Frequently Asked Questions

A building inspection provides buyers and owners with a practical understanding of a property’s overall condition, beyond what can be seen during an open home. Your inspector examines the structure, safety, and overall integrity of the building in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4349.1–2007, checking for structural defects, signs of water ingress or dampness, and evidence of pest activity.

Building inspections uncover costly issues before they become major problems, and give sellers a clear understanding of their property’s condition, speeding up negotiations and preventing disputes. Common issues found include cracks in walls or foundations, leaks or poor drainage, pest infestations, and electrical safety concerns.

No — for most residential purchases, inspections are not legally required, but they are strongly recommended. For new builds or renovations, councils often require staged inspections, such as frame, lock-up, and completion stages, to ensure defects are addressed before final handover.

There is currently no licensing requirement to offer building inspections in Tasmania. However, to produce a report that can be used to terminate or renegotiate a contract, the inspector must hold Professional Indemnity insurance. The safest choice is an experienced, insured inspector who is also a Licensed Builder.

A standard inspection covers the roof and gutters, insulation, walls, ceilings, and floors, subfloor and foundations, a visual plumbing and drainage assessment, a visual electrical assessment, and evidence of pest activity if included. The report explains findings in plain language, with photographs so you can clearly see any issues.

Most building inspections take approximately 1 to 3 hours, depending on the property’s size, age, construction type, and access conditions. Reports are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours so buyers can act quickly.

Prices vary based on property size, location, and the type of inspection, with larger, older, or more complex homes costing more. Request a tailored quote for an accurate figure.

Termite risk in Tasmania is generally low. While species such as Porotermes adamsoni exist, they typically inhabit dampwood and decaying timber rather than sound building materials and are not considered a major structural threat.

The terrifying stories of houses being hollowed out on the mainland are almost entirely caused by highly aggressive subterranean species, specifically Coptotermes acinaciformis, which are not established in Tasmania.

Wood borers, such as the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum), are found in older homes built with green timber, but they feed on the starches in the sapwood rather than the structural heartwood, so infestations are naturally limited and rarely a major structural concern.

Rats and mice are also frequently found. Any visual signs of pest activity are noted as part of the standard building inspection.

Many buyers arrange inspections after signing a contract, while others book beforehand. It’s recommended to keep the defect clause low, around 1%, and use the three-day cooling-off period where possible so you can act quickly without unnecessary delays.

Yes, and it’s a great idea — attending allows you to ask questions and see issues in person. For best results, arrive toward the end so the inspector can complete their work before walking you through the findings.

If major defects exceed the contract threshold, you may negotiate a lower price, request repairs before settlement, or exit the contract under certain conditions. For new builds, defects are typically covered under the builder’s warranty, so early documentation is essential.

No, inspections are not part of standard home insurance. However, reputable inspectors carry Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance to protect clients against incorrect or negligent advice, as well as accidental damage or injury during the inspection.