Building inspection services are supplied by individuals or organisations which have expert knowledge in building and construction.

The length of time it will take to arrange a building inspection will depend on a number of different factors including: availability of inspectors and real estate agents, access to the property, the type of building and the type of inspection to be carried out.

Types of building inspections include:

• Building Inspections
• Timber Pest Inspections
• New Home Stage Inspections
• Defect Inspections

Building Inspections

A building inspection will thoroughly and accurately assess the condition of the building and identify whether there are any major structural defects and maintenance issues. All areas of the building should be inspected including any outbuildings to ensure they are structurally sound before you commit to buying. This includes the exterior of building, interior of building, roof space, subfloor space (if applicable), outbuildings (garages, carports, verandas etc). Inspection is always subject to safe access requirements.

Timber Pest Inspections

A timber pest inspection will detect evidence of active or past damage. The inspection should also identify any issues that increase infestation risks and recommend modifications. Timber pest inspections should cover: termites, borers, wood rot and fungal decays where ever they exist. Many inspections now utilise thermal imaging and provide scans free of charge with inspection results.

New Home Stage Inspections

New home stage inspections are designed to monitor vital stages of construction and to identify any defects before they become covered up by subsequent construction stages. Stage inspections ensure your builder is building in accordance with the approved plans, current Building Regulations, Australian Standards and Building Code of Australia (BCA). There are typically four inspections: pre-slab, frame, pre-plaster and pre-final inspections.

Defect Inspections

A defect inspection will accurately assess the condition of the building at the time of the inspection and will identify the cause of any building problem. Defect inspections should come with recommendations for repairs for any current defects, as well as ongoing maintenance recommendations to ensure longevity of the building elements.

When you are looking for a building inspector, in addition to price and availability, there are a number of other important factors you should consider in order to ensure that you get the best possible product. Look for building and timber pest inspectors who are highly qualified, fully trained, properly insured, accredited and have extensive experience in the industry.

Accreditation and insurance

For peace of mind and protection ensure that your building or pest inspector has public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover with a known insurance provider. This will also ensure that the inspector is properly accredited, as accreditation is pre-requisite for obtaining this type of professional insurance.

Australian Standards and professional membership

Ensure the quality of your building inspection by choosing a company or inspector that provides reports that comply with Australian Standards AS3449.1 and AS3449.2. Also look for inspectors with membership of professional associations such as Australian Institute of Building, Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, Housing Industry Association, Master Builder’s Association and Registered Builders Association.

A good building inspector will be able to arrange the inspection directly with the real estate agent or third party and simply notify you once it is scheduled.