your questions, answered
Everything you need to know about our building inspections
At AA House Checks, we know that building inspections can raise a lot of questions. Whether you're buying, selling, or ensuring your home is safe, our expert building surveyors are here to help. Below, you'll find clear, straightforward answers to the most common questions about our inspection services, reports, and processes. If you need more details, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to assist !
We provide a wide range of building inspection services, including pre-purchase inspections, pre-sale inspections, new build inspections, pre-settlement inspections, and earthquake damage assessments. Additional services include maintenance reports, walk-through inspections (no written report), moisture testing, methamphetamine testing, asbestos sampling, and specialist inspections tailored to your specific requirements.
Inspection costs vary based on property size, number of rooms, location, and construction. Walk-through inspections start at $200 + GST, while standard building inspections begin at $450 + GST. For an exact quote, contact us or call us 03 963 5780 with the address and details of the building you would like inspected.
Yes. Our BOINZ-accredited Building Surveyor (Level 2 Earthquake Inspections) reviews the EQC scope of work and checks whether earthquake-related repairs have been completed correctly.
We recommend booking your building inspection as early as possible, especially if you're purchasing a home and have finance or due diligence deadlines to meet. Early booking helps secure your preferred inspection time and ensures you receive your report in time to make informed decisions.
Most building inspections take between one and four hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. Larger homes, older properties, or homes with identified concerns may require additional inspection time to ensure a thorough assessment.
Your building inspection report is typically provided the next working day, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. If you require an urgent report, contact AA House Checks on 03 963 5780 and we'll do our best to accommodate your timeframe.
Yes. We conduct non-invasive moisture testing using professional moisture detection equipment, including a TROTEC 660 moisture meter, to assess areas most at risk of leaks and weathertightness issues.
Absolutely. Our building inspection reports include full-colour photographs highlighting any significant defects, maintenance issues, and weathertightness concerns, helping you clearly understand our findings.
No. Our building inspection reports provide detailed written findings, photographs, and professional commentary, giving you a clear understanding of the home's condition rather than simply working through a basic checklist.
A building inspection is a professional assessment of a home's condition carried out by a qualified building inspector. It helps identify defects, maintenance issues, and potential risks that may affect the property's safety, integrity, or value.
A building inspection helps identify major defects, maintenance issues, and potential safety concerns before you buy or sell a home. It can strengthen your negotiating position, reduce the risk of unexpected costs, and help you make a well-informed decision with greater confidence.
Our building inspections include a comprehensive room-by-room assessment covering :
- Roof space, insulation, sub-floor areas, and foundations
- Roof, chimney, flue, and exterior claddings
- Windows, doors, decks, pergolas, and fencing
- Driveways, retaining walls, garages, and outbuildings
- Signs of pest activity and timber rot
- Electrical systems and plumbing systems
- Heating systems and areas at risk of weathertightness issues
Our BOINZ-Accredited Building Surveyor will personally review your report with you, ensuring you fully understand the condition of the home and any issues identified during the inspection. If an Earthquake Damage Property Information Form is required for insurance purposes, we can provide this at no additional cost.
- Review the findings carefully
- Discuss any questions with our BOINZ-accredited Building Surveyor
- Consult your solicitor or other relevant professionals (engineer/tradesman) if required
- Use the report to negotiate repairs, maintenance work, or price adjustments before proceeding with the purchase or sale
- Pre-purchase building inspections help buyers understand the condition of a home before committing to a purchase, reducing the risk of unexpected defects and repair costs.
- Pre-sale building inspections help sellers identify and address issues before listing a property, reducing the likelihood of surprises during negotiations and helping the sales process run more smoothly.
A pre-sale inspection can:
- Identify defects and maintenance issues before listing your property
- Give you the opportunity to complete repairs before prospective buyers inspect the home
- Reduce the risk of surprises during negotiations
- Provide greater confidence to potential buyers
- Help support a smoother sales process
A pre-sale building inspection includes a comprehensive assessment of the home's condition, covering structural elements, roofing, cladding, windows, doors, sub-floor areas, moisture risks, and other significant building components. A detailed written report with photographs is provided to help sellers understand any issues before listing their property.
A pre-purchase building inspection includes a comprehensive assessment of the home's condition, covering structural elements, roofing, cladding, windows, doors, sub-floor areas, moisture risks, and other significant building components. Findings are presented in a detailed written report with photographs, helping buyers identify potential issues before completing their purchase.
