A building inspection report must comply with the Australian Standard AS 4349.1 but otherwise may vary. Some use a comprehensive checklist, include photographs, adopt a standard format or are individually tailored to the property. The report should make you aware of the property’s condition and any minor & major problems.

A standard building inspection report is generally a visual inspection only. It may not identify major structural defects or other hidden problems depending on the inspector you choose. You may choose to gain an additional assessment of the property from a suitably accredited specialist pest inspector, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, surveyor, electricity supply authority or water supply authority.

General information

The inspector should check all accessible parts of the property. These include:

• interior of the building
• exterior of the building
• roof space
• sub-floor space
• roof exterior
• site

You may also ask for a particular item or part of the property to be inspected, such as:

• visible signs of asbestos
• existence of an operable electrical safety switch
• operable smoke alarms & services

The site

The following would normally be included in a building inspection report:

• garage, carport,garden shed & out buildings
• decks, patios, veranda’s,
• separate laundry or toilet
• small retaining walls non–structural
• steps
• fencing
• surface water drainage
• storm water run-off
• paths and driveways.

Make sure you specify any particular items or areas on the site that you would like to be inspected.

Other details

The inspection report should also include the following information:

• your name
• the address of the property to be inspected
• reason for the inspection
• the date & time of inspection
• the scope of the inspection
• a list of any area or item that wasn’t inspected, the reasons why it wasn’t inspected and if necessary, a recommendation for further investigation
• a summary of the overall condition of the property considering its age and type any major & minor faults founds in the property
• a list of any significant problems that need fixing
• if necessary, a recommendation that a further inspection or assessment be carried out by a suitably accredited specialist pest inspector, electricity supply authority, water supply authority, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, surveyor or solicitor.

Be wary of any property inspection report offered by the agent or the seller the independence of a report is only guaranteed if it is obtained specifically by and for the buyer.

See East Coast Building Inspections website for sample inspections.

For your building, pest, strata, asbestos, mould, ventilation, drainage, safe house inspection requirements call Sarah at East Coast Building Inspections 0422 081 023 servicing Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, Ulladulla, Sutherland & Eurobodalla