Do You Need a Building Inspection for Newly Constructed Homes?
Did you know that, according to a large-scale 2024 study, more than two-thirds of Australian homes have building issues? If you’re looking to invest, these are definitely sobering statistics. The other alarming fact is that these figures don’t just extend to existing properties.
As noted by the author of the same report, many new builds aren’t up to scratch either. “As soon as they’re built, they’re not up to what we might consider a standard that’s fit for purpose,” Dr Daniel said.
This all leads us to today’s topic; do you need a building inspection for newly constructed homes? From defects to insurance coverage, we’re going to explain why an inspection is always highly recommended.
Why New Builds Still Need Inspections
It’s easy to assume that a freshly constructed home is ready to go. After all, everything is new and completed under the supervision of licensed builders, right? Unfortunately, the reality is not always so reassuring.
In the City of Melbourne, we’ve seen countless examples of new builds gone wrong. In the past decade alone, the use of flammable cladding in apartments across Docklands is one issue that we’ve seen the consequences play out and quickly turn tragic.
While every situation is different, many new homes across Australia are built under tight timeframes and by rotating teams of subcontractors. This rush can lead to inconsistent workmanship and costly oversights. Even with compliance certificates in hand, there’s no guarantee that every part of your home was finished properly or to the standard you’d expect.
When you lean on the expertise of an independent building inspector, they will undertake a series of checks and analyse the building from every angle, all while operating free from any vested interests. In this case, the inspector is someone who works for you, not the builder, the agent, or the developer.
Common Issues Found in New Homes
Even newly built homes that seemingly have all the bells and whistles can harbour serious underlying problems. Unless you’re an industry professional (such as a builder, architect, or interior designer), these can actually be fairly easy to miss.
Below, we’ve compiled a quick list outlining some of the most common issues identified during building and pest inspections:
Water Leaks and Moisture Damage
Leaky roofs, faulty plumbing, or poor drainage are more than an inconvenience. If left unchecked or unnoticed, they can cause serious structural damage and foster mould and mildew growth. This kind of moisture damage doesn’t just weaken your home’s structure, but can also seriously affect indoor air quality and your health. A qualified inspector will check roofing, ceilings, and wet areas to ensure that everything is properly sealed and functioning as it should.
Termite Infestations
Termites are one of the most destructive pests a home can face, and their presence isn’t always visible to the untrained eye. Even a new home may create the ideal environment for termite activity, particularly if preventative measures weren’t taken or if building materials weren’t stored correctly during construction. Inspectors use specialised tools such as thermal imaging to detect hidden termite activity (often in places like wall cavities, under floors, or within roof voids).
Faulty Water, Electrical, and Gas Systems
Just because a system is new doesn’t mean it’s necessarily properly installed. Building inspections frequently uncover issues with essential utilities, everything from malfunctioning appliances and poor water pressure to dangerous gas or electrical faults. Identifying these problems early can prevent fire hazards, water damage, or safety concerns.
Poorly Fitted Doors, Windows, and Insulation
Small faults like misaligned doors or drafty windows might seem minor, but can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Poor insulation or badly installed fittings can lead to heat loss in winter and poor cooling in summer, ultimately resulting in higher energy bills and discomfort. An inspection helps identify these subtle issues before they cost you money.
About to purchase a newly built home? Make Inspect 365 your first call. Whether you need a building inspector in Box Hill, Dandenong, or the Melbourne CBD, we’ll give you clarity with accurate, easy-to-read reports.
The Risks of Skipping an Inspection
Buying a property, be it an apartment, a townhouse, or a 3-bedroom home, is already a significant investment in itself. After laying down the deposit, the last thing you’ll want is to incur unforeseen costs down the road (costs that you might not have sufficient funds to cover).
You may think a brand-new build is safe to skip, but doing so can leave you exposed to serious financial and legal risks. Here are just some of the risks that come with skipping a building inspection.
Insurance Complications
If defects are discovered after the settlement and you didn’t arrange an inspection beforehand, chances are they won’t be covered by your insurance policy. Why? Many policies exclude pre-existing damage, meaning that you (and only you) could be left footing the bill for repairs. An inspection, on the other hand, creates a clear record of the property’s condition before you take ownership. This is something that can be critical if you end up needing to make a claim.
Accusations of Damage
If you’re involved in any stage of property development or construction (particularly on subdivided blocks or near neighbouring structures), you’ll also want a dilapidation report. This type of inspection records the state of surrounding buildings before construction starts. Without it, you could be wrongly blamed for causing cracks, structural damage, or other issues in neighbouring properties.
Unforeseen Repairs
Many building faults don’t become obvious until weeks or months after you move in. Skipping an inspection might mean you miss these issues until it’s too late. Instead of catching problems early, when they’re cheaper and easier to fix, you may be faced with escalating repairs that eat into your savings and reduce your property’s value.
What Can a Building Inspection Involve?
Building inspections can take many forms, each tailored to the stage of the build or type of property. Here’s a breakdown of the key services offered by Inspect365:
House Inspections
Perfect for buyers or owners, this inspection covers everything from roofing and guttering to walls, subfloor spaces, doors, windows, plumbing, and electrical systems. It’s a detailed visual check for structural issues, safety hazards, or incomplete work.
Property Inspections
Ideal for homeowners, investors, and landlords. This service helps identify defects, safety risks, and maintenance issues before they escalate. It includes everything from internal and external damage to signs of water leaks, pest entry, or building compliance issues.
Independent Building Inspections
As an unbiased inspection with no connection to agents or builders, this service gives you peace of mind. Whether it’s pre-purchase, pre-settlement, or during construction, you’ll get an honest, expert assessment of your property’s true condition.
Every inspection is conducted by a qualified inspector and followed by a clear report with photos to document the findings. These reports will contain critical info that allows you to navigate any potential repairs, plan renovations, or confirm that construction meets industry standards.
Most inspections take 1–2 hours and include checks of floors, walls, and ceilings. You’ll receive a detailed report with photos and can discuss findings directly with your inspector.
For independent inspections across Melbourne, contact Inspect 365 at 1300 000 442 or use the online enquiry form.
Need a House or Commercial Inspection in Melbourne?
With over 25 years of experience and more than 10,000 inspections completed, our dedicated building inspectors deliver detailed reports to you within just four hours. Our inspectors use advanced tools like thermal imaging and moisture metres to detect hidden issues and guarantee that nothing goes unchecked.
Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in property, or managing a build, we can identify existing defects (or signs of potential problems), offer recommendations, and provide an estimate for any repair costs. Every inspection is carried out by registered and insured staff who operate in accordance with Australian Standards (AS4349.1–2007).
Call us now on 1300 000 442 or enquire online to book your inspection today.
