So, you’ve found a home you love. It ticks all the boxes—location, layout, price. But before you make one of the biggest financial commitments of your life, you need to be sure the property is structurally sound. That’s where pre purchase home & building inspections come in.
But not all building inspectors are equal. Choosing the wrong inspector could mean missing critical defects—or worse, buying a home full of hidden costs.
That’s why knowing how to choose the right inspector is one of the smartest moves you’ll make in your property journey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important factors to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid when hiring a building inspector.
Quick Overview: What You’ll Learn
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll cover in this post:
Why qualifications and experience matter more than flashy websites
The difference between independent inspectors and those tied to agents or developers
What a thorough inspection report should include
How to avoid common traps like vague pricing or generic reports
A quick guide to comparing and choosing the right inspector for your situation
Want to dive deeper into choosing the right inspector? Keep reading!
Qualifications Matter—But So Does Practical Experience
It’s not just about having a licence. While most states and territories in Australia require inspectors to be registered or licensed, some inspectors operate with minimal on-site experience.
What to look for:
Formal qualifications in building, construction, or engineering
Memberships with professional bodies like the Master Builders Association or Housing Industry Association
Hands-on experience—ideally, your inspector should have at least 5 years of practical building or inspection experience
Pro Tip: Ask whether they’ve worked as a builder or site supervisor in the past. Real-world experience helps them spot issues others might miss.
Independent or Affiliated? Choose the Unbiased Option
Some inspectors are aligned with real estate agents or developers. While this isn’t necessarily unethical, it can pose a conflict of interest.
You want someone who’s working for you—not trying to smooth over potential problems to close a sale.
Ask upfront:
“Do you receive any referrals or commissions from agents or sellers?”
“Do you work independently or as part of a real estate package?”
Look for: Independent operators with no ties to property vendors or agents.
What a Good Report Should Include (and What It Shouldn’t)
A building inspection report is only as good as the detail it provides. Some inspectors issue tick-box templates with vague language and minimal insights. That won’t help you make a confident buying decision.
A thorough report should include:
Structural concerns (e.g. cracks, shifting foundations)
Roofing, plumbing, and electrical observations
Moisture issues or signs of previous water damage
Pest inspection results (if included in the service)
Clear photographs and practical recommendations
Avoid inspectors who:
Deliver only verbal summaries
Take less than 45 minutes on site
Use generic phrases like “appears satisfactory” without explanation
Did You Know? In NSW and VIC, you can request a sample report from an inspector before booking—this helps you see their reporting style and level of detail.
Transparent Pricing: What’s Included and What’s Not?
Many people fall into the trap of choosing the cheapest inspector, only to find that key checks are excluded or extra.
Clarify the following upfront:
Is the pest inspection included or separate?
Will the inspector check for asbestos or mould?
Do they include thermal imaging or moisture detection?
Are weekend inspections extra?
Pro Tip: A professional pre purchase building inspection typically ranges from $400 to $800 depending on the property size and location. If the quote is too low, it might signal rushed inspections or limited reporting.
Quick Guide: How to Compare and Choose the Right Inspector
Situation:
You’re about to put in an offer on a 3-bedroom house. You’ve found three building inspectors online—all similarly priced—but you’re not sure who to trust.
Common Buyer Questions:
How do I know if their reports are thorough?
What’s a red flag in online reviews?
Do I really need a pest inspection too?
How to Choose:
1. Ask for a Sample Report: See how detailed their past reports are. A clear layout with photos, annotations, and action steps is a good sign.
2. Check Independent Reviews (Not Just Testimonials): Look at Google Reviews, not just what’s on their website. Pay attention to negative feedback themes like "rushed," "missed problems," or "hard to contact."
3. Call and Ask Them Questions Directly: Their willingness to answer questions and explain their process is a great test of professionalism.
4. Clarify Turnaround Times: Ideally, your report should be delivered within 24–48 hours. Long delays can hold up your buying decision.
Why It Works:
Taking a few extra steps upfront ensures you don’t waste money on a poor inspection—or worse, unknowingly buy a property with structural or pest issues.
Need help finding a reliable building inspector? Start by calling a few and comparing their reports, not just their rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need both a building and pest inspection?
Yes—especially in areas where termites are common. Structural issues are one thing, but pest infestations can cause hidden damage that’s just as expensive to fix.
Q: How long does a typical inspection take?
Anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on property size and condition. If your inspector is done in under 30 minutes, that’s a red flag.
Q: Can I attend the inspection?
Yes—and you should. It gives you a chance to ask questions in real time, and see any major concerns first-hand before reading the report.
Q: Should I trust a free inspection offered by a builder or agent?
Be cautious. These inspections may skip over serious issues or focus only on cosmetic elements. Always opt for an independent inspection if you want the full picture.
Q: What’s the best time to book the inspection?
As soon as you’re seriously considering a property. Ideally before finalising an offer, or during a cooling-off period if allowed in your state.
Conclusion: Don’t Rush—Choose Smart
Choosing the right inspector for your pre purchase home & building inspection isn’t just another item on your to-do list—it’s a crucial step in protecting your investment.
A good inspector won’t just tick boxes—they’ll uncover issues that could cost you tens of thousands down the line.
Take your time. Ask the right questions. Review sample reports. And most importantly, go with someone independent, experienced, and transparent.
Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
