Building Inspections

Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Reports:

About Acclaimed Building Consultancy / Inspector(s):

We are fully licensed/insured with over 30 years’ experience in the building industry. We only provide independent, professional, and unbiased information on the condition of all properties. All our inspections and reports are in accordance with Australian Standards AS. 4349.1-2007 Inspection of Buildings.

What is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Report:

As defined by NSW Fair Trading – A building inspection is just one check you can get done before buying a property. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘standard property report’.

The building inspection report is a written account of the property’s condition. It will include any significant building defects or problems such as rising damp, movement in the walls (cracking), safety hazards, or a faulty roof. It is usually carried out before you exchange sale contracts so you can identify problems which, if left unchecked, could prove very costly to repair.

Why Use Acclaimed Building Consultancy – (Qualified Building Surveyors):

As also defined by NSW Fair Trading – Always use a suitably qualified Inspector such as a licensed Builder, Surveyor, or an Architect to provide a professional building inspection report of the property. These professions should see through any cosmetic improvements covering up faults that might otherwise be missed by an untrained eye.

A professional Surveyor will ensure that the format and content of the report comply with the relevant Australian Standard. Ensure that the person you choose has adequate qualifications, experience, insurance cover, particularly for professional indemnity and/or is licensed for the work they are undertaking.

Advantages of using Acclaimed Building Consultancy – (Qualified Building Surveyors):

A pre-purchase building report is a comprehensive and independent document completed in accordance with Australian Standard AS. 4349.1-2007.

• Knowing in advance what the problems are
• Using the information to negotiate a fair price for the property (you may have to pay to repair some of the defects).
• Gaining specialist advice about any major problems and how they will affect the property in the future.

Pre-sale (vendor) building reports – Caveat emptor (Buyer Beware):

NOTE: Vendors and Agents usually get a building report on the property they are selling to give to interested buyers. This may help, but it is obviously not a substitute for your own professional or independent report.

Since NSW Fair Trading abolished the Building Consultancy license, there is no longer any minimum acceptable entry level for Building Inspectors. Building inspection reports are not required to be in accordance with Australian Standard (not law), and professional Indemnity insurance is not mandatory (not legislated).

Most Vendor reports are biased and in favor of the home owner, as firstly they are the ones paying for the report and secondly, they generally dictate the report content. The inspector will not be acting in the best interest of prospective purchasers as there would be no financial incentive for doing so.

Acclaimed Building Consultancy – (General information included in the report):

The inspector will check all accessible parts of the property. These include the following list plus any specific requirements our clients may have.

• Interior of the building
• Exterior of the building
• Roof space – internal
• Roof exterior
• Under-floor space
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Site
• Pool area
• Garaging/accommodation
• Outbuildings
• Verandah(s)/balcony(s)
• Laundry(s)
• Toilets
• Stairs/steps
• Services

For more information or to book a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection in Sydney, call 1300 557 902 or email us at info@abcsurveyors.com.au.