Pre-Purchase Building & Pest Inspection Melbourne

Know What You're Buying Before You Commit.

A comprehensive, independent building and pest inspection to help you make a confident and informed decision.

600+ Google Reviews

Real client feedback

16,000+ Inspections

Experience you can trust

Max 2 per inspector/day

Time for detail

View a Sample Report

See what you'll receive

PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS

What is a Building & Pest Inspection?

A detailed visual inspection of the property’s accessible areas to identify major building defects, safety issues and evidence of timber pests such as termites. It helps you understand the true condition of the property before you buy.

Recommended stage timeline

Stage

What this stage protects

1. Pre-Slab / Base

Before concrete placement where access and timing permit. Focus on visible preparation, reinforcement, membrane, penetrations, set-out and items able to be assessed at that stage against the available plans/details.

2. Frame

Before the frame is concealed. Assess accessible framing, bracing, tie-down, openings, structural members, visible workmanship and consistency with the available engineering/plans.

3. Lock-Up / Pre-Plaster

Before internal linings conceal services and framing. Review external envelope progress, windows/doors, flashings, visible frame items, penetrations and other stage-specific work.

4. Waterproofing

Before tiling or other finishes conceal membrane work where an inspection can be coordinated. Check visible preparation, membrane extent/details and relevant wet-area construction requirements.

5. Fixing / Fit-Out

Review visible internal fit-out, cabinetry, trims, doors, wet-area details, finishes and stage-specific workmanship before practical completion.

6. PCI / Handover

A detailed final inspection before handover/settlement to document incomplete, defective or damaged work and items requiring rectification.

DETAILED COVERAGE

What We Inspect

A comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas, including:

  • Walls, ceilings, floors
  • Doors and windows
  • Stairs and handrails
  • Kitchen, bathrooms & laundry
  • Visible plumbing and electrical
  • Evidence of moisture or leaks
  • Roof framing and structure
  • Insulation and ventilation
  • Leaks, moisture or damage
  • Evidence of pests
  • Alterations and workmanship
  • Roof coverings and condition
  • Flashings and valleys
  • Gutters and downpipes
  • Chimneys and penetrations
  • Eaves, fascias and ceilings
  • Stumps, bearers and joists
  • Ground clearance and ventilation
  • Moisture, drainage and leaks
  • Timber deterioration
  • Evidence of termites or pests
  • Walls, cladding and brickwork
  • Windows, doors and frames
  • Balconies, decks and pergolas
  • Driveways, paths and retaining walls
  • Fencing, garages and external structures
  • Termite activity and damage
  • Borers and wood decay
  • Conducive conditions
  • Previous treatments (where visible)
  • Other timber pests

Serious Problems Don't Always Look Serious

Some of the most costly defects can be hidden from view. We use the right experience and tools to investigate further.

Bathroom waterproofing

Roof structure issues

Termite damage

Subfloor defects

Compare Before You Book

Not all building inspections are the same. See the difference.

Typical Volume Inspector

  • Multiple inspections per day
  • Limited time on site
  • May not inspect all areas (roof/subfloor)
  • Basic written report
  • Limited client support
  • No sample report available

Building Inspections Melbourne

  • Maximum 2 inspections per inspector
  • More time for a thorough inspection
  • Inspect roof space and subfloor (where safe & accessible)
  • Detailed photographic report
  • Speak directly with your inspector
  • View a real sample report before you book

See a Real Sample Report

View an actual building and pest inspection report so you know exactly what you’ll receive.

How It Works

1. Send us the property address

2. Receive your quote

3. We arrange access with the selling agent

4. We complete the building & timber-pest inspection

5. Receive your detailed report

6. Speak directly with your inspector

What Home Buyers Say

5.0 Stars. 600+ Google Reviews.

Read what buyers say about the time spent onsite, the defects identified, the detail in the reports, the explanations afterwards and the decisions those findings helped them make.

A combined building and pest inspection by Building Inspections Melbourne, pointed out that there were a lot more problems with the property we wanted to buy then what we first realised. It was definitely a small price to pay for getting the team to come out and look over it thoroughly.

Valerie

“I used Building Inspections Melbourne when I was building, after a friend suggested it was a good idea to have a pre hand over inspection of my new home. I found the guys to be incredibly reliable and professional, and they even found a few things that were able to fixed before we moved in. If I ever build again, I would gladly call them again for sure.”

Bill and Sandy

I had done a walk through of a property that I thought was perfect, and was very keen to head straight to the auction. My wife wanted peace of mind, so she insisted we organise a Pre Auction Inspection. There turned out to be a lot of problems with the property, that would have blown our budget to fix. I won’t hesitate to call the team again before I put my hand up for another property.

Pete

“Extremely thorough and professional from start to finish. The inspection report was clear, detailed and easy to understand, and the inspector took the time to explain everything we needed to know. It gave us real confidence in making our decision. Highly recommended.”

Sarah M.

COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions.
What does a pre-purchase building inspection include?

A pre-purchase building inspection assesses the condition of the property’s safely accessible areas, including the interior, exterior, roof covering, roof space, subfloor and surrounding site. We look for major defects, safety hazards, signs of structural movement, moisture problems and maintenance concerns. Your report includes photographs, clear explanations and recommendations. Inspections follow Australian Standard AS 4349.1 and are visual, meaning concealed defects behind walls, beneath finishes or within inaccessible areas may not be detectable.

The cost depends on the property’s size, type, location and inspection requirements. Contact us with the property address or sales listing so we can provide a tailored quote before you book. Your inspection includes a detailed written report with photographs and the opportunity to discuss the findings directly with your inspector, helping you understand the property’s condition before making a purchase decision.

Ideally, arrange your inspection before signing the contract so you understand the property’s condition before committing. If you have already signed subject to a building inspection, book promptly so there is time to inspect, review the report and obtain advice before the deadline. For an auction purchase, arrange the inspection and review the findings before bidding. Your conveyancer or solicitor can advise on suitable contract conditions and your rights.

Your detailed report is emailed to you on the same day as the inspection. It includes photographs of identified defects, explanations of their significance and recommendations for repairs or further investigation. Your inspector can also discuss the findings with you and answer questions, helping you understand which issues need prompt attention and which relate to ongoing maintenance.

Yes, you are welcome to attend by arrangement. Let us know when booking so we can coordinate access with the selling agent or owner. You can raise any particular concerns beforehand and discuss the findings with your inspector once the assessment is complete. If you cannot attend, we can organise access, email your report and explain the results over the phone.

Finding defects does not automatically mean you should rule out the property. We explain the issues identified, their likely consequences and whether repairs or further specialist assessment are recommended. This helps you understand the potential work involved and obtain repair quotes. The report may also support discussions about the purchase price or repairs. Your conveyancer or solicitor should advise on your contractual options, as finding a defect does not automatically give you a right to cancel.

Other Inspection Services

Pre-auction inspection

Timber pest inspection

New construction inspections

Vendor inspection

Defect & special purpose reports

GET IN TOUCH
Found a Property? Speak Directly With an Inspector.

Get a quote or call now to discuss your inspection.

We'll Take It From Here.