frequently asked questions (faq)

Answers to some of the most common questions asked by our customers. Please feel free to contact us for more details or if you have a question not answered here.

What's the best time for a pre-purchase inspection?

Ideally the pre-purchase inspection should be scheduled during the cooling off period (two days after contract signing in South Australia).

How long does the inspection take?

It depends on the size of the property, but it can be as little as one hour for a small apartment up to three or four hours for a large house.

How extensive is your report?

We provide a comprehensive written report.

Can you do an inspection without a written report?

We can offer a verbal report if you sign a waiver for our insurance company. This is usually a false economy as a lot of explanation is required and you'll probably forget the details before too long.

Do you inspect the roof space?

If possible and depending on the type of inspection. Australian Standards for property inspections state that the roof must be accessible with a 3.3 metre ladder and that there must be a minimum clearance of 600 millimetres in the roof space.

Do you inspect the sub-floor space?

Yes if there is unimpeded access to the sub floor space. Please note that we require advance notification if a sub floor inspection is required.

How much advance notice is required?

Usually we can carry out the inspection within two days of request. Note that this can vary greatly depending on our current workload.

Can I be present during the inspection?

We encourage you to be present during the inspection if possible as you will gain a better understanding of the process and of the report.

Do you inspect household appliances?

No, we concentrate on the real work of inspecting the building.

Do you provide a guarantee?

We do not offer a fixed guarantee but our services are covered by professional indemnity insurance in case of negligence.

Do you charge travel expenses and fees?

Travel expenses and fees may apply if the property is located more than 20km from our office in the North East of Adelaide.

What if a scheduled inspection cannot be carried out?

If a scheduled inspection is cancelled or postponed less than 24 hours prior to the appointed time we will invoice the full quoted price.

The house is less than five years old, do I need a pre-purchase inspection?

If anything it's more important to have the house inspected before it's five years old so that any defects can be rectified before the builders warranty expires.

Do you do termite inspections?

While we look for evidence of termites and other timber problems such as rot, cracking and splitting we have to stress that ours is not an official termite inspection. Note that most insurers won't cover a termite inspection unless the inspector is a fully qualified pest controller.

Who is responsible for contacting the real estate agent to arrange a time?

Usually we can do this if we're in the office, if not we'll ask you to contact the agent to arrange access at the scheduled time.

Are you available on weekends?

Yes if necessary, no extra charge.

Do you follow up on problems to check if they've been rectified?

On request we will make another inspection to check that problems identified in the original report have been addressed. Follow up inspections are charged at hourly rates, please note that a follow up is only possible if the work is still visible.

Do you mediate in building disputes?

On request if both parties agree.