Purchasing real estate is one of the biggest investments a person can make, so it’s natural to feel concerned about every imperfection on the property. While most issues can easily be spotted, like cracks on the walls, water damage, or poor tiling work, hidden damages beneath the surface, invisible to the untrained eye, can significantly affect the property’s value.

Professional pre-purchase building inspections bring in qualified building inspectors with the requisite skills and training to identify even the most minute problems with the property. A building inspection is important because it will not only reveal the type of defects but also give you an idea of what maintenance work needs to be considered in the purchase decision.

Factors that Affect Building Inspection

There are various factors that can influence the cost of building inspection. For example, the price range of building inspection in Sydney and Melbourne is much higher than in Perth. Apart from the property’s location, there are also the property size and type, complexity, reputation and experience of the inspector, and additional services rendered.

The Location of the Property

Just like any market, supply and demand play a huge part in the price of building inspection. If you’re looking to buy in an area where property prices are through the roof, such as Melbourne’s suburbs, you can expect the cost of a building inspection to be a bit steeper. On the flip side, if you’re in a more budget-friendly area, the cost of a building inspection can feel a bit more manageable.

The availability of building inspectors in your area also plays a role in the final cost of the inspection. If you’ve got heaps of inspectors competing for your business, they might offer some better deals to stay ahead of each other. On the other hand, if you’re in a remote spot with only one or two inspectors, you might have to cough up a bit more for their services.

The Size and Type of the Property

Whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial, it can make a fair difference in the cost. A residential property, like your classic suburban home, usually won’t hit your wallet as hard as a commercial or industrial property would. Commercial and industrial properties are often larger, more complex, and have different rules to play by. They might have safety and compliance issues, special equipment, and unique construction methods that need extra attention.

A home with a couple of bedrooms and a single bathroom is going to be quicker and easier to check through than a sprawling mansion with half a dozen bathrooms, a pool, and a granny flat. The size of the property and the number of rooms are two of the biggest factors in how much your building inspection might cost. It’s all about the time it takes your trusty inspector to thoroughly poke around. The number of floors also comes into play. Additional storeys not only mean more floor area, but it might also bring in more complexities. There might be more potential for things like structural issues, leaks, or other defects, all of which require a thorough check.

The Complexity of the Inspection

Homes start to creak a bit with age. Older properties, like your classic Queenslander or a vintage federation home, can have a whole host of potential issues like ancient plumbing, outdated electrical wiring, or a dodgy bit of DIY from decades past. So, a building inspection on an old house might cost a bit more than one on a new build due to the extra time taken to spot these possible problems. Additional structures such as garages, sheds, and a pergola also need a thorough once-over and should also be factored into the final cost of inspection. Sometimes a standard building inspection may not suffice for certain homes, especially if you’re dealing with the likes of mould, termites, or asbestos. These specialised inspections will also set you back a few more dollars.

Lastly, accessibility can also play a part in the cost. If the inspector has to crawl into tight spaces, clamber around on the roof, or navigate a jungle of a backyard, it’s going to take them more time. More difficulty accessing areas of the property means more time and more money.

The Reputation and Experience of the Inspector

A top-notch inspector who’s seen it all can save you a fair bit of money, time, and headaches down the line. Even if their fees are a touch higher, their expertise is worth its weight in gold. They have the keenest eyes and won’t let you walk into any nasty surprises with the property.

You want to go for an inspector who’s fully accredited, ideally by an Australian authority like the Master Builders Australia or the Australian Institute of Building. This tells you they’ve got their qualifications sorted, and they mean business.

Establishing a reputation in the field is a big plus, too. Check if they’re a member of reputable industry associations, see if they’ve got any awards under their belt, and don’t be shy to ask for references or check their reviews.

A good inspector should also have comprehensive insurance, covering both Professional Liability and General Liability. This protects both them and your property if anything goes sour. Your inspector cares about their credibility and wants to ensure the job’s done right without hiccups.

Additional Services and Reports

A basic report might tell you what’s wrong, but a detailed report gives you a complete picture of the property’s condition, including photos and repair advice. When you’re paying hard-earned money for a property, a bit of extra dough for a comprehensive report is a wise investment.

There are other services that you might want to look into as well, such as thermal imaging and pest inspections. Thermal imaging allows your inspector to see through walls and ceilings to spot things like missing insulation, moisture buildup, or electrical issues. Thermal imaging isn’t always included as a standard in inspections, so it may cost a bit more, but it can be worth it for the peace of mind it provides.

Comparing Quotes from Different Inspectors

Don’t be shy to ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. The breakdown should clearly list what’s covered in the inspection, from the basics to any additional checks like thermal imaging or pest inspections. This way, you can compare apples to apples when looking at different quotes. This way, you’ll be able to find out if there are any hidden fees that can add up quickly.

But of course, take into account an inspector’s reputation and qualifications. These things can be just as important as the laundry list of things that they have on the service offerings. Check out their qualifications, licensing, and reviews from other homeowners. And trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel quite right, it probably isn’t.

Remember, the most inexpensive quote isn’t always the best value. Sometimes, it’s worth spending a bit extra for an inspector who comes highly recommended, is well-qualified, and provides a thorough service.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of Building Inspections

When it comes to real estate, doing your due diligence by hiring a building inspector is always a good idea. It’s a relatively simple process that can help you avoid future headaches and make sure that you’re making a sound investment.

Just don’t forget to consider different factors that affect the total project price so you don’t get a surprise bill when that invoice arrives. Remember, the age of the property plays its part in the cost. We all know old beauties can sometimes be a bit pesky to deal with! Plus, having extra structures like garages, sheds, and decking can complicate the inspection a touch.

The job complexity should also dictate the price of an inspection, but don’t let that keep you from getting it done. Insect infestation, mould, and asbestos are difficult to spot with the naked eye which is why a thorough inspection is essential.

And don’t forget about extra services like thermal imaging and more detailed reports. They may sound like a luxury, but they can save you a lot of heartache. Hopefully, if you take these into account, you’ll be well on your way to securing your investment.