Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
WHAT AREAS DO YOU UNDERTAKE HOME INSPECTIONS?
We provide new home inpsection services in the Eastern suburbs and South Eastern suburbs of Melborne. This includes the City of Knox, the City of Maroondah, the City of Casey, the Cardinia Shire, Yarra Ranges Shire as well as the Bass Coast Shire.
In addition, do new home inspections on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as Philip Island. We also work further afield in Drouin, Inverloch, Nar Nar Goon, Warragul and Wonthaggi
MY HOME IS A NEW BUILD. DOES IT NEED AN INSPECTION?
Yes. Unfortunately we uncover a lot of defects when we undertake new home inspections. Some of these are major defects. These major defects include slabs not compacted correctly, incorrect sizing of rooms, incorrect placement of plumbing, poor plastering and brickwork not to standard. Remember, it is usually harder to get your builder to fix mistakes once you have made payment. This means it is very important to get a new home inspection undertaken before you make payment to your builder.
WHAT TYPES OF HOME INSPECTIONS DO YOU DO?
We do many types of home inspections. This includes new home inspections. We do inspections at various stages of the building of your new home. These stages include pre handover inspections, house frame inspections, lock up inspections, pre paint inspections and slab inspections.
We also undertake Pre Purchase Building and Pest inspections. These inspections are for existing homes. In addition, if you would like to know the condition of your home before you sell it we can do a vendor inspection. Finally, if you want to make sure that you and your family are safe we can do a maintenance inspection on your home.
SHOULD I GET A BUILDING INSPECTION BEFORE I PUT IN AN OFFER?
It is always best to get your home building inspection undertaken before you sign a contract or bid at auction. You can buy your home with a ‘subject to a building inspection’ clause. However, a lot of these clauses only allow you to pull out of the contract if there is a major structural defect. The problem is that you may find that the defect is enough to want to get out of buying your home – but you may not be able to do so.
As well, most auctions are unconditional. This means that you cannot get out of the contract if you discover issues with the home. This is even when they are discovered before settlement date.
WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING?
Thermal imaging uses infrared radiation and thermal energy in low visibility environments to formulate images. As part of a building inspection it used to uncover issues such as rising damp and termites. Things that can’t always been seen by the naked eye.
DO YOU DO SWIMMING POOL INSPECTIONS?
Yes we do swimming pool inspections, to make sure your safety barriers are compliant. When we do a swimming pool inspection we either issue a Compliance Certificate or advise you or what needs to be done to ensure your safety barrier is compliant. Our fees start from $250 (inc GST).
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE NEW HOME BUILDING INSPECTIONS TO DO MY INSPECTION?
The first step to take is to speak to your Builder and outline the issues you want fixed. If this doesn’t work, then the next step is to write a letter or email outlining the issues and requesting a response. During this process it is important that you keep records of all correspondence with your Builder. This is because it shows that you have taken all reasonable steps to resolve the dispute.
If this doesn’t work the next step is to take the matter to the Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV). If you can still not resolve the issue then the next step is to escalate the matter to the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
We can provide assistance in preparing your applications to either DBDRV or VCAT. This includes being an independent expert witness.
CAN I BE PRESENT WHEN YOU DO THE INSPECTION?
Yes. Although it is not necessary for you to attend the inspection you are most welcome to attend. By attending, you will be provided with an assessment as we inspect each aspect of the home.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BUILDER REFUSES TO FIX THE DEFECTS?
The first step to take is to speak to your Builder and outline the issues you want fixed. If this doesn’t work, then the next step is to write a letter or email outlining the issues and requesting a response. During this process it is important that you keep records of all correspondence with your Builder. This is because it shows that you have taken all reasonable steps to resolve the dispute.
If this doesn’t work the next step is to take the matter to the Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV). If you can still not resolve the issue then the next step is to escalate the matter to the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
We can provide assistance in preparing your applications to either DBDRV or VCAT. This includes being an independent expert witness.
ARE YOU A REGISTERED BUILDER PRACTIONER?
Yes. We are a Registered Building Practitioner. In fact, we are classified as ‘Domestic Builder Unlimited‘. This means we can carry out and manage all the components of domestic building work relating to the construction, renovation, improvement or maintenance of a home.
As a result we have the practical experience to know where problems are likely to arise for both new homes as well as older homes.
HOW LONG DOES THE BUILDING INSPECTION TAKE?
It usually takes 1 -2 hours to do an inspection. The overall time will depend on the size and condition of the house being inspected.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY BUILDING INSPECTION REPORT?
We prepare a detailed report that is easy to ready with photos of any issues within 24 hours. We also follow up verbally to discuss and clarify any issues.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
Our fees start from a low $250 for a pre purchase building inspection, and $300 for a new home inspection. The fee for vendor and maintenance inspections starts from $350. All fees are inclusive of GST.
HOW DO I ORGANISE A BUILDING INSPECTION?
To organise a builidng inspection you can call us on 1800 466 424, send us a message via our contact page or send an email.
