Building inspection FAQ

A combined building and pest inspection costs $450-$700 for a typical 3-bedroom house in most Australian cities. Units cost $350-$500, while large or multi-storey houses cost $600-$900+. Prices vary by state, property size, and accessibility.

Book within 24-48 hours of your offer being accepted, during your cooling-off period (typically 5 business days in most states). If buying at auction, you must inspect before auction day as there is usually no cooling-off period.

Yes, in most cases. Building inspections (AS 4349.1) do not cover termites and timber pests. A separate pest inspection (AS 3660) is essential in termite-prone areas, which includes most of coastal and humid Australia.

Inspections typically take 2-4 hours on-site, depending on property size. Reports are usually delivered within 24 hours, often the same day.

It's not mandatory, but highly recommended. The inspector can point out issues in person and explain their significance, which is far more useful than reading a report alone.

Use the report to negotiate repairs, price reductions, or decide whether to proceed. Get quotes for repairs from licensed trades, request specialist reports if needed, and present evidence to the seller during your cooling-off period.

No. Inspections are a visual assessment of accessible areas on the day of inspection. Inspectors cannot predict future issues or detect hidden defects behind walls, under floor coverings, or in inaccessible spaces.

You should always choose your own independent inspector. Agent-recommended inspectors may have conflicts of interest. Verify the inspector's licence with your state's building commission.

A standard inspection covers: structural elements, exterior (roof, walls, gutters), interior (walls, ceilings, floors), visible plumbing and electrical, moisture and drainage. It does NOT include: pest inspection, pool safety, asbestos testing, or soil testing.

Not always. AS 4349.1 allows inspection from ground level or the roof space if the roof is too steep, fragile, or unsafe to walk on. Some inspectors offer a "roof walk" for an additional fee if safely accessible.

QLD: 5 business days, NSW: 5 business days (10 for off-the-plan), VIC: 3 business days, SA: 2 business days, WA: no statutory cooling-off (negotiate a clause), TAS/ACT: varies. At auction, there is usually no cooling-off period in any state.

Only Queensland requires pre-purchase building inspectors to hold a specific QBCC licence. Other states do not regulate pre-purchase inspections, though inspectors may hold licences for other building work. Look for qualified building professionals (surveyors, architects, licensed builders) with professional indemnity insurance. In QLD, verify licences at qbcc.qld.gov.au.

AS 4349.1 is the Australian Standard for Inspection of Buildings (pre-purchase inspections). It defines the scope, methodology, and reporting requirements that inspectors must follow.

AS 3660 is the Australian Standard for termite management in buildings. It covers prevention, detection, assessment, and treatment of timber pests.

Yes. Brick veneer houses often have timber frames, and termites can still enter through cracks in slabs, expansion joints, or service penetrations. Even steel-framed houses can have termite issues with timber decking, skirting, or cabinetry.

Annual inspections are recommended for most properties. High-risk properties (coastal, humid, history of termites) should be inspected every 3-6 months.

Don't disturb them. Get a treatment quote immediately from a licensed pest controller. Assess the damage with a structural engineer if needed. If buying, use quotes to negotiate price reductions or request the seller treat the infestation.

Generally no for your primary residence. It may be deductible for investment properties. Consult an accountant for your specific situation.

The report will note inaccessible areas (locked rooms, blocked subfloor, sealed roof space) as limitations. Hidden defects could exist in those areas. Consider arranging access for a follow-up inspection if critical areas weren't checked.

In QLD, NSW, and VIC, a pool safety certificate is required before a property with a pool or spa can be sold or leased. This is a separate inspection from building and pest.