Why Should I Hire a Qualified Building Inspector?

Every property transaction, be it domestic or commercial, comes with its fair share of considerations. This is why doing your due diligence is so important.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or renovating a home, a comprehensive inspection helps to protect your investment, confirms its condition, and guarantees that a property complies with the necessary regulations. 

In this article, we explore the key reasons why you should always hire a qualified building inspector in Victoria and the risks involved in not doing so.

The Role of a Building Inspector

A building inspector’s role is to help buyers, owners, and developers make well-informed decisions about a property. This is achieved through years of training and experience, which is then combined with cutting-edge technology to identify issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye.

Once an inspection is arranged, the inspector will visit the property in question and begin assessing its condition. Throughout this process, they’ll perform a variety of checks and identify any issues that could compromise its safety, structural integrity, or compliance with building codes. 

A pre-purchase inspection is likely to include all of the following checks:

• Comprehensive interior and exterior assessment
• Inspection of the roof, gutters, and downpipes
• Evaluation of structural integrity
• Identification of major defects or safety hazards
• Assessment of electrical and plumbing systems
• Review of drainage and ventilation
• Detection of pest infestations or damage

From here, they provide a detailed written report complete with high-resolution images taken during the inspection, as well as explain the findings in an easily understandable fashion. 

Common Types of Building Inspections 

A qualified building inspector may be able to assist with:

• Pre-purchase inspections
• Construction stage inspections
• Building defects and disputes
• Dilapidation stage reports
• Insurance settlements and disputes
• Pest inspection
• VCAT notice reports and estimates

As the leading independent building inspector service in Melbourne, we can carry out all of the inspections listed above. 

5 Reasons to Hire a Qualified Building Inspector 

If you really want to buy or build with confidence, hiring a qualified building inspector is a no-brainer. Here are 5 of the many reasons why:

#1 – Uncovering Hidden Defects

Just because a home has been recently renovated doesn’t mean it’s free from issues or defects. Decayed wall frames or termite activity are just two of the many examples of defects that can go unnoticed without the assistance of a qualified professional. 

For example, they can detect early signs of subsidence or movement in a building’s foundation—problems that could escalate quickly if left unaddressed. Cracks in walls or water stains are other issues that can indicate deeper structural problems. 

Inspectors may also check for issues like termite damage, which often go unnoticed without the right equipment. In this case, they can use thermal cameras, moisture meters, or borescopes to spot issues such as hidden water damage, faulty wiring, or problems in the foundation.

#2 – Protecting Your Financial Investment

Investing in a building inspection provides invaluable peace of mind. For buyers, an inspector’s report can highlight any significant issues before you commit to purchasing the property. If serious problems are discovered, you can renegotiate the price or even walk away from the deal entirely. This report then gives you leverage when negotiating with the seller or the developer.

Sellers also benefit from pre-sale inspections. Identifying issues early on allows you to address them before putting your property on the market. Fixing these minor defects before listing your property can increase its appeal and overall market value. Buyers are more likely to make an offer on a property that has already undergone an inspection and is free from major issues.

An inspection also helps you to understand the long-term financial implications of buying a property. If major repairs are needed, the inspector can provide a cost estimate for addressing the issues, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s worth proceeding.

Want to buy or build with confidence? Reach out to us for a comprehensive pre-purchase property inspection in Melbourne.

#3 – Detailed Reporting 

Building inspectors with the necessary qualifications and experience will be able to provide you with detailed reports that allow you to make well-informed decisions. In the case of a pre-purchase inspection, these reports should involve a detailed account of the interior and exterior of the property in question.

A building inspection report will be able to answer critical questions about whether it complies with AS4349.1-2007 AUS Standards, if utilities are in working order, and various other aspects that can seriously impact your decision to build or buy. Once this information is delivered to you, the inspector should be available to discuss it further and answer any follow up questions.

Of course, this report should also contain high-resolution photographs that provide clear evidence and documentation to outline the current state of the property. 

#4 – Avoiding Legal Risks

Without a building inspection, you risk legal complications. If you discover significant issues after purchasing a property, you may struggle to hold the seller accountable, particularly if they sold the property “as is.” In some cases, sellers may disclaim responsibility for certain defects, making it harder to seek compensation for repairs.

A building inspection can protect you legally by documenting the condition of the property at the time of purchase. If any issues arise later, you’ll have evidence that the property was thoroughly assessed. 

#5 – Saving on Future Costs

Neglecting a building inspection can lead to expensive repairs down the line. Hidden defects can become serious problems that require expensive fixes. For instance, a leaking roof may not cause immediate problems, but if left unchecked, it can lead to water damage, mould growth, and structural deterioration. These repairs could cost thousands of dollars.

A building inspection helps you address problems before they escalate. Identifying minor issues early can prevent them from turning into major, costly repairs. Whether it’s fixing faulty plumbing, repairing a damaged foundation, or replacing outdated electrical systems, an inspection helps you budget for necessary work and avoid surprises later.

By identifying safety hazards or building code violations early on, an inspector can also save you from the expense and disruption of dealing with compliance issues after purchasing the property.

How to Choose a Qualified Building Inspector

To hire the right building inspector, consider these key factors:

• Qualifications and Certification: Make sure the provider is registered with VBA, HIA, and any other relevant building authorities in their state or territory.
• Insurance: A professional inspector should carry insurance to cover any errors or omissions in their report.
• Experience: Look for an inspector with relevant experience in the type of property you’re dealing with. Familiarity with the local area and building styles is also an asset.
• Impartiality: Choose an independent inspector who works for you, not a real estate agent or builder, to guarantee an unbiased report.

If you need an independent building inspector in Brighton, Glen Waverley, Brunswick or any other corner of Melbourne, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

FAQs for Inspect365

Are your inspectors qualified and experienced?

Yes, our inspectors are highly qualified professionals, including registered builders, carpenters, and timber pest inspectors, with over 25 years of experience in the construction and real estate industry. They’ve conducted thousands of inspections and provided expert witness testimony in VCAT and DBDRV hearings.

Do you provide repair cost estimates for defects found during inspections?

Absolutely! Unlike many inspection companies, we provide not only repair procedures for defects but also a cost estimate to fix them. At Inspect365, “the buck stops with us,” so there’s no need for additional reports from other tradespeople.

How quickly will I receive my inspection report?

We deliver detailed, accurate, and easy-to-read reports within 4 hours of the inspection. Our reports include tailored findings and advanced thermal imaging technology for precise results.

Do you work with real estate agents or builders?

No, we operate independently of real estate agents, solicitors, and builders to provide unbiased and trustworthy inspections. Our focus is solely on protecting your investment.