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Building inspector checking termite damage outside an Australian home while a buyer reviews a building and pest inspection report with Owner Inspections logo.
Pest Inspections

How Do You Choose a Pest Control Company After a Building Inspection

A practical guide for Australian property buyers on choosing a licensed pest control company after a building and pest inspection identifies termite activity, pest damage, or moisture risks.

Maison Azdari10 min read
24 April 20265,757
a model house, budget plan, coins and a clipboard outlining costs beyond the mortgage for Australian home buyers.
Building Inspections

What Costs Beyond the Mortgage Catch Buyers Out in Australia?

Buying a property costs more than the loan itself. This guide helps Australian buyers understand the extra costs beyond the mortgage, from inspections and legal fees to insurance, rates and repair buffers.

Maison Azdari9 min re
20 April 20267,766
poor ventilation defects
Defect Investigation

How Poor Ventilation Causes Mould, Condensation and Hidden Defects

Poor ventilation can do more than leave a home feeling stuffy. It can trap moisture, cause condensation and mould, and contribute to hidden defects in roof spaces, wall cavities and subfloors. This guide explains the warning signs, likely causes, and when an inspection is the right next step.

Maison Azdari7 min read
13 April 20267,460
Owner Inspections inspector assessing a living room with visible mould, wall cracking, water staining and timber damage before furniture replacement
Defect Investigation

6 Hidden Home Issues to Check Before Replacing Your Living Room Furniture

Before replacing your living room furniture, check whether the real problem is hidden in the room itself. This guide explains how to spot damp, mould, cracks, uneven floors, leaks and termite damage, then decide whether you need an inspection, a repair, or simply a better furniture plan.

Maison Azdari9 min read
8 April 20265,580
Inspector performing a pest inspection at a suburban Australian home, checking garden beds and slab edge with visible termite damage, blocked weep holes, moisture reading device, and subfloor access shown.
Pest Inspections

Pest Inspection Clues Buyers Miss When Buying a Home

Pest inspections help buyers spot termite and borer risk that open homes often hide. A pre-purchase pest inspection is a non-invasive visual check of accessible areas, so blocked roof or subfloor access and covered slab edges can limit what’s found.

Maison Azdari8 min read
6 April 20267,102
image of oil price soaring
Building Inspections

Rising Oil Prices and the Impact on Building Costs and Delays

Rising oil prices are pushing up building costs across Australia by lifting diesel, freight and material prices at the same time. For homebuyers, homeowners and investors, that can mean higher repair bills, longer lead times and more pressure on renovation or building budgets. This article explains how global oil benchmarks flow through to local fuel costs, why materials like PVC and bitumen are exposed, and what practical steps property owners can take to reduce risk before they buy, build or renovate.

Maison Azdari7 min read
30 March 20266,232
What Poor Polished Concrete Floor Looks Like
Defect Investigation

What Poor Polished Concrete Floors Look Like

Poor polished concrete isn’t about the floor having a bit of natural colour variation. It’s when the finish looks uneven, distracting, or starts failing. The biggest red flags are patchy gloss, swirl or trowel marks that jump out under sunlight or downlights, cloudy haze, random aggregate exposure, and stains sealed into the surface. White salt deposits near joints or external walls can point to moisture moving through the slab, and peeling sealer, trip edges at joints, or slippery wet entries turn it from ugly into a functional or safety issue. The key is working out whether you’re seeing a light-and-shadow effect, a surface defect, or a moisture-related problem, because the realistic fix and the likely cost depend on what’s actually causing it.

Maison Azdari7 min read
26 March 20266,380
Independent stage inspections during a new home build: how to tell your builder, secure site access, and schedule key-stage checks (Australia)
Building Inspections

How do I Arrange Independent Stage Inspections With My Builder?

Independent stage inspections help you catch defects before they’re hidden or costly. Tell your builder early, propose a simple process (48–72 hours notice, follow induction/PPE rules, share reports), and focus on the key stages: pre-pour slab, frame, waterproofing/pre-lining, and PCI before handover.

Maison Azdari9 min read
24 March 20265,259
Home Inspections in Melbourne
Defect Investigation

Home Inspections Melbourne: Common Issues We Find

Buying in Melbourne can feel like a sprint. Auction week pressure, short settlement windows, lots of “looks good to me” advice, and not much time to work out what’s normal ageing and what’s a big repair bill. If you’re searching home inspections Melbourne, the real question is usually this: what problems show up most often, and what should you do about them?

Maison Azdari8 min read
19 March 20267,485
When Defects Are Found, Do Inspectors Re-inspect. Do You Pay Extra?
Building Inspections

When Defects Are Found, Do Inspectors Re-inspect. Do You Pay Extra?

Defects during new-build stage inspections can trigger rechecks before work is covered up. Learn when a re-inspection is needed, how many extra visits are common, and what typical fee models and costs look like across Australia.

Maison Azdari8 min read
16 March 20265,821
Frustrated Australian homeowner reviewing building defect documents at a kitchen table
Defect Investigations

Builder Won't Fix Defects: Your Options in NSW and Victoria

When your builder ignores defect complaints or refuses to carry out repairs, you are not without options. This guide covers the practical and legal steps available to homeowners in New South Wales and Victoria, from formal written notices through to tribunal proceedings.

Maison Azdari8 min read
26 February 20267,070
Inspector comparing building inspection and pest inspection reports on a property
Pre-Purchase Inspections

Building Inspection vs Building and Pest Inspection: Which Do You Need?

A building inspection covers structural and safety defects, while a building and pest inspection adds a full timber pest assessment. This guide breaks down the differences so you can make the right choice before buying.

Maison Azdari6 min read
26 February 20267,972
Building inspector reviewing construction plans at a residential building site in Sydney
Construction Stage Inspections

How Much Do Construction Stage Inspections Cost in Sydney and Melbourne?

Construction stage inspections in Sydney and Melbourne typically cost between $300 and $500 per stage, with full five-stage packages ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay and why the investment is worth it.

Maison Azdari6 min read
26 February 20266,730
Two building reports side by side on a desk with a magnifying glass and Australian property in the background
Defect Investigations

Defect Investigation Report vs Building Inspection Report: What Is the Difference?

A building inspection report and a defect investigation report may sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. This guide explains the key differences in scope, depth, legal standing, and cost so Australian homeowners can choose the right report for their situation.

Maison Azdari7 min read
26 February 20266,469
Homeowner photographing a wall crack with a smartphone and ruler for scale in an Australian home
Defect Investigation

How to Document Building Defects for a Legal Claim

Strong documentation is the foundation of any successful building defect claim. This guide walks Australian homeowners through the practical steps of photographing defects, keeping records, obtaining independent reports, and building a timeline that holds up in legal proceedings.

Maison Azdari8 min read
26 February 20265,422
Building inspector checking time during a pre-purchase property inspection
Pre-Purchase Inspections

How Long Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Take?

A pre-purchase building inspection typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours on-site, with a detailed report delivered within 24 hours. This guide covers the full timeline, what affects duration, and what to expect at each stage.

Maison Azdari5 min read
26 February 20265,222

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Nathisha Paramasivam

Nathisha Paramasivam

7 months ago

We are ex-Porter Davis clients now getting our property finished with Simonds Property, and the build has been delayed and stressful. When you have no idea what you’re looking for and start to feel ga...

Savali Ng Shiu

Savali Ng Shiu

4 months ago

I spoke with Dan and was genuinely impressed by his level of honesty and integrity, especially given that I am currently in a very vulnerable position following recent renovation works. He took the ti...

Gopal Katwal

Gopal Katwal

a year ago

I recently used Owner Inspection for a pre-slab inspection, and I couldn't be more pleased with the service. Babak Nasirpour was the inspector assigned to my property, and he was thorough, professiona...

Simone Maiolo

Simone Maiolo

4 months ago

I recently used Owner Inspections for a property inspection, and I was extremely impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail. The inspector arrived on time, conducted a very thorough ...

Anuradha Edirisuriya

Anuradha Edirisuriya

3 months ago

I had a great experience with Owner Inspections from start to finish. The team was professional, punctual, and very easy to deal with. Communication was clear throughout the process, and the inspectio...

Rsvn_ GG

Rsvn_ GG

a year ago

The inspector arrived on time and conducted a very thorough evaluation. He took the time to walk us through every detail, pointing out potential problem areas and providing sound advice for future mai...