building inspections, Home inspection for buyers
Ask the Inspector, Building Inspection Tips

How Long Do Building Inspections Take? We Answer Your FAQs

When you’ve found the dream home you’ve been searching for, getting a building inspector in to conduct a thorough inspection is essential. It can be a stressful time though, so it’s important to understand the building inspections process and have a handle on the FAQs.

Have Some Questions About Building Inspections?

How long do building inspections take? What’s covered in a building inspection? How much will an inspection cost? If these questions are rattling around in your brain and stressing you out, we’re here to help!

We’ve gone the extra mile and come up with answers to a range of common (and not so common!) questions to make your property buying experience so much easier! Read on to find out more.

The FAQs and nothing but the FAQs

What is a building inspection?

A building inspection helps you determine the structural integrity of a building you’re looking to buy, or a building in the process of being constructed. An inspection can be carried out before, during and after a building is built, and can be done at random to make sure builders are complying with the proper standards.

How long does a building inspection take?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions about building inspections. In general, most building and pest inspectors take about 90 minutes to 2 hours each, but depending on the size of the house can take longer. The timing will depend upon the condition of the building and the amount of issues that arise for the building inspector. Every inspector is keen to take their time and do a thorough and accurate job, so you get the most accurate information.

What does a building inspection involve?

Depending on the qualifications of the inspector, building inspections can cover a wide range of issues and property features, including:

  • structure
  • foundations
  • floors
  • electrical areas
  • ventilation and drainage
  • plumbing
  • any moisture issues
  • retaining walls
  • ceilings and walls
  • fencing
  • advice about maintenance
  • guttering
  • eaves
  • hot water services
  • heating and cooling

In general, it is a building inspector’s role to make sure a building is structurally sound.

How much do building inspections cost?

Action Property Inspections can provide you with an accurate quote based upon the type of building you need inspected. Contact us online, or give us a call on 07 3201 2666 for more information.

Why do I need a building inspection?

Building inspections are important so that you have a clear understanding about the condition of the building you intend to buy. You need to make sure you won’t be faced with any nasty surprises when you buy your ‘dream house’. While a property might look amazing on the outside, it’s what lies beneath that counts. Building inspectors examine areas you can’t see on an open inspection, so it’s one of the most important steps of buying a house.

What is thermal imaging?

A quality building inspector will usually offer thermal imaging as part of their service. This type of inspection involves the use of technology and equipment that detects radiation. It calculates the surface temperature of an object emitting radiation and converts it into a visual image showing variations in temperature. This method is a non-invasive way of investigating the issues within the structure of a building that may not be visible to the naked eye – like rising damp or termites. Like all technology, it does however have it’s limitations.

How do I prepare for a building inspection?

You’ve done your research on building inspectors and chosen the best company around – now it’s time to prepare for your inspection!

You need to do your research on the property and prepare a list of any questions you might have. While the inspector will have his or her own checklist of things to watch out for, feel free to point out any specific areas of concern.

Ask your real estate agent or other selling parties for information about the history of the property. Online research might also let you know whether there’s been flooding or other unusual occurrences in the area.

Become familiar with the inspection process and be prepared to ask as many questions as you need. The more information you have, the easier the decision-making process will be.

How far in advance do I need to book building inspections?

In general, building inspectors require at least 48 hours of notice prior to commencing an inspection. Ultimately, however, all inspections are scheduled on a case by case basis, depending on the workload of the inspector and whether there are any accessibility issues with the property.

How long after a building inspection will I receive my report?

Again, this depends upon the workload of the inspector and the nature of any issues that may have arisen with your property. Here at Action Property Inspections, we guarantee to have your report to you on the same day that your inspection was carried out, usually by 9pm.

Will the report be easy to understand?

A good building inspection report should be designed to be clear, concise and easy to understand. If you require any clarification with the report and what’s been written about the property, Action Property Inspections are happy to offer follow-up advice and assistance if necessary. You’ll also be provided with photographs of all areas of the property. These are the signs of a qualified, quality inspection company.

Can a building or home fail an inspection?

We don’t grade buildings with a pass or fail, but instead provide you with an unbiased assessment of the property and its current condition. The report we provide will detail any issues that may have been uncovered in the home and what you need to do to get it up to muster. You may choose to proceed with the purchase, knowing you’ll need to carry out repairs. Alternatively, your building inspection report can be the basis of renegotiating or terminating your purchasing contract.

What standards does a building inspector need to comply with?

Action Property Inspections exceeds the Australian Standard Inspection Regulations for building inspections. All qualifications, licences and professional indemnity insurance is current and up-to-date.

Can buyers attend building inspections?

It’s not mandatory for buyers to attend their building inspections, but it is encouraged. You’ll be able to see the condition of the property first hand. If you can’t make the inspection, the building inspector takes photos of everything that’s inspected and includes these in the report. You will then be contacted the evening of the inspection and receive a detailed verbal run through on the condition of the property you are purchasing prior to the report being emailed.

For quality building inspections you can’t go past Action Property Inspections. Contact us today on 07 3201 2666 and get all the facts you need about your next dream home or investment property!

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About Andrew Mackintosh

Andrew Mackintosh has been answering home inspection questions in the greater Brisbane area since 1995. He has personally carried out over 20,000 building inspections and is a licensed builder and licensed building inspector, Member of Queensland Master Builders Association & Institute of Building Consultants. Being the business owner and the inspector, Andrew is passionate about providing clients with excellent customer service, value for money, honest, unbiased, thorough inspection and reporting in a professional and timely manner to allow clients to make informed decisions when purchasing property.

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