Comprehensive Building Inspection
The most complete pre-purchase inspection, structural defects, maintenance items, and timber pests in one report.
- Same-day report (subject to access and availability)
- Upfront pricing
- 12 months free advice
What's in your comprehensive building inspection
Included
- Structural and non structural inspection per AS 4349.1-2007 Annexure C
- Roof frame, load-bearing walls, subfloor, concrete slab and footings
- Non-structural elements: driveway, paths, fences, retaining walls, surface drainage, ceilings, wall linings and flooring
- Pergolas and decking (where applicable)
- Granny flats and workshops (where applicable, additional fee applies)
- Doors, windows, facia, barge boards and eaves
- Roof cover, gutters and downpipes
- Ceilings and internal wall linings
- Flooring, floor coverings and subfloor where accessible
- Plumbing drains, taps and toilets
- Cabinets, vanities, mirrors, shower screens and baths
- Fixed Kitchen Appliances
- Vents, skylights, insulation and sarking
- Full timber pest inspection per AS 4349.3-2010
- Single combined PDF report with photos, same day delivery
- 12 months free advice from your inspector
Not included
- Areas inaccessible due to furnishings, locked doors, or restricted access
- Areas beyond 30m unless block exceeds 2,000 sqm (additional fee)
- Invasive access to concealed areas
- Electrical wiring compliance (visual only)
Our inspectors document every accessible element on site with photo evidence and severity ratings.
Real defects our inspectors have flagged
Why you might need this
- Buying an older property and want a complete picture, not just the big items
- First home buyer who wants maximum confidence before committing
- Property with extensive outbuildings, large gardens, or granny flat
- Pre-auction inspection where you need the fullest possible scope quickly
- High-value property where the negotiation leverage from maintenance items matters
What we find when we walk a property
Every comprehensive building inspection draws on the same indexed defect corpus, patterns our inspectors have catalogued across thousands of properties.
Across Perth and Sydney. Every report indexed.
Per property our inspectors document, photograph and severity-rate.
23,030 defects classified critical: items that affect structure, safety or value.
Source: SURE defect corpus, refreshed monthly
The process
- 1
Book the Comprehensive Inspection
One booking. One inspector. We cover structural, maintenance and pest in a single 1.5–3 hour visit.
- 2
Inspector assesses every accessible area
From structural frame to door handles, your inspector documents defects across the full scope of AS 4349.1 Annexure C plus the complete timber pest scope of AS 4349.3.
- 3
One comprehensive report, same day
A detailed PDF with photos, severity ratings, and actionable recommendations across all three inspection scopes is emailed the same day.
- 4
12 months free advice
Your inspector is available for 12 months after the inspection to answer any questions about findings, remediation options, or maintenance priorities.
See exactly what you get before you book
Our comprehensive building inspection report includes annotated photos, severity ratings, AS 4349 references and actionable remediation advice. Written in plain language so you can act on it the day you receive it.
- Photo evidence per finding
- Severity rated: critical, moderate, cosmetic
- Australian Standards cross-referenced
- Remediation guidance you can quote
What our comprehensive building inspections commonly find
Our DefectIndex documents inspection findings across Perth and Sydney. Browse the defect categories most relevant to this type of inspection.
About a comprehensive building inspection
The Comprehensive Building Inspection is SURE’s broadest-scope pre-purchase service, combining a structural and non-structural building assessment (AS 4349.1-2007 Annexure C) with a full timber pest inspection (AS 4349.3-2010), all in one visit and one report.
Annexure C extends the structural scope to capture maintenance defects across more than 15 categories of non-structural elements: from drainage and fencing through to appliances, air-conditioning, and roof covers. This gives buyers a complete picture of a property’s condition before they commit.
Why this inspection matters
A Comprehensive Inspection does more than confirm a property is structurally sound, it gives you an accurate look at the current condition of every accessible element of the home, so you can go into the purchase knowing what work is needed and what questions to ask.
Maintenance items uncovered by the Annexure C scope are frequently used to negotiate a lower purchase price or require remediation as a condition of sale. For buyers who want maximum information, particularly on older properties or high-value purchases where the negotiating leverage matters, this inspection provides the broadest scope SURE offers.
You might also need
About comprehensive building inspection
What happens during a Comprehensive Inspection?
The inspector assesses each area in the inspection criteria (refer AS 4349.1-2007 Annexure C and AS 4349.3-2010) and delivers a final report of defects, issues and recommendations.
Is a Comprehensive Inspection necessary?
It isn't a requirement, but it can highlight issues not covered by a Structural, Pest or Combined inspection.
Can I attend?
Yes, with the selling agent's permission.
Do I need to attend?
No — the inspector can complete it with access and permission, then calls you afterwards to discuss the observations.
Do I have to arrange the inspection time?
No — we arrange timing with the agent or seller and email you the confirmed time.
When do I receive the report?
Same day — usually within 5 hours of completion, subject to access.
Can you explain the report to me?
Yes — we call on completion to discuss the observations, and you can ask questions any time for 12 months after the inspection.
Do you check the pool?
No — we recommend engaging the pool shop currently managing the pool for its inspection and maintenance history.
Do you check electrical and gas?
Fixed Kitchen Appliances are checked for serviceability. Polarity testing is available for an additional fee. Gas is specialised and not tested, though the gas hot water is checked for serviceability.
Do you check for asbestos?
Asbestos is excluded from scope per AS 4349.1 and requires laboratory testing. Where it is obvious, the inspector may flag risk areas of cement fibrous sheeting; a Licensed Asbestos Surveyor must be engaged for formal testing.
Is smoke alarm testing included?
No — this must be completed by a qualified electrician. We document how many smoke alarms are fitted.
Are RCDs sighted and tested?
No — this must be completed by a qualified electrician.
Is testing of solar panels included?
No — this must be completed by a qualified electrician. We document any visible damage to panels.
Is the seller obligated to fix maintenance and non-structural items?
Generally not for minor or non-structural issues, though they may be responsible for major defects. Review your sale contract and consult your settlement agent or conveyancer.
Does the age of my house affect the inspection?
Yes — the building is compared to a similar-age, well-maintained building.
Are plumbing pipes inspected?
Yes — visual defects are reported and taps and drains are tested. Where water is disconnected or further investigation is needed, we recommend a licensed plumber.
Do you inspect inside the hot water system?
No — this is a visual inspection only.
Will leaks be checked?
Yes — we look for indications of roof, shower and plumbing leaks. Some leaks require further invasive steps to confirm.
How long does it take?
Generally 1.5–3 hours on site depending on size and age. The report is issued later the same day.