Professional Apartment Pre-Settlement
Inspections

A pre-settlement apartment inspection is a thorough examination of a new or off-the-plan apartment before the settlement date. It identifies any defects, incomplete work, or issues that need to be addressed by the developer before you take ownership.

Pre-settlement inspections protect your investment by identifying defects before you settle. Any issues found must be rectified by the developer, and defects identified after settlement may not be covered under statutory warranties. It ensures your apartment meets the National Construction Codes (NCC) standards.

You should book your inspection as soon as you receive notification that your apartment is ready for inspection, typically 1-2 weeks before settlement. This allows enough time for the developer to fix any identified defects before the settlement date.

Our inspection covers all internal areas including walls, ceilings, cornices, floors, windows, doors, cabinetry, benches, splashbacks, baths, showers, electrical fittings, switches, plumbing fixtures, tapware, and finishes such as paint and tiles.

A typical apartment inspection takes between 1-2 hours depending on the size of the apartment and the number of defects found. Larger apartments or those with many issues may take longer.

All defects are documented in a detailed report with photos. This report is provided to you and can be sent to the developer who is responsible for rectifying the issues before settlement. The defects must be fixed for you to maintain eligibility for statutory warranties.

Yes, you are welcome to attend the inspection. This gives you the opportunity to see any issues firsthand and ask questions. However, it is not mandatory, and we can conduct the inspection on your behalf and provide you with a comprehensive report.

Our inspectors are licensed building inspectors with extensive experience in residential construction. They are trained to identify defects according to Australian Standards and the National Construction Codes.

You will receive your detailed inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection. The report includes photos and descriptions of all identified defects, making it easy to communicate issues to the developer.

A pre-settlement inspection is conducted before you settle on the property, while a handover inspection typically occurs at the time of key handover. Pre-settlement inspections are recommended as they give you more time to have defects rectified before taking ownership.

Our standard pre-settlement inspection covers your individual apartment unit. Common areas such as lobbies, car parks, and shared facilities are typically the responsibility of the owners corporation. However, we can arrange separate inspections for common areas if required.

Owner Inspections provides pre-settlement apartment inspections across major metropolitan areas in Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and surrounding regions. Contact us to confirm availability in your area.

The cost varies depending on the size and location of your apartment. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your specific requirements. Our inspections represent excellent value considering the potential cost of unidentified defects.

If the developer refuses to rectify identified defects, you have several options including negotiating a reduction in the purchase price, requesting a delayed settlement until issues are resolved, or seeking legal advice. Our detailed inspection report provides documented evidence to support your position.

Cosmetic defects include issues like paint imperfections, scratches on surfaces, and minor tile chips that affect appearance but not functionality. Structural defects involve problems with load-bearing elements, waterproofing, or building integrity that can lead to serious long-term damage. Both types are documented in our inspection report.

Yes. Many defects in new apartments are not visible to an untrained eye. Issues such as poor waterproofing, incorrect drainage falls in wet areas, faulty window seals, and defective plumbing can only be identified through professional assessment with specialised equipment.

Statutory warranty periods vary by state but generally cover structural defects for six to seven years and non-structural defects for two years from completion. Identifying and reporting defects before settlement helps protect these warranty rights and ensures the developer is accountable.

In many cases, yes. If significant defects are identified, you may be entitled to delay settlement until the developer rectifies them. The specific rights depend on your contract terms and state legislation. Our inspection report provides the evidence needed to support a delayed settlement request.

It is common to find between 20 and 100 defects in a new apartment, ranging from minor cosmetic issues to more serious problems. Even well-built apartments typically have some defects. A professional inspection ensures nothing is overlooked before you take ownership.

Yes. A pre-settlement inspection is conducted before you settle and take ownership, giving you leverage to have the developer fix defects. A defect liability inspection occurs after settlement, usually towards the end of the defect liability period, to identify issues that have appeared during the warranty period.