Questions about building inspections

We typically have availability within 24–48 hours. For urgent inspections — same-day or next-day — email us directly rather than booking online and we'll do our best to accommodate. In a competitive property market, we understand that time matters.

Either works. Most buyers book subject to their contract having a building inspection condition — the inspection is usually required within 3–5 business days of the offer being accepted. In fast markets, booking as early as possible gives you the most time to act on findings. If you're considering making an offer, knowing the property's condition first can also inform your offer price.

No — we coordinate access with the selling agent and you don't need to be there. However, you're welcome to attend, and many clients do. Being present gives you the opportunity to ask questions about findings in the context of the property itself — which is often more useful than reading about them in the report.

Yes. We operate seven days. Weekend inspections are available at no additional charge.

We inspect all areas that are safely accessible without causing damage to the property. This includes roof void (via ceiling access hatch), sub-floor (via access panel where present), all rooms and wet areas, exterior perimeter, garage, outbuildings, and grounds. We don't open wall cavities, lift fixed floor coverings, or access areas where there is no safe access point.

We visually assess the pool structure and associated equipment as part of the inspection, but we don't test pool barrier compliance. If pool barrier compliance is important to your purchase, a separate pool barrier compliance inspection by a qualified assessor is recommended.

We identify materials that are suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACM) — typically fibrous cement sheeting, textured ceilings, vinyl floor tiles in certain eras, and flat roofing materials in pre-1987 properties. We note the location and condition of suspected ACM. Confirming the presence of asbestos requires laboratory testing by a licensed assessor — we note when this is recommended.

No — a standard building inspection is a visual assessment. We don't open wall linings. However, we use a calibrated moisture meter throughout wet areas and at wall bases in older properties, which can detect elevated moisture that may indicate concealed issues. Where we have reason to suspect something significant within a wall cavity, we note it and recommend specialist investigation.

Within 24 hours of the inspection. We know you're working to finance approval and settlement deadlines and we treat the 24-hour commitment seriously.

A PDF document. It's designed to be read on screen and printed. The report includes an executive summary, detailed findings by area, defect classifications, and photographs. It's structured to be readable without a construction background.

Yes. The report is yours to share with whoever is involved in your purchase decision — solicitor, conveyancer, mortgage broker, or any adviser you choose.

A major defect is a significant structural or safety finding that requires immediate attention or significantly affects the property's value or habitability. Examples include active termite activity, structural footing movement beyond acceptable limits, roof structure failure, serious water ingress, and unsafe balustrades. The report classifies all findings as major defect, minor defect, or maintenance item.

Yes — all prices are fixed and inclusive of GST. We don't adjust prices for complex properties, large homes, or difficult access. What you see on our pricing page is what you pay, plus any applicable travel surcharge for regional properties.

All of metropolitan Adelaide with no travel surcharge. Regional areas — including Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Barossa Valley, Gawler area, and Murraylands — are covered with a travel surcharge shown transparently at booking.

No. Our pricing is fixed regardless of property size, age, or complexity. An older home typically takes more time to inspect than a modern home — that's reflected in our pricing model, not charged as a surcharge after the fact.

Yes — email any question about the findings within 14 days of receiving your report and we'll answer in writing within one business day. You get a clear, written response you can keep on file and forward to your conveyancer or solicitor if needed.

Major defects inform your next steps — you might negotiate on price, request the vendor rectify items before settlement, seek specialist quotes to understand cost, or in some cases walk away. If you have questions about the significance of specific findings, email us within 14 days of report delivery and we'll respond in writing within one business day.

No — we maintain independence from any trade referrals. We'll tell you what type of specialist is required (structural engineer, licensed timber pest controller, licensed electrician, etc.), but we don't direct you to specific businesses. This independence is important — we have no commercial interest in what you do with the findings.