Building Defect Inspection

A Building Inspection is conducted as a ‘Standalone Service’ and can look at the whole property or concentrate on particular areas. The report excludes Timber Pests.

Buying a property is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, so ensuring that it is structurally sound and free from hidden issues is essential. At Sydney Pre Purchase, we provide detailed and reliable Building Defect Inspections designed to uncover problems that could cost you thousands down the track.

We can offer a range of Building Defect and Special Purpose Reports, in addition to the standard combined building and pest inspection.

Whether you are a homebuyer, investor, or homeowner, our expert inspectors deliver clear, comprehensive reports that highlight defects, safety risks, and maintenance concerns, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions. With our local Sydney expertise and commitment to quality, we help protect your investment before you sign on the dotted line.

“What happens during a Building Inspection?”,
“The inspection looks for major building defects such as Leaking roofs, Structural inadequacies, Leaking showers, damp issues, poor external drainage, water hammer and potential safety hazards. During a building inspection the following areas are fully explored: The Roof exterior – The roof coverings such as tiles, corrugated metal and membranes, valleys, flashings, cappings, penetrations and skylights, gutters and downpipes etc – Essentially we look for evidence the roof is not water tight or adequately plumbed. The Roof interior – The roof framing members and connections are checked for defects, the roof covering (from the inside) is checked for evidence of leaks, sisalation, insulation and electrical installations are assessed for potential safety hazards. The Building exterior – The building elevations are checked for cracks and other defects, windows and doors are assessed, balconies / verandahs deck and other timber structures are checked for structural adequacy, wood rot and other defects. The Building interior – Bedrooms, hallways and living areas and checked for defects including the floors, walls and ceilings, timber trims, windows and doors as well as joinery and cupboards. Wet areas such as Kitchens, Bathrooms and laundries are assessed for a number of things including water operation, evidence of water hammer, age and condition of hot water service, evidence of leaking shower recess / wet areas, defects to sanitary fixture and fittings, toilets are flushed, moisture readings are taken. The grounds – Paths and steps, retaining walls, driveways and external surface drainage are inspected for defects or inadequacies up to 30 meters from the main building. Large trees and other potential problems are assessed including the boundary fences. Up to one Outbuilding is inspected, such as a garage, granny flat or shed.”

“Will a Building and Pest Inspection reveal if a house has asbestos?”,
“Our inspectors can notify you of any materials suspected of containing asbestos if requested. This is based on certain indicators such as property age, property type and other visual indicators. Please note however, we don’t carry out ‘asbestos inspections’ per se, because positive identification of asbestos requires removal of suspected material and laboratory testing. Visit our post to read about the likelihood and typical areas asbestos could be found within a house.”

“Do you carry out Building and Pest Inspections on Saturdays?”,
“Yes, we carry out building and pest inspections on Saturdays. There are no additional charges for inspections carried out on a Saturday”

“Do I need a Pest Inspection as well as a Building Inspection?”,

“When you buy a used car you wouldn’t just look under the bonnet. The vehicle needs to be thoroughly checked inside, outside and underneath for a range of mechanical and structural issues. It’s the same when you buy a house or unit. A Timber Pest Inspection, commonly referred to as a ‘Pest Inspection’ looks for Termite damage as well as Wood Rot (wood Decay Fungi) that can cause structural issues and potential safety hazards. You may not think termites are not a problem in a big city like Sydney. Think again. Up to thirty percent of homes in Sydney have had some form of Termite activity. The CSIRO has rated Sydney as the second highest risk zone in Australia for Termite attack. All homes contain timber elements in their construction and are at HIGH RISK of Termite attack That’s why we strongly recommend customers arrange a Combined Building and Timber Pest Inspection.”

reports can be completed while on the roof

Inspectors use cloud based reporting

New properties should be inspected before purchase or handover

Sydney building inspector inspects the subfloor with a torch

We inspect subfloor areas during a Building Inspection

Why is a Building Defect Inspection Essential?

A property may look perfectly sound from the outside, but even well-maintained homes can hide structural issues, safety hazards, or costly defects that are not visible to the untrained eye. A Building Defect Inspection provides the critical insight you need to understand the true condition of a property before you commit financially. Here is why it is an essential step in any property purchase or ownership plan:

Uncovered Hidden Structural Problems: Many structural defects, such as foundation movement, timber decay, roof damage, or water ingress, often go unnoticed until they become serious problems. An expert inspection identifies these issues early, helping you avoid unexpected repair bills or long-term safety concerns.
Protects You From Costly Surprises: Repairing major building defects can run into the tens of thousands. A detailed defect inspection report arms you with the facts, allowing you to budget properly, renegotiate the purchase price, or decide if the property is still a worthwhile investment.
Ensures Safety and Compliance: Faulty wiring, unstable structures, moisture issues, asbestos risks, and poor workmanship can pose significant safety hazards. A building defect inspection checks for compliance with Australian building standards, giving you peace of mind that the property meets essential safety requirements.
Strengthens Your Negotiation Power: Evidence of building defects can give you a strong advantage in negotiations. Whether you request repairs, a reduced price, or specific conditions in the contract, a professional defect report supports your position with clear, unbiased documentation.
Helps You Make Informed Investment Decisions: For buyers and investors, understanding potential defects allows you to assess whether a property fits your long-term financial goals. It enables you to accurately predict future maintenance needs and ongoing costs, reducing risk and protecting your return on investment.
Provides Clarity for Homeowners Planning Renovations: If you are renovating, a defect inspection highlights underlying issues that could affect your project, such as structural weaknesses, hidden damp, or poor-quality previous repairs. Addressing these early helps prevent costly delays and ensures your renovation is built on a solid foundation.
Offers Peace of Mind: Above all, a building defect inspection provides confidence. Instead of guessing what might be wrong with the property, you gain a clear, expert assessment of its condition, helping you move forward with certainty.

Therefore, a detailed and minute inspection of building defects is necessary to avoid future turmoils and to ensure a hassle-free living in the home of your dreams.

What We Look For During a Building Defect Inspection?

A thorough building defect inspection goes well beyond a simple visual check. At Sydney Pre Purchase, our qualified inspectors examine every accessible area of the property to identify defects, safety risks, and signs of deterioration that could affect its value or structural integrity. Here is what we focus on during a comprehensive inspection:

Structural Integrity: We assess the key structural components that keep the building stable and safe, including foundations and footings, walls, beams, and load-bearing elements, floor and roof structures, and signs of movement, cracking, or subsidence. Our goal is to detect early indicators of structural weakness that may require further investigation or immediate repair.
Moisture, Dampness & Water Damage: Water issues are among the most common and costly building defects. In our building inspections, we check for rising damp, leaks, moisture penetration, roofing and guttering performance, bathroom waterproofing failures, and mould growth and ventilation problems. Identifying moisture early prevents serious structural decay and health risks.
Roofing & External Element: The building’s exterior acts as its first line of defence. We inspect: roof tiles, flashings, and ridge cappings, eaves, downpipes, fascia, and gutters, external cladding, render, and brickwork, windows, doors, and weather seals. This helps uncover defects that could lead to leaks, pest entry, or energy inefficiency.
Internal Building Condition: Inside the property, we check for issues that affect safety, comfort, and overall conditions like cracking, distortion, and uneven floors, defective finishes or poor workmanship, sticking doors or windows, ceiling sagging and wall damage. These signs often point to deeper structural or environmental problems.
Electrical, Plumbing & Drainage Concerns: While we do not perform specialist testing, we look for visible signs of faulty wiring or outdated electrical components, leaking pipes, corrosion, or blocked drainage and poor plumbing installations, Inadequate water pressure or waste flow. If significant issues are suspected, we recommend further evaluation by a licensed specialist.
Safety Hazards: Your safety is our priority. We identify trip hazards and unsecured fixtures, asbestos risks in older properties, balustrade and stair defects and fire safety concerns. Spotting these issues early ensures the property meets basic safety requirements.
Pest or Termite Activity (Visual Check): We check for visual evidence of termite damage, timber rot, entry points for pests, and previous treatment indicators. If termite activity is suspected, we recommend a dedicated Timber Pest Inspection for a deeper assessment.
Compliance & Workmanship Issues: Poor-quality building work can lead to long-term problems. We look for non-compliant renovations or additions, defective materials, incomplete or unsafe workmanship and inadequate structural support in altered areas. This helps ensure the property aligns with Australian standards and best practices.

What’s Included in Our Building Defect Inspection Checklist?

Our Building Defect Inspection covers every accessible part of the property to ensure nothing is overlooked. We assess both internal and external areas, along with critical structural spaces, to give you a complete understanding of the building’s condition. Here is a detailed checklist of how we perform inspections and what has to be included:

Exterior Assessment: We begin with a thorough review of the home’s exterior, as this is often where early signs of deterioration or structural issues appear.

Roof: Checked for damaged or missing tiles, rusted metal sheets, faulty flashing, and signs of water penetration.
Gutters: Inspected for blockages, rust, poor alignment, leaks, and improper stormwater flow.
Walls: External walls are assessed for cracks, moisture damage, deterioration, and signs of movement or poor workmanship.
Drainage: We evaluate how water flows away from the property to detect potential pooling, erosion, or moisture issues that may affect the structure.

Interior Assessment: Inside the property, we inspect all accessible rooms and finishes to identify defects and potential risks.

Ceilings: Checked for sagging, cracks, water stains, and structural concerns.
Floors: Assessed for uneven areas, soft spots, movement, or damage that may indicate subsidence or hidden moisture.
Bathrooms: Inspected for waterproofing issues, mould, cracked tiles, leaks, poor ventilation, and plumbing concerns.

Kitchens: Reviewed for water damage, cabinetry defects, plumbing leaks, and appliance installation issues.
Internal Water Leaks: We look for any evidence of moisture intrusion from roofs, pipes, windows, or wet areas.

Subfloor & Roof Void Inspection: These hidden spaces often reveal issues not visible from the interior or exterior, making them a vital part of our inspection.

Structural Framing: Inspected for damage, movement, rot, or deterioration affecting the home’s stability.
Pest Activity: We look for signs of termites or other pests, including damaged timber, nesting areas, and entry points.
Ventilation Issues: Poor airflow can lead to moisture build-up, mould, and long-term structural damage, so we assess ventilation quality in both areas.

Hence, these are the major viewpoints where we need to assess a building’s inspection.

Building Defect Inspection Reports

Our Building Defect Inspection Reports are structured to be clear, comprehensive, and easy to understand for the clients. Each report begins with an easy-to-read summary that highlights the key findings, allowing you to quickly grasp any major concerns. We include detailed descriptions supported by high-quality images to document defects and their locations visually.

Every issue is assigned a severity rating, helping you prioritise what needs urgent attention and what can be monitored over time. To further assist you, the report also provides practical repair recommendations, giving you a clear plan for addressing defects and ensuring the property’s long-term safety and value.

Why Choose Sydney Pre-Purchase for Your Building Defect Inspection?

Choosing Sydney Pre-Purchase means partnering with experienced professionals who prioritise accuracy, clarity, and your peace of mind. Our inspectors bring extensive local knowledge of Sydney’s property types, construction methods, and common building issues, ensuring a thorough evaluation of every home. We deliver clear, easy-to-understand reports backed by detailed images, severity ratings, and practical recommendations, making it simple for you to make confident decisions.

With our commitment to transparency, fast turnaround times, and high-quality service, we provide the reliable insights you need to protect your investment and avoid costly surprises. Whether you are buying, selling, or assessing the condition of your current property, we are here to give you trusted, expert guidance at every step.