How to prepare for your inspection day

Before the inspection

Preparing your property for inspection day ensures the inspector can access every area they need to assess. The more thorough the access, the more complete your report will be. Here is what to do in the days leading up to your inspection.

Clear subfloor and roof access

The inspector needs to access the subfloor space and roof cavity to check for structural issues, moisture, termite activity, and insulation problems. Remove any furniture, boxes, or stored items blocking access hatches. If your subfloor entry is external, make sure the path is clear and well-lit.

Unlock gates, sheds, and external doors

The inspector will need to check external structures including sheds, garages, carports, and fenced areas. Leave keys or combinations where they can be found, or unlock these areas before the inspector arrives. If access is restricted, note it in advance so the inspector can plan accordingly.

Secure pets in a safe area

For the safety of your pets and the inspector, keep animals secured in a separate area during the inspection. Dogs should be restrained or off-site if they are not comfortable with strangers. The inspector will need to move through all rooms and external areas freely.

Be present if possible

While not mandatory, attending the inspection is highly recommended. It gives you the chance to ask questions in real time, see defects firsthand, and understand the context of the inspector's findings. Many clients find this the most valuable part of the entire process.

If you cannot attend, ensure someone trustworthy is available to grant access. The inspector can call you after the inspection to discuss key findings over the phone.

What to expect during the inspection

A typical building inspection takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. The inspector follows Australian Standard AS 4349.1, which defines the scope and methodology for pre-purchase building inspections.

What the inspector checks

• Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and joinery for defects, moisture, and structural movement
• Exterior: External walls, cladding, eaves, fascia, gutters, and downpipes
• Roof: Roof covering, flashings, valleys, and roof structure from inside the cavity
• Subfloor: Bearers, joists, stumps, dampness, ventilation, and pest activity
• Site: Drainage, retaining walls, driveways, paths, and outbuildings

What is not included

Ask questions

Your inspector is there to help you understand the property. Ask about anything that concerns you: the severity of cracks, the urgency of repairs, estimated costs, and whether a defect is common for the property's age and location. No question is too small.

How to read your inspection report

Your report will be delivered by email as a PDF on the same day as the inspection (subject to access and availability). It typically runs 30+ pages and includes photographs, defect descriptions, severity ratings, and remediation advice. Here is how to get the most from it.

Understanding severity ratings

Cost estimates

Where possible, the report includes indicative cost estimates for repairs. These are ballpark figures to help you budget and negotiate, not formal quotes. Always obtain quotes from licensed tradespeople before finalising your purchase decision.

Photographic evidence

Every significant defect is photographed with context. The photo shows the location and nature of the problem. Use these images when obtaining repair quotes or negotiating with the seller. They provide objective evidence that is difficult to dispute.

Next steps after receiving your report

1. Read the executive summary first. This gives you the big picture without getting lost in detail.
2. Review critical and major defects. These are the items that affect your decision or budget.
3. Obtain repair quotes. Use the report to get formal quotes from licensed trades.
4. Negotiate or withdraw. Use the findings to negotiate on price, request repairs, or withdraw from the contract if serious defects are found.
5. Keep the report. It is a valuable record of the property's condition at the time of purchase.