Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
The following are some of the questions that we get asked the most frequently. If you question si not listed here just give us a call or email.
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 Knox City, Maroondah City, the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire, Yarra Ranges Shire as well as the Bass Coast Shire.
In addition, we do new home inspections on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as Philip Island. We also work further afield. This includes Drouin, Inverloch, Nar Nar Goon, Warragul and Wonthaggi. In Latrobe Valley we work in many of the towns – inluding Traralgon, Moe and Morwell.
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, slab inspections, house frame inspections, pre plaster inspections, lock up inspections, waterpoofing inspections, pre paint inspections and knock down rebuild 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.
DOES THE PROPERTY HAVE TO BE VACANT DURING THE BUILDING INSPECTION?
Usually, a home doesn’t need to be vacant for an building inspection to be undertaken. However, it’s advisable to coordinate with the builder or agent to ensure that all areas, including subfloors and roof spaces, are accessible for a thorough inspection to be undertaken.
HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?
With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, we possess a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of current building standards, regulations and codes. Our expertise ensures you will receive a comprehensive report highlighting any defects your new home build has.
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).
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY NEW HOME HAS 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.
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.
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.
WHAT IS A SLAB INSPECTION AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
A concrete slab inspection is crucial for new homes, as the weight of the house rests on the slab. Any issues can lead to structural problems, including cracked walls, ceilings, and tiles, as well as windows that won’t open.
The slab inspection is thorough and ensures the concrete slab meets the Building Code of Australia and Standard and Tolerances Version 2015.
WHAT IS A HOUSE FRAME INSPECTION?
House frame inspections take place once the wall and roof frames are completed. A Building Surveyor, appointed by your builder, will usually conduct a quick 10–20 minute check, which can result in important defects being missed.
We perform detailed, independent inspections to uncovers issues early before they become costly.
All frames must follow Australian Standard AS 1684.2-2010, covering design, tie-downs, bracing, and construction
WHAT IS PRE PLASTER INSPECTION?
House frame inspections happen after the wall and roof frames are built. Builder-appointed checks are often brief, so issues can be overlooked.
We do thorough, independent inspections to ensure your frame meets AS 1684.2-2010 standards and is built correctly.
WHAT IS A LOCK UP INSPECTION?
A lock up inspection is done once the brickwork or cladding, roof, windows, external doors, and floors are in place. The goal is to ensure your home is secure and watertight. We inspect both inside and out thoroughly.
Since builders often request a progress payment at this stage, it’s a good time to confirm everything is on track.
WHAT IS A WATERPROOFING INSPECTION?
Waterproofing inspections are vital, as undetected leaks can lead to costly water damage over time. Leaks can also cause mould, damp, and rot, which may affect your family’s health.
We carefully check all wet areas—like bathrooms, showers, laundries, and balconies—to ensure they meet Australian standards.
WHAT IS A PRE PAINT INSPECTION?
The pre paint inspection is a key stage in your new home build, as defects can be hidden once painting and tiling are complete—often only discovered after you’ve moved in.
It’s done after plastering and the internal fix, which includes fitting doors, skirting boards, architraves, cabinets, sinks, and baths.
WHAT IS A PRE HANDOVER INSPECTION?
The pre handover inspection is one of the most important checks in your new home build. If you only choose to do one inspection, it should be this one. It’s your final opportunity to ensure all work meets Australian Standards before making the last payment to your builder—after which getting issues fixed can be difficult.
This detailed inspection highlights any defects or concerns so they can be addressed before settlement and key handover.
We inspect every part of your home to help you move in with confidence.
DO YOU DO INSPECTIONS FOR KNOCK DOWN REBUILDS?
Yes we do inspections for knock down rebuilds. A knock down rebuild means you can have a new home in the location you want.
However, knock down rebuilds come with more challenges than a traditional new build, meaning there’s more potential for things to go wrong. That’s why it’s crucial to have a building inspection at each stage of the rebuild.
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.
