloor areas
• Windows, doors, and frames
• Wet areas and visible moisture concerns
• Balconies, verandahs, patios, and stairs
• Guttering and downpipes
• Retaining walls and external structures
• Driveways, paving, fences, and outbuildings

We look for visible major defects, minor defects, deterioration, safety concerns, and maintenance requirements. If an issue requires investigation beyond the scope of a visual inspection, we may recommend advice from an appropriately qualified specialist.

For a private sale: You can arrange an inspection before making an offer or make your offer subject to a satisfactory building inspection. Your conveyancer or solicitor can advise you on the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.

Booking early gives you time to:

• Review the inspection findings
• Ask questions about identified defects
• Arrange specialist assessments
• Obtain repair quotations
• Consider the findings before committing

For an auction: Arrange the inspection before bidding because auction purchases are generally unconditional. A pre-auction inspection can help you understand the property’s visible condition, identify concerns that may affect its value, and establish a more informed bidding limit.

The time required depends on several factors, including:

• The size and age of the property
• The building’s design and construction
• The property’s overall condition
• The accessibility of roof and subfloor areas
• The number of external structures
• The type of inspection requested

A large or older house will generally require more time than a small, recently constructed apartment. Properties with accessible roof spaces, subfloors, outbuildings, or extensive external areas may also take longer to inspect.

We follow a methodical process rather than rushing through the property. When you contact us, we can provide a general timeframe based on the property details and inspection service required.

Yes. We provide your detailed report on the same day as the inspection. This prompt turnaround helps when you are dealing with:

• An upcoming auction
• An offer deadline
• A contract condition
• A construction milestone
• A practical completion inspection
• A scheduled handover

Your report includes colour photographs to help you identify the locations and visible concerns discussed. We also explain the findings in clear, practical language, making it easier to distinguish between potentially significant issues and routine maintenance items.

If you have questions after reviewing the report, you can speak directly with Nick, who personally inspected the property and prepared the findings.

You may be able to attend, depending on the property owner’s or selling agent’s approval, site access arrangements, and safety requirements. Please let us know when booking if you would like to be present.

Attending may allow you to:

• See relevant concerns at the property
• Better understand the location of defects
• Gain practical context about the findings
• Ask questions about visible issues

You do not need to attend to receive a thorough inspection. Your report will document the relevant visible findings with written explanations and colour photographs. Nick can also discuss significant concerns with you after the inspection.

Yes. We inspect a range of residential property types, including:

• Freestanding houses
• Apartments
• Units
• Villas
• Townhouses

The scope for a strata-titled property may differ from an inspection of a freestanding home. Certain areas, such as the building exterior, roof, lifts, shared hallways, basements, and other facilities, may form part of the common property rather than the individual lot.

Buyers should also ask their conveyancer to review relevant owners corporation records. Meeting minutes, maintenance plans, known defects, proposed works, and special levies may reveal important information about the broader development that cannot be established through an inspection of the individual lot alone.

A major defect is generally a problem that may significantly affect the building’s structural integrity, safety, weather resistance, or intended use.

Examples may include:

• Substantial structural movement
• Serious roof deterioration
• Active water penetration
• Unsafe stairs or balustrades
• Significant damage to structural elements
• Defects requiring extensive corrective work

A minor defect usually relates to everyday deterioration, incomplete maintenance, or less significant workmanship concerns.

Examples may include:

• Small cracks
• Worn finishes
• Deteriorated sealants
• Sticking doors
• Damaged fittings
• Localised weathering

Minor defects may not require immediate attention, but they should not be ignored. Addressing routine maintenance early can help prevent smaller issues from developing into more expensive problems.

If we identify a potentially serious concern, we document:

• Its location
• Its visible characteristics
• Its apparent significance
• Any relevant limitations
• Whether further investigation is recommended

A visual inspection cannot always determine the underlying cause or full extent of a defect. Depending on the issue, we may recommend further assessment by a structural engineer, licensed builder, electrician, plumber, roofing contractor, pest management professional, or another qualified specialist.

A serious finding does not automatically mean you should withdraw from the purchase. It gives you an opportunity to gather more information, obtain repair estimates, consult your conveyancer, discuss the matter with the seller, or reconsider how much you are prepared to pay.

No. Building inspections do not give a property a simple pass-or-fail result. Most established properties contain a combination of minor defects, general deterioration, and maintenance requirements.

The report helps you understand:

• Which defects may require urgent attention
• Which concerns warrant specialist investigation
• Which items may involve ongoing maintenance
• Which areas could not be accessed
• Which findings may affect your property decision

You can consider this information alongside the purchase price, your available budget, your renovation plans, and advice from your conveyancer or other property professionals. Our role is to provide clear, independent information, not to decide whether you should purchase the property.

To help us recommend the appropriate service and arrange access efficiently, please provide:

• The property address
• The property type
• The inspection service required
• Your preferred inspection date
• Any auction, contract, construction, or handover deadline
• The selling agent’s or site contact’s details
• Any specific concerns you would like assessed

Tell us if you have noticed cracking, moisture, roof deterioration, previous renovation work, suspected poor workmanship, or another visible concern. You should also provide any relevant information from earlier reports, building documents, or discussions with the agent or builder.

Providing these details helps us confirm the appropriate inspection scope, coordinate access, and understand the purpose of the inspection before Nick visits the property.