Know What You're Buying

New Home Building Inspections for your Peace of Mind

We are an independent Melbourne based new home building inspection company, providing expert inspections for both new and existing homes. With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, we bring a keen eye for detail and an unbiased perspective to every property we assess. Our team also has in depth knowledge of Victorian Building Standards, Acts, and Regulations, so you can be confident in the accuracy of every inspection.

As members of the Master Inspector Association of Australia, we follow a strict Code of Ethics, giving Melbourne homeowners assurance in our professionalism and independence.

We are a Registered Building Practitioner, classified as a Domestic Builder Unlimited, which means we are qualified to manage all types of domestic building work.

For a detailed, independent building inspection and expert guidance, reach out to discuss your requirements.

Where we Provide our Independent Building Inspection Services

We provide our independent new home building inspection services across Melbourne, but specialise in theluding the
Eastern and South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Our team also delivers specialised building inspections throughout the Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast Shire, Cardinia Shire, Yarra Ranges Shire, City of Casey, Latrobe City, Maroondah City, Knox City, as well as Phillip Island.

We Specialise in Inspecting all Stages of a New Home Build

At New Home Building Inspections, we specialise in inspecting every stage of construction. This includes slab inspections, one of our most commonly requested services. Our goal is to identify defects early, helping you avoid costly repairs if issues go unnoticed. All inspection reports are delivered within 24 hours, and we are fully insured for your peace of mind.

Being a Registered Builder, we bring practical, hands on experience to every building inspection. We know where problems are most likely to occur during construction and how to spot them. Simply put, nothing gets past us.

The New Home Building Inspection Process

New Home Building Inspections

The best way to protect your investment in your new home is to have a new home inspection carried out. This ensures that all work has been completed to an acceptable standard before you move in.

Typically, a new home building inspection is conducted when your builder has completed a stage. This includes slab inspections, house frame inspections, pre plaster inspections, pre paint inspections, waterproofing inspections, lock up inspections, and pre handover inspections.

We also specialise in building inspections for knock down rebuilds. No matter what type of inspection you need, we will identify any defects in your new home as well as any issues that do not comply with building standards.

Our rates start from $300 (inc GST)

Slab Inspections

We carry out our concrete slab inspections in two parts to ensure the foundations of your home are done right from the start.

By inspecting both before and after the concrete is poured, we help protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

Step 1 – Before the Concrete is Poured: We check steel reinforcement, boxing, and other preparation work. This allows us to identify any issues early so they can be fixed before the concrete is poured.

Step 2 – After the Concrete is Poured: We focus on making sure the floor is straight, level, and complies with the floor plans. This ensures your home is built on a strong, solid foundation.

Our rates start from $300 (inc GST)

Pre Purchase Building Inspections

Our pre-purchase building and pest inspections give you peace of mind and could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. You can choose a pre-purchase building inspection, a pest inspection, or both—whatever best suits your needs.

A pre-purchase building inspection highlights all major issues, including structural problems, as well as smaller defects that could become costly later. Our pest inspection identifies any pest infestations, with a focus on termites, so you know exactly what you’re buying.

Our rates start from $250 (inc GST)

Swimming Pool Inspections

Swimming pool inspections are now required every four years in Victoria. The first step is to register your pool with your local council—failing to do so could result in a fine of up to $1,652.20.

As licensed inspectors with the Building and Plumbing Commission, we check your swimming pool to ensure its safety barrier is fully compliant.

If everything meets the requirements, we issue a Compliance Certificate. If not, we provide clear guidance on what needs to be done so your pool is safe and meets regulations.

Our rates start from $330 (inc GST).

House Frame Inspections

A house frame inspection is carried out once the wall and roof frames are complete. This stage is crucial because all house frames must meet the strict standards set by Australian regulations.

The standard is made up of four parts, covering design criteria, building practices, tie-downs, bracing, and span tables for timber frames. Our inspection ensures your house frame meets all four parts, giving you confidence that your home is structurally sound and built safely from the ground up.

With our house frame inspection, you can move forward knowing your home is on the right track—saving you time, stress, and potential costs down the line.

Our rates start from $300 (inc GST)

VCAT & Dispute Resolution

Finding defects in your new home can be stressful, and understanding how to have them addressed isn’t always straightforward.

Sometimes, resolving the issue directly with your builder isn’t possible, which means you may need to take the matter to Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBRV) or VCAT.

At New Home Building Inspections, we provide expert guidance to help homeowners prepare for both dispute resolution processes, ensuring every step is clear and manageable.

With our extensive experience, including acting as Independent Expert Witnesses at VCAT, we provide thorough, professional support to help you navigate the process confidently, resolve issues effectively, and protect your valuable investment.

Maintenance Inspections

Maintenance inspections are carried out once you’ve moved into your new home and help ensure any defects that appear after living in it are identified and addressed. If issues are found, it is the builder’s responsibility to fix them.

Homeowners should be aware of three types of defects, each with a specific reporting timeframe:

Minor defects – report within 90 days
Non-structural defects – report within 2 years
Structural defects – report within 6 years

Defective Works

If your builder goes broke, you will likely face a stressful situation. Domestic Building Insurance (DBI), underwritten by VMIA, provides coverage when a builder cannot complete the work due to insolvency.

For projects (construction, renovation, or extension) above a certain contract value, the builder must obtain DBI on behalf of the homeowner before starting.

New Home Building Inspections can prepare a detailed audit of unfinished or faulty construction, helping you lodge a strong DBI claim and ensure your project is completed properly.

Knock Down Rebuild

Knock down rebuilds are a smart solution when you’ve found the perfect location but not the ideal home. They allow you to design and build a property that suits your needs and lifestyle perfectly.

However, they also come with added challenges, which means there are more chances for issues to arise.

That’s why it’s essential to have a independent building inspection at every stage of the rebuild. Regular inspections help identify potential problems early, ensure compliance with building standards, and give you peace of mind throughout the entire process.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing inspections are among the most important inspections you can have for your home. Even small defects, if left unchecked, can lead to costly water damage.

Beyond the financial impact, water damage can cause damp, mould, and rot, which may pose serious health risks to you and your family.

A professional waterproofing inspection helps catch problems early, protect your home’s structure, and give you peace of mind knowing your property is safe, secure, and built to last.

Our rates start from $300 (inc GST)

Vendor Reports

Our vendor report gives you a clear and detailed overview of any major defects in your home.

By identifying these issues early, you have the opportunity to fix them before listing your property, helping you sell with confidence and potentially achieve a better price.

Additionally, a vendor report can be used by prospective buyers as a pre-purchase inspection, providing transparency and streamlining the selling process.

Our rates start from $350 (inc GST)

Maintenance Reports

A maintenance report provides a thorough overview of any major defects and safety issues in your home, some of which you may not even be aware of.

It clearly outlines the work required to prevent further damage, helping you avoid costly repairs in the future.

With a maintenance report, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is safe, secure, and well-maintained for both you and your family.

Our rates start from $350 (inc GST)

What You Gain by Having a Building Inspection

Identify defects early before they lead to costly repairs in your new Melbourne home
Ensure your builder meets Victorian Building Standards and Regulations
Avoid unexpected issues after handover or settlement
Hold your Victorian builder accountable with an independent inspection report
Detect non-compliant or substandard work during key stages of construction
Make informed decisions when buying or building your new home
Protect your investment with expert advice from a Registered Building Practitioner
Fast turnaround on reports — usually within 24 hours

Our Latest Blogs

The New Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission

The Victorian Government has established the Building & Plumbing Commission (BPC), which commenced operations on 1 July 2025 and is now overseeing the state’s building and plumbing industries. The BPC brings together the responsibilities of the former Victorian Building Authority (VBA), Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV), and the Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) function from the

Why you Need a Registered Master Inspector

When it comes to safeguarding your investment in a new home, choosing a Registered Master Inspector is essential. A Registered Master Inspector brings the qualifications, experience, and accountability needed to ensure your building inspection is thorough, accurate, and compliant with the latest Australian building standards. New Home Building Inspections is a Registered Master Inspector Paul

The Importance of Timber Frame Inspections

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has a Proactive Inspections Program. It’s aim is to uncover non compliant building and plumbing work during the construction phase. All non compliant work found during an inspection is required to be rectified. A lot of issues are undercovered by these inspections but the most common one is in relation to timber

Member of Master Inspector Association of Australia
Registered Builders & Inspectors
Licensed with the Building and Plumbing Commission
Completely independent Building Inspectors
Fully insured
Reports within 24 hrs
Over 30 years experience
Thermal imaging available
Qualified Timber Pest Inspectors
Cert IV – Building Construction
Cert IV – Occupational Health & Safety

The New Home Building Inspections Difference

We understand that buying a home is likely the biggest investment you will make for yourself and your family. The last thing you want is to discover defects after moving in, especially when they could lead to costly repairs.

Many people don’t realise that in Australia, the general rule is “buyer beware” when it comes to purchasing a house. Sellers are not legally required to disclose serious issues, such as termite infestations or structural problems. You can see examples of common defects we uncover in our gallery.

Every home is unique, which is why we provide a customised building inspection report that is easy to read, simple to understand, and professionally written to Australian standards.

We are fully independent and not affiliated with any estate agents. Our only goal is to give you an unbiased assessment, helping you make informed decisions. This commitment is reflected in our many Google 5-star reviews.

Whether you are building a new home, buying an existing property, bidding at auction, or considering an investment property, our knowledge, skills, and experience help ensure you know exactly what you are buying — giving you confidence and peace of mind throughout the process.

Reviews

HONEST, THOROUGH, EDUCATED US AS WE WENT, WILL HAPPILY USE AGAIN!

“We cannot recommend NHBI highly enough. What you want and need in quality versus quantity in your independent reports. Through friends, family and research, we found you may be paying for the name more than the quality of the service with other inspectors. With other inspectors we found they were often fluffing it up, without providing the substance to the report that NHBI would provide. Paul properly referenced with building codes any sub-standard work and stated what builders needed to do to actually fix them.

We absolutely loved Paul’s professionalism, approachability, and responsiveness. He fully explained how he does his inspections and reports, and was more than accommodating with our often last minute inspection requests. If we ever take the plunge and build again, we will absolutely use NHBI.”

Meagan C

PROFESSIONALISM, QUALITY, RESPONSIVENESS, VALUE

“We had Paul come out to do a building inspection at short notice. He was extremely thorough and supplied us with a very comprehensive report. He was easy to deal with and very professional and we would highly recommend him. We received the report the same day that he came out.”

Gillian Clare

PROFESSIONALISM, QUALITY, RESPONSIVENESS, VALUE

“Paul Frost was prompt in his response to my request to do a pre purchase inspection and liaised with our agent to make a time. His inspection was followed by a phone call, and a full report was quick to follow. He spoke in easy to understand terms, listening to my concerns and addressing them. He was friendly and professional in what can sometimes be an anxiety inducing time. I highly recommend this business and would certainly use them again if needed.”

Jodie C

Know What You're Buying

New Home Building Inspections for your Peace of Mind

Where we Provide our Independent Building Inspection Services

We Specialise in Inspecting all Stages of a New Home Build

The New Home Building Inspection Process

New Home Building Inspections

Slab Inspections

Pre Purchase Building Inspections

Swimming Pool Inspections

House Frame Inspections

VCAT & Dispute Resolution

Maintenance Inspections

Defective Works

Knock Down Rebuild

Waterproofing

Vendor Reports

Maintenance Reports

What You Gain by Having a Building Inspection

Our Latest Blogs

The New Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission

Why you Need a Registered Master Inspector

The Importance of Timber Frame Inspections

Why Trust New Home Building Inspections

The New Home Building Inspections Difference

Reviews

HONEST, THOROUGH, EDUCATED US AS WE WENT, WILL HAPPILY USE AGAIN!

PROFESSIONALISM, QUALITY, RESPONSIVENESS, VALUE

PROFESSIONALISM, QUALITY, RESPONSIVENESS, VALUE

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Sample Inspection Report?