What Does a Building Inspection Cover?

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A building inspection is a visual assessment of the condition of a property at the time of inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to help identify visible defects, maintenance issues, moisture risks, safety concerns, and areas that may require further investigation or future repair.

Building inspections are commonly carried out prior to purchasing a property, however they can also be useful for:

• Vendors preparing a property for sale 
• General maintenance planning 
• Rental property assessments 
• Renovation planning 
• Insurance or dispute purposes 

While inspection scope can vary between inspectors and property types, a typical residential building inspection may include visual assessment of:

• Roofing and flashings 
• Gutters and downpipes 
• Cladding and exterior wall systems 
• Foundations and visible structural elements 
• Decks, stairs, balconies, and handrails 
• Windows and exterior doors 
• Drainage observations 
• Site grading around the building 

• Walls and ceilings 
• Floors and floor levels 
• Doors and windows 
• Visible cracking or movement 
• Moisture staining or signs of water ingress 
• General condition and workmanship observations 

Where accessible, inspectors may assess:

• Timber framing 
• Piles and foundations 
• Ventilation 
• Moisture conditions 
• Signs of timber decay or borer activity 
• Plumbing leaks where visible 

Where safely accessible, inspectors may assess:

• Roof framing 
• Insulation 
• Ventilation 
• Water staining 
• Historic leaks 
• Visible structural concerns 

Building inspections commonly identify:

• Moisture ingress issues 
• Roofing defects 
• Poor maintenance 
• Timber decay 
• Cracking and movement 
• Drainage concerns 
• Safety hazards 
• Deferred maintenance 
• DIY or substandard workmanship 
• Ventilation issues 

Not all defects are major, however identifying issues early can help purchasers make informed decisions.

Building inspections are generally non-invasive visual assessments only.

Inspectors cannot usually see behind:

• Wall linings 
• Insulation 
• Furniture 
• Floor coverings 
• Stored items 
• Concealed building elements 

Because of this, some defects may remain hidden or undetectable at the time of inspection.

Weather conditions, accessibility, and occupancy can also affect what can reasonably be inspected.

Depending on the property and findings, additional specialist inspections may sometimes be recommended, including:

• Structural engineering assessments 
• Electrical inspections 
• Plumbing inspections 
• Pest inspections 
• Asbestos testing 
• Methamphetamine testing 
• Moisture investigations 

Experienced inspectors are often better equipped to:

• Recognise subtle warning signs 
• Understand building behaviour over time 
• Identify common defect patterns 
• Communicate risk clearly within reports 

Choosing a qualified and experienced inspector can make a significant difference in the quality and usefulness of the final report.

The Master Inspector Association connects experienced inspectors across Australia and New Zealand.

To locate a participating inspector within your area, visit:

Australia:
https://masterinspector.org.au/find-an-inspector