What is a Pre Purchase Inspection?
A pre purchase inspection gives you the clarity to make a smart property decision. It identifies structural issues, safety risks, and hidden repair costs that may not be visible during a typical viewing. With expert advice and a clear report, you can move forward with confidence. This could mean buying, negotiating, or walking away.
All inspections look at areas of the property that can be accessed. They follow Australian Standards AS 4349.1 for Building Inspections and AS 4349.3 for Timber Pest Inspections.
Why get a Pre Purchase Inspection?
A pre purchase inspection is an essential step in the home buying process. It helps you understand the true condition of the property you are considering. By uncovering potential problems, you can avoid unexpected expenses down the line.
During the inspection, a qualified professional will examine various aspects of the property, including accessible structural components, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. They will check for signs of damage, pest problems, and any safety risks that could harm you and your family.
Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings. This report will not only highlight any issues but also provide recommendations for repairs and maintenance. With this information in hand, you can make informed decisions about your purchase.
If the inspection reveals significant problems, you may choose to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a price reduction. Alternatively, if the issues are too severe, you might decide to walk away from the deal altogether.
In summary, a pre purchase building inspection is a valuable investment that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. It empowers you to make choices that align with your needs and budget, ensuring that your new home is a safe and sound investment.
What we look for in a Pre Purchase Inspection?
Structural Defects
During the pre purchase building inspection, we check all visible structural parts. This includes walls, roof framing, ceilings, and floors. We look for signs of cracking, movement, sagging, or deterioration.
External Structures
During the pre purchase building inspection, we inspect any accessible external structures such as sheds, carports, garages, and fences, and note their condition.
Water & Moisture Issues
During the pre purchase building inspection, we check for water staining, mould, rot, or deterioration—especially around wet areas, ceilings, and accessible subfloors which may suggest current or historic water ingress.
Building Envelope Failures
During the pre purchase building inspection, we look for visible failures which include cracked brickwork or render, missing roof tiles, blocked or damaged gutters, and rotting or separating window and door frames.
Safety Hazards
During the pre purchase building inspection, we’ll report any visible electrical hazards such as exposed wires, damaged fittings, or outdated switchboards.
Timber Pest Damage
All our pre purchase building inspections include Timber Pest Inspections.
Our Pre Purchase Inspection report
Our pre purchase inspection reports are clear and easy to understand. We avoid jargon and focus on the important facts.
Each defect we find comes with a written description and photos. We also provide practical recommendations. This may include monitoring the issue, making repairs, or getting more expert advice.
After the pre purchase inspection, your inspector will call to talk you through the key findings and provide helpful context. You will get your full report within 24 hours. This will help you feel confident in making decisions about your purchase.
Our reports include:
Our reports are typically between 80 - 130 pages depending on size and amount of defects found.
Photographic evidence of every defect
Easy to understand description of the defect found
Information on the works that may be required to rectify defects or issues
Recommendations of appropriate trades to perform the necessary works
We’re proud to be Melbourne locals who genuinely care about the work we do — and the people we work with. At Littlefire Building Inspections, you’ll get:
Independent, licensed and fully insured inspectors
Clear, jargon-free reports written for real people
Fast turnaround and professional service
Fair pricing with no hidden fees
Peace of mind that your home is protected
We believe building and pest inspection services should be as stress-free as possible. With Littlefire Building Inspections, you’ll know exactly what’s included and why it matters — and we’ll be here to answer any questions along the way.
Why Choose Littlefire Building Inspections?
Frequently asked questions
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All of our inspectors are fully licensed and insured professionals, possessing extensive experience in both residential construction and building inspections throughout Victoria. Each inspector has undergone rigorous training and has met all the necessary qualifications to ensure compliance with local regulations and industry standards.
Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of residential construction, which allows them to identify potential issues and assess the overall quality of a property effectively. They bring a wealth of knowledge to every inspection, having worked on various types of residential projects, from single-family homes to multi-unit dwellings.
In addition to their technical expertise, our inspectors are committed to providing exceptional customer service. They understand that purchasing a home is a significant investment, and they strive to offer clear, comprehensive reports that detail their findings in an understandable manner. This ensures that our clients are well-informed and can make educated decisions regarding their properties.
Furthermore, our inspectors stay updated on the latest building codes, safety regulations, and industry best practices, ensuring that they provide the most accurate and relevant information during each inspection. With their combination of licensing, insurance, and hands-on experience, our inspectors are dedicated to delivering thorough and reliable building inspections that our clients can trust.
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Our reports are clear, jargon-free, and include photos, prioritised issues, and repair recommendations so you can make informed decisions.
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The best time to arrange a building inspection depends on how the property is being sold. In most cases, it’s recommended to book the inspection before you make an offer or during the cooling-off period, if available. Because the findings could influence your decision to proceed—or give you grounds to renegotiate—it’s important to know your rights and options early.
We also recommend engaging a conveyancer or settlement agent as soon as possible to guide you through the legal aspects of the purchase.
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Yes ask us about our Premium Service!
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The Pre Purchase Building Inspection time can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property, but it usually takes a few hours.
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The cost of our Pre Purchase Building Inspection varies depending on the size and complexity of the property. Generally, you can expect to pay a fee ranging from $490 to upwards of $1,000+.