FAQ’s
Where do you actually look whilst performing a Building Inspection?
A Building inspection includes all visually accessible areas of a structure, such as:
- Roof Exterior
- Roof Void
- Interior of the Structure
- Exterior façade of the Structure
- Subfloor or slab edge (depending on Construction technique)
- Other Structures within the property boundaries
The property up to 30 meters around the structure is also included when a Timber Pest inspection service is booked, where property boundaries allow.
When will I receive the report?
Reports are emailed within 24 hours of the inspection time. Once the client has read the report we urge them to call us to discuss any areas of the Report which may be of concern.
How do I book an Inspection?
We will email a Pre-Inspection Agreement to you which will clearly detail the inspection process. Once you return the signed Pre-Inspection Agreement along along with all details of the property and the Estate Agents contact information, we will organise access to the property on your behalf and advise you of the inspection time.
When do I need to pay?
Payment for the Inspection must be made prior to the release of the Report payments can be made via EFT, Direct Deposit or Credit Card.
What Inspections can you do?
We are trained, Certified and insured to perform the following inspections:
- Pre-Purchase Building Inspections
- Building and Timber Pest Inspections
- New Construction Inspections – Stage by Stage
- Structural Building
- Owner Builder – 137B Inspection Reports
- Asbestos and Methamphetamine Sampling and Testing (NATA Approved)
- Expert Witness Inspections
- VCAT Building Reports
Can I call if I don’t understand something in the Report?
Of course, buying a home or investment property is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make and we want to ensure that you know exactly the state of the property.
Do you offer Pre-Auction Inspections?
Yes, we do perform Pre-Auction Inspections and have even been known to carry out one an hour before the Auction, although we do not recommend this practice. If our client misses out at an auction, we only charge 50% of the inspection fee for subsequent inspections until our client is finally successful at which time the final 50% is due.
We feel this is a positive incentive for those looking at purchasing a home in an Auction market. Better to have an inspection done before you lift the paddle, than not!
How long does an Inspection usually take?
A typical three bedroom, one and a half bathroom home takes approximately 60 – 90 minutes to inspect and approximately two hours to document. The general condition of the home and the amount of personal belongings impact greatly the time taken.
What does an inspection cost?
Building inspection costs do vary based on the type of inspection and the size of the property. For example, a Pre-Purchase inspection for a one bedroom unit is around $390.00 as opposed to a three bedroom, one and a half bathroom home, which is around $590.00.
New Construction or Stage by Stage inspections for the average 25 square home vary from $330.00 to $690.00, depending on the stage and documentation requirements. A good rule of thumb is an average price of $500.00 per stage.
Can I attend the Inspection?
We are happy for clients to attend an Inspection as long as we are allowed to perform the Inspection without interruption. After this time, we are always happy to go through the findings with you.
Do you do Timber Pest Inspections?
Yes, we do a combined Timber Pest with Structural Building Inspection. Should you require only a Timber Pest inspection, we employ a professional pest inspector who has more than 20 years’ experience to attend to your inspection and treatment needs.
When should I have the property Inspected?
The Inspection can be performed either prior to or after signing the Contract. You will need to know what your legal options are for negotiation and/or for opting out of the Contract, as defects identified at the time of Inspection may change the financial arrangement of the purchase.
What insurance do you have?
We are fully insured to $1,000,000 with Lloyds of London as the Underwriter.
Can you help with renovation ideas?
Yes, one of the services we offer is a design and construct package, to help people get started on the renovation path. We can help source certified and reputable trades from interior designers to electricians.
I want to remove a wall, can you guide me?
Yes, we can offer advice as to the load-bearing capacity of existing walls and offer advice on structural changes to the existing structure. If you need a structural engineer to perform computations or structural designs, we even have one at our disposal.