FAQ - Building Inspections

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 A building inspection, also known as pre purchase inspections, property or house inspection is designed to give you independent and objective advice about the physical state of a building. 

This advice enables you to make an informed decision, usually about whether to purchase a property or not.

Inspection reports are a snapshot in time, therefore, you should always ensure you refer to a current inspection.

Building inspections are also carried out for the purpose of risk management, dispute resolution, insurance claims, compliance with legislation and regulations and to inform renovation and extension decisions. A construction inspector can provide a comprehensive report to give you the confidence that your new build will stand the test of time. 

Pre Purchase inspections conducted by one of our building inspectors are generally ordered in the process of buying or selling a home. 

An inspection may also be required if you discover that your home has developed a building defect over time or as a consequence of an incident.

Our clients include: 

1. Home buyers and sellers.
2. Residential property investors.
3. Property managers including body corporate entities and strata title managers.
4. Owners of property including government and private agencies and businesses.
5. Building and construction contractors, conducted by our registered building practitioner and construction inspector.

 A pre-purchase building inspection is essential because it can save you from buying a property with serious hidden problems. The inspection is a thorough check of the property’s condition by a qualified professional – and its cost is tiny compared to the price of a home or the expense of unexpected major repairs down the track.  Even if a house looks solid and well-maintained, there could be issues beneath the surface that only an experienced inspector will spot. 

For example, an inspection might uncover:

1. structural cracks,
2. termite damage
3. leaking roof or bathroom

First-home buyers in Melbourne often feel pressure to act quickly in the hot property market, but skipping an inspection is a risky gamble. 

It’s not uncommon to hear horror stories of buyers who forwent an inspection and ended up facing tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. By getting a professional inspection, you gain a clear understanding of the property’s true condition. This knowledge can help you avoid a money pit, negotiate a better price, or in some cases, decide to walk away. 

As Consumer Affairs Victoria advises, engaging a qualified inspector before you sign the contract can protect you from extensive unforeseen repair costs – a good inspector can see through cosmetic cover-ups and find faults that others might hide consumer.vic.gov.au. In short, a building inspection provides peace of mind, ensuring your first home is structurally sound, safe to live in, and free of nasty surprises.

Answer: A comprehensive pre-purchase building inspection will cover all accessible areas of the property, inside and out, to evaluate its structural soundness and identify any defects or safety issues. Our licensed inspectors follow a thorough checklist in accordance with Australian Standards. Typically, an inspection will include examination of:

• Foundations      and Subfloor: Checking stumps, footings, concrete slabs, and any crawl      spaces under the house for structural integrity, dampness, or timber rot.
• Exterior      Walls and Structure: Looking at the condition of external walls,      cladding or brickwork, and signs of cracks or structural movement.
• Roof      and Gutters: Inspecting the roof covering (tiles, metal sheets, etc.)      for leaks or damage, the condition of gutters, downpipes, and proper      drainage
• Roof      Space (Attic): Going into the roof cavity to assess framing timbers,      insulation, sarking, signs of leaks or pest infestations, and adequate      ventilation
• Interior      Rooms: Checking walls, ceilings, and floors in every room for cracks,      moisture stains, mould, or unevenness that could indicate problems. We also test that      doors and windows open and close properly (which can reveal issues like      foundation movement or poor installation).
• Wet      Areas (Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry): Examining tiles, sinks, toilets,      and plumbing for leaks, water damage, or poor sealing. Moisture readings      are taken around wet-area walls to detect hidden leaks or rising damp.
• Electrical      and Plumbing (Visual): Ensuring basic electrical fixtures (lights,      fans, switches) and plumbing fixtures (taps, toilets) are functioning.      We’re not doing a code compliance audit, but we note any visible wiring      concerns, outdated switchboards, or signs of plumbing problems like      corroded pipes.
• Other      Structures & Exterior Features: Inspecting any garages, carports,      decks, verandahs, retaining walls, fences, and even the driveway for      structural issues or deterioration.
• The property’s  site is also assessed for drainage problems or areas where water pools near the building, which can lead to foundation issues.
• Pests and Termite Evidence: Although a separate pest inspection is      recommended (more on that below), during the building inspection we also      look for any signs of termite activity or damage, wood borer, or      rodent damage (chewed timbers, nests in roof, etc.)

In summary, the inspector will go from top to bottom, inside and out, checking the structural integrity and condition of every major element of the home. You’ll receive a detailed report listing any defects found – from major structural faults to minor maintenance issues – along with photographs and recommendations. This thorough approach ensures you know exactly what you’re buying. 

 Termites are a big concern in Melbourne, so it’s wise to address pest issues before buying. A standard pre-purchase building inspection focuses on structural and maintenance defects, and while our inspectors will note any visible signs of termites or other pests, it is not a full pest inspection by itself. We strongly recommend getting a dedicated pest (termite) inspection in addition to the building inspection for complete peace of mind. 

Termites can cause severe timber damage, and unfortunately Melbourne has its fair share of termite-prone areas – especially in leafy suburbs with older homes.

The good news is our building inspectors are trained to spot red flags for pest activity during the course of the building check. We look for things like mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, termite droppings, or borers in floorboards. We also use advanced tools like thermal imaging(see more on this below) which can help detect termite nests or moisture from termite mud tunnels behind walls flir.com. 

If we see any indications of active termites or past damage, we’ll note it in the report and advise you on the next steps.

However, because termites can be sneaky and often hide in areas that aren’t easily visible, a separate pest inspection by a licensed pest inspector is recommended as the gold standard. In a pest inspection, the inspector will do an even more in-depth search for termites, borers, and wood-decaying fungi throughout the property (including invasive checking of timber if needed). 

Combining a building inspection and a pest inspection will give you the fullest picture. Many first-home buyers opt for a combined building and pest inspection for convenience – we offer this service to streamline the process. In summary, our building inspection will include a basic check for pest problems and use tools to uncover hidden termite activity, but for complete coverage, consider a dedicated termite inspection as well, especially given the high termite risk in Melbourne’s climate 

Pre Purchase Inspections act as a snapshot in time which identifies safety hazards and any major, major structural or minor defects. 

Inspection reports have a number of purposes and benefits however the primary reason to conduct an inspection is to ensure that the home you are buying or occupying is safe and doesn’t pose a health risk to occupants.

The major reasons to have a building inspector or construction inspector conduct a building inspection are outlined below:

1. Without expert knowledge of construction methods and materials, many defects are concealed and difficult to detect.
2. Most people won’t get onto the roof, into the roof and under the floor of a home during their own inspections of a property which may mean potentially significant and costly defects would be missed.
3. Many individuals don’t have the expertise or time to assess the potential cost and works implications of the defects that are easily identified or obvious.
4. Interstate investors may buy property ‘online’ and a building inspection allows them to get independent advice and information about a property rather than relying on the advice of agents who have a vested interest in the sale proceeding.
5. You can rely on the findings of a building inspection as they are backed by Professional Indemnity insurance provisions, the advice of a ‘mate’ or ‘friend’ in the building trade doesn’t have the same assurances.
6. Prevent financial loss which may occur if you find major defects and safety hazards.
7. Assist you to plan for repairs and renovation and their likely cost.
8. Determine the rate of return on potential investments given the likely maintenance requirements.
9. A building inspector can aid in negotiations for the sale or purchase of a property.

Building inspections are particularly critical when considering that a home or building may have Asbestos or other potential contaminants present including mold or lead products which are known health hazards.

When purchasing a building many people will plan to spend up to their maximum financial capacity to acquire the property.  Without a building inspection these investors and home owners may then find themselves unable to meet the costs of repair works required to address defects. 

The timing of a building inspection depends on your situation and mostly the method of sale.  

As the findings of a building inspection report may cause you to withdraw an offer you should always ensure that you are informed of your rights and options.  We recommend that you engage a conveyancer or settlement agent as early as possible.

Auctions

Organise the inspection prior to the auction date and as early as you can.  

You may then also be in a position to make a confident and informed offer prior to the auction itself.  

The general risk with ordering a building inspection prior to auction is that you may not be the successful bidder.  

The larger risk is bidding at auction and buying a property which has not had a building inspection completed. This could  mean your renovation plans and savings go out the door.  

With up to 1 in 5 homes being subject to termite damage at some point in their life cycle and approximately 1/3 of all homes being sold with a major defect of some type it is not worth skipping a building inspection.

We have also seen many examples where people have purchased a property and come to us after the auction when they discover that their budget for their new kitchen is now going to go on simply making the property water tight, addressing rising damp or dodgy repair jobs.

Private or Fixed Date Sales & Expressions of Interest

If you are planning to buy a home or any property, to occupy or as an investment, you should make any verbal or written offer conditional on a building and termite inspection at least. 

This will protect you as the buyer in the instance that our building inspector finds a major defect which may persuade you to no longer pursue the property. 

  Absolutely! We welcome and even encourage you to attend the building inspection if you can. Buying your first home is a big deal, and being present during the inspection is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the property. Our inspector will walk you through the house and point out findings in real time. You’ll be able to see issues first hand and ask any questions on the spot. For example, if the inspector notices some cracks in a wall or a leak in the roof, they can show it to you in person and explain how serious (or minor) it is. This on-site explanation can be much easier to understand than just reading the report later.

Many first-home buyers find that attending the inspection is like a crash course in home maintenance. You can ask things like, “Is this crack something to worry about?” or “How can I fix this downpipe problem?” and get immediate answers from a pro. Our inspectors are friendly and happy to share tips about the house’s condition, what upkeep it might need, and so on. It’s also a chance to familiarize yourself with the property – locating the mains shutoff, understanding how the house has been constructed, etc.

If you’re unable to attend due to work or other commitments, don’t worry. We will still perform a thorough inspection and provide a detailed report with photos. Then, we’re happy to have a phone call afterward to go over the findings with you. But whenever possible, we love to have clients join us during the inspection. As one Melbourne inspector notes, being present is the perfect opportunity to ask questions about each aspect of the property. Ultimately, it’s your future home, and we want you to feel confident and informed – so you’re welcome to be there every step of the way.

Thermal imaging technology helps our inspectors find hidden issues such as termite nests (visible as heat hotspots) or moisture leaks inside walls. We use advanced tools like infrared thermal cameras to detect temperature anomalies that reveal problems not visible to the naked eye. For example, termite colonies generate heat and their mud tunnels hold moisture; this can create tell tale heat patterns on a wall surface that a thermal camera will pick up flir.com. By scanning walls, ceilings, and floors with thermal imaging, we can often spot signs of termites, water leaks, missing insulation, or overheating electrical components without any destructive testing.

In addition to thermal imaging, our inspectors come equipped with moisture meters to measure dampness in walls and timbers (useful for finding leaks or damp plaster), movement gauges to monitor structural movement or crack progression, and high-quality digital cameras to photograph defects in hard-to-reach places (like inside roof spaces or under floors). We may also use video borescopes (small cameras on a flexible tube) to peek into cavities, and laser levels to check if floors or walls are uneven due to settlement.

These advanced tools ensure a more thorough inspection. For instance, a thermal camera can catch a hidden roof leak long before it stains the ceiling. A moisture meter can alert us to water ingress behind a shower wall that looks fine on the surface. We even use long poles or drones for inspecting high roofs when needed. Not all inspectors use such technology, but we believe it’s worth it – especially for first-home buyers who want extra assurance. By using cutting-edge tools alongside our expertise, we can uncover issues that traditional inspections might miss, giving you the most complete picture of the property’s condition.

The cost of a building inspection in Melbournetypically ranges a few hundred dollars, depending on the size and type of property. 

For an average house, you might expect to pay roughly $400–$800. 

The price can vary based on factors like the property’s size, age, and complexity, as well as whether you bundle a pest inspection or any additional services.

While as a first-home buyer you’re probably watching every dollar, it’s important to view this cost in context. A building inspection is a small investment compared to the property’s price and what it could cost to fix undiscovered defects. 

Spending a few hundred dollars up front could save you tens of thousands by revealing issues that you can ask the seller to repair or use to negotiate a better price. In some cases, an inspection might even save you from buying a money pit – which is priceless in terms of stress and future repair bills.

Keep in mind that Melbourne prices for inspections are competitive. Our company offers fixed upfront quotes with no hidden charges, and we believe the peace of mind and negotiating power you get from a thorough report is well worth the cost. Also, remember that skipping an inspection to save money is risky – as one first-home buyer adviser put it, “It may cost $400 to $500 for a building inspection, but it will save you thousands in the long run” racv.com.au. Most importantly, you can’t put a price on knowing that your future home is safe and structurally sound.

  We understand that the Melbourne property market moves fast, and first-home buyers often need an inspection ASAP – especially if you’re in a cooling-off period or about to bid at auction. 

The good news is, our company is built for speed without compromising quality. We can usually schedule your inspection within 24-48 hours of your inquiry (often even next-day service), and our inspectors work six days a week to accommodate urgent requests.

Not only are we quick to inspect, but we also pride ourselves on delivering same-day reports. 

This means you’ll typically receive your written building inspection report on the same day the inspection is carried out, often within just a few hours afterward. We know that waiting days for a report can be stressful, so our workflow is optimized for a fast turnaround. Our inspectors use mobile tools on-site to compile findings efficiently, and once the inspection is complete, we finalize the detailed report and email it directly to you that day.

This rapid service is especially helpful if you’re in the standard 2–3 day cooling-off period for private sales in Victoria, or if you need to review the report quickly to decide on next steps. Rest assured, even though we work fast, the report will be thorough – covering all the findings with clear descriptions and photos. Speed and quality go hand-in-hand for us. So, if you need an inspection at short notice, we’ve got you covered. You won’t be left waiting and wondering; you’ll have the answers in your hands the very same day, so you can move forward with your home purchase confidently and without delay 

D.C Building Inspectors will visit the property to conduct a detailed property inspection at the arranged time. If you are able to attend, we would be more than happy to discuss any issues or concerns you may have. 

During the property inspection the we will inspect every aspect of the property, including:

• Exterior of the building
• Ceilings
• Walls
• Floors
• Windows and Window Frames
• Doors and Door Frames
• Plastering
• Painting
• Bathrooms, En-suites, Kitchen, Laundry, WC
• Stairs
• Balustrades and Handrails
• Toilets
• Baths
• Shower recess
• Basins
• Taps
• Bench tops
• Cabinets
• Tiling
• Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings
• Hot Water Units
• Rising Damp
• Moisture in wet areas
• Roof space framing structures
• Roof coverings
• Gutters
• Skylights
• Vents and Flues
• Flashings
• Valleys
• Eaves
• Fascias and Barges
• Downpipes
• Insulation
• Downlight safety
• Sarking
• Subfloor supports
• Ventilation
• Drainage
• Piers
• Exterior walls including Cladding
• Lintels
• Doors
• Windows
• Pergolas
• Decking
• Patios
• Balconies
• Within 30m of the house and within the boundaries of the site
• Fencing
• Retaining walls
• Paths
• Driveways and water drainage
• Garages