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Expert insights, industry updates, and practical guides to help you make informed decisions about building inspections in Australia.

Australian property investor reviewing property finances on a laptop with the Owner Inspections logo displayed as a watermark
New Construction

Do Property Investors Need a Business Bank Account in Australia?

A dedicated property account can make rental income, expenses and cash flow easier to track, while an independent inspection can reveal defects and potential repair costs before an investor commits to a property.

Maison Azdari10 min read
16 July 20265,087
Home inspector assessing a modern Australian house with a tablet during a professional home inspection.
Insurance

Home Inspection: Defects That Can Affect Insurance

A home inspection can help identify defects such as water ingress, roof damage, structural cracking, mould, and faulty workmanship before they become costly problems or contribute to insurance claim disputes.

Maison Azdari8 min read
9 July 20265,712
a professional building inspector’s hand holding a thermal imaging camera in a bright bedroom.
Mould Inspections

Inspector Missed Black Mould After Settlement, What To Do?

Discovering black mould after settlement is a homeowner's worst nightmare. Learn how to verify your building inspector's liability under AS 4349.1, isolate the moisture source, and navigate NSW Fair Trading or NCAT pathways to fix the issue without paying out of pocket.

Maison Azdari9 min read
7 July 20266,904
Independent inspection by an Owner Inspections inspector reviewing a home during construction
Building Inspections

Can My Builder Charge Extra or Delay the Build if I Hire My Own Independent Inspector?

Can your builder charge extra, claim delays, or push you to use their recommended inspector? Learn how independent inspection access works during a build, what fees may be reasonable, and how to protect your rights without disrupting the site.

Maison Azdari9 min read
3 July 20266,586
Independent building inspector holding an iPad during a Practical Completion Inspection while a homeowner reviews defects in a new bathroom, with Owner Inspections branding on the inspector’s shirt.
Pre-Settlement Inspections

Practical Completion Inspection: What if the Builder’s Defect List has Missing Items?

When a builder’s PCI defect list misses items from an independent inspection report, homeowners should document each defect, request written acknowledgement, and keep a clear record before signing or making final payment.

Maison Azdari9 min read
30 June 20266,203
Independent inspector checking wall bracing at frame stage during a new home build.
Building Inspections

Is Having a Private Inspector Worth It or Added Cost?

Hiring a private inspector during a new build can help identify framing, bracing, and workmanship issues before they are covered up. This guide explains when an independent inspection adds value and when it may simply be an added cost.

Maison Azdari8 min read
26 June 20266,896
Private inspector reviewing a maintenance request defects list on an iPad during a new-home kitchen inspection
General Maintenance

Do You Need a Private Inspector for a Maintenance Request?

Learn when a private inspector maintenance request inspection is worth it, what defects to document, and how to create a clear builder-ready list before your maintenance window ends.

Maison Azdari7 min read
25 June 20265,021
Reinforcing steel mesh supported by bar chairs over a vapour barrier before a concrete slab pour for a new Australian home.
New Construction

Why Reinforced Concrete Matters in New Builds

Learn why reinforced concrete in new builds matters, how steel reinforcement helps manage loads, movement and cracking, and what inspectors check before, during and after a concrete pour. This guide explains pre-pour inspection points, common concrete defects, Australian standards and why early checks can help prevent hidden structural issues.

Maison Azdari8 min read
16 June 20265,638
Building inspector Sydney checking a residential property during a pre-purchase inspection
Building Inspections

Building Inspector Sydney: Cost, Checklist and Buyer Tips

Need a trusted building inspector Sydney buyers can rely on? This guide explains inspection costs, what a standard checklist includes, building vs pest inspection differences, report limitations and practical tips to help Sydney buyers spot visible defects before committing to a property.

Maison Azdari7 min read
9 June 20265,859
Building inspector checking exterior stormwater drainage and a downpipe near a residential home for possible soakwell issues.
General Maintenance

Buying a Home with Soakwells: What Should You Check During a Property Inspection?

Buying a home with a soakwell? Learn what visible drainage signs to check before settlement, including downpipes, pooling water, sinking pavers, damp walls and termite-conducive moisture. This buyer-focused guide explains what a property inspector can assess, what may need specialist drainage review and how to reduce hidden property risks.

Maison Azdari8 min read
5 June 20267,166
Pre-slab inspection steel reinforcement comparison showing a pass and fail example with reinforcing mesh, bar chairs and vapour barrier.
New Construction

Why Steel Reinforcement Matters in Pre-Slab Inspections

Side-by-side example of correct and poor pre-slab reinforcement setup, showing how mesh support, vapour barrier condition and site preparation can affect inspection outcomes.

Maison Azdari7 min read
29 May 20266,953
Building inspector examining construction site in Queensland
Construction Inspections

Can a Builder Refuse an Independent Inspector in Queensland?

Builders in Queensland cannot legally refuse access to an independent building inspector appointed by the homeowner. Learn the laws that protect your right to independent oversight during construction.

Maison Azdari7 min read
26 May 20267,030
Building inspector examining construction site in Victoria
Construction Inspections

Can a Builder Refuse an Independent Inspector in Victoria?

Builders in Victoria cannot legally refuse access to an independent building inspector appointed by the homeowner. Learn the laws that protect your right to independent oversight during construction.

Maison Azdari7 min read
26 May 20265,741
property inspector reviews a modern building
Defect Investigation

What Hidden Commercial Building Defects Do Inspections Miss?

Hidden commercial building defects can sit behind clean finishes, roof spaces and exterior surfaces. A detailed inspection helps buyers, owners and managers understand risk before small issues turn into major repair costs.

Maison Azdari9 min read
22 May 20265,999
Family moving interstate into a new Australian home while a building inspector reviews the property condition before move-in.
Pre-Purchase Inspections

Moving Interstate? Things to Know Before Moving Into Your Dream Home

Things to Know Before Moving Into Your Dream Home

Maison Azdari7 min read
14 May 20266,954
Inspector checking air conditioning installation in a new build home before handover
Pre-Settlement Inspections

Air Conditioning Installation in New Builds: What to Check Before Handover

Before accepting practical completion, your air conditioning installation in new build should do more than turn on. This guide explains what Australian homeowners should check before handover, including cooling, heating, zoning, airflow, condensate drainage, outdoor unit placement, noise, warranty paperwork, ARC licence details, and common HVAC defects hidden inside ceilings, walls, and roof spaces.

Maison Azdari7 min read
8 May 20266,765

Showing 1-16 of 317 articles

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