Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Owner Inspections is one of only a few home inspection companies fully registered in each state we service. We hold licenses in: • Victoria (VBA CDB-U 53425) • NSW (Fair Trading 366177C) • Queensland (QBCC 15249792) • ASBC membership (SIP 141)

Yes, Owner Inspections maintains comprehensive professional indemnity and public liability insurance coverage to protect our clients.

Our promise is a full report within 24 hours of your inspection's completion - guaranteed satisfaction.

We carefully select inspectors with extensive qualifications and experience in line with your particular property and specific service needs.

An individualised checklist is provided when booking. The more documents you can provide, the more accurate our assessment will be.

Our inspectors work independently, though you can submit questions 24 hours ahead. Your presence is optional but welcome if OHS requirements are met.

We offer multiple convenient payment options: • All major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) • Apple Pay • PayID • PayTo • Direct bank transfer All online payments are securely processed through Stripe. Payment is required prior to the inspection unless otherwise arranged.

Reports arrive via online link, PDF email, and SMS link for convenient access.

Our inspections can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, with extra time possible for more complex properties.

No additional charges apply for standard inspections exceeding the estimated time.

No, travel expenses are fully included in our fixed fees.

No additional or hidden costs will be incurred upon agreement with your quotation.

Yes, we provide comprehensive ATO-acceptable invoices and receipts for your records.

Yes, we provide a free rescheduling service with 24-hour notice required.

Pricing varies by property size, inspection type, and complexities. Please contact us for a personalised quote.

Simply complete the online form provided in your quotation for scheduling, or contact us directly to book your inspection.

Our building inspections cover all accessible areas of the property, including: • Structural elements (foundations, walls, floors, ceilings) • Roof and roof space • External areas (drainage, driveways, fencing) • Wet areas (bathrooms, laundry, kitchen) • Doors, windows and fixtures • Electrical and plumbing (visual assessment) • Safety hazards and compliance issues Each inspection follows Australian Standard AS 4349.1 for pre-purchase inspections.

Standard inspections are non-invasive and visual only. The following are not included: • Areas concealed behind walls, floors or ceilings • Furniture, stored items or personal belongings • Specialised testing (asbestos sampling, structural engineering) • Pest and termite inspections (available as separate service) • Swimming pool compliance certificates • Soil testing or geotechnical assessments We clearly outline all inclusions and exclusions in your quote.

Our inspectors identify materials that may contain asbestos based on visual assessment and the property's age. Properties built before 1990 commonly contain asbestos in areas such as eaves, wet area linings, and floor tiles. If suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified, we recommend laboratory testing by a licensed assessor. We can arrange specialist asbestos testing as an additional service upon request.

Yes, we offer comprehensive timber pest inspections in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4349.3. This includes assessment for: • Active termite infestations • Evidence of past termite damage • Termite-conducive conditions • Borers and wood decay fungi Pest inspections can be booked separately or combined with your building inspection for a discounted rate.

Yes, we provide pool and spa inspections covering structural condition, equipment, and surrounds. Please note that pool barrier compliance certificates are a separate requirement under state legislation and must be issued by a licensed pool safety inspector. We can assess the general condition of pool fencing and identify obvious non-compliance issues, but formal certification requires a dedicated pool safety inspection.

Yes, we regularly inspect apartments, units, and townhouses within strata schemes. Our inspection covers your individual lot including internal areas, balconies, and car spaces. Common property areas are the responsibility of the owners corporation, but we note any visible issues that may affect your unit. We recommend reviewing the strata records and building reports separately for a complete picture of the property.

Yes, our inspectors assess external cladding and identify materials that may be of concern, particularly aluminium composite panels (ACP) on buildings constructed between 2000 and 2020. If potentially combustible cladding is identified, we recommend further investigation by a fire safety engineer. For apartments, check with the owners corporation whether a cladding audit has been conducted as required under state rectification programs.

Our inspectors note observable site conditions relevant to bushfire and flood exposure, such as vegetation proximity, drainage, and floor height. However, formal bushfire attack level (BAL) assessments and flood risk reports require specialist consultants and council records. We recommend checking your local council planning maps and obtaining a property planning certificate for definitive risk classifications before purchase.

Our inspections identify visible defects and workmanship issues that may indicate non-compliance with building standards. However, we do not provide formal NCC compliance certification, which requires assessment by a registered building surveyor with access to approved plans. For new builds or properties with recent renovations, we recommend verifying that all required occupancy permits and compliance certificates have been issued.

Yes, we identify visible mould growth and conditions conducive to mould, such as water damage, poor ventilation, and moisture ingress. Our report notes affected areas and likely causes. For properties with significant mould issues or where occupants have health concerns, we recommend engaging a specialist mould assessor who can conduct air quality testing and provide a remediation plan.

Yes, we utilise thermal imaging cameras to detect moisture intrusion, electrical hotspots, and insulation deficiencies not visible to the naked eye. Drone inspections are available for properties with inaccessible roofs or large sites, subject to CASA regulations and site conditions. These advanced inspection methods are included in our comprehensive inspection packages or available as add-on services.

Our inspection reports reflect the property condition at the time of inspection only. Building conditions can change due to weather, occupant activity, or concealed defects becoming apparent. For property purchases, we recommend using the report within the cooling-off or due diligence period. Reports older than 3 months should be considered outdated, and a new inspection may be warranted if circumstances have changed.

Yes, if you attend the inspection, our inspector can provide a verbal overview of key findings on-site. This is helpful for understanding significant issues before receiving the full written report. Please note that the comprehensive written report remains the official record of our inspection findings and should be relied upon for any negotiations or decisions.

We offer complimentary post-report consultations to discuss our findings and answer any questions. Simply contact us via phone or email, and we will arrange a time to speak with your inspector. We want you to fully understand the condition of the property and the implications of any defects identified.

Yes, we offer re-inspection services to verify that defects identified in our original report have been properly rectified. This is particularly valuable for new builds at practical completion or when negotiating repairs as a condition of sale. Re-inspections are charged at a reduced rate and focus specifically on the items previously identified.

If our inspection reveals major defects, we recommend: • Obtaining quotes from licensed tradespeople for repair costs • Engaging specialist consultants if structural or safety issues are identified • Discussing findings with your solicitor or conveyancer • Considering negotiation on price or requesting repairs before settlement • In serious cases, exercising your cooling-off rights if applicable Our team can provide guidance on appropriate next steps based on the specific issues found.

Yes, our detailed inspection reports are designed to support informed decision-making, including price negotiations. The report clearly categorises defects by severity and provides descriptions that can be shared with vendors, agents, or your legal representative. Many clients successfully use our findings to negotiate price reductions or request repairs as a condition of sale.

A pre-purchase inspection assesses the overall condition of an established property you are considering buying, covering all accessible areas and identifying defects, maintenance issues, and safety concerns. A defect inspection is typically conducted on new or recently built properties to identify construction defects, incomplete work, and non-compliance with approved plans and standards. Defect inspections are commonly performed at practical completion stage, during the defect liability period, or when disputing builder workmanship.

Owner Inspections was founded in 2014 by a family with over 20 years of experience in the building and inspection industry. Since then, we have grown to become one of Australia's most trusted building inspection companies, serving thousands of clients across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.

We operate across three Australian states: • New South Wales: Sydney metropolitan area, Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and Blue Mountains • Victoria: Melbourne metropolitan area and surrounding regions • Queensland: Brisbane metropolitan area and surrounding regions Contact us to confirm coverage for your specific location.

We have offices in three major cities: • Sydney: Level 8, 97 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060 • Melbourne: Level 14, 380 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3000 • Brisbane: Level 22, 69 Ann St, Brisbane QLD 4000 You can reach us on 1300 471 805 or via our 24/7 online booking system.

Owner Inspections stands out for several reasons: • Fully licensed in every state we operate • Comprehensive professional indemnity and public liability insurance • Team of 17+ qualified specialists with decades of combined experience • Reports delivered within 24 hours, guaranteed • Fixed pricing with no hidden costs or travel fees • Free post-inspection consultations • Modern inspection technology including thermal imaging • 24/7 booking system for your convenience

We offer over 20 inspection services, including: • Pre-purchase and pre-sale inspections • Building and pest inspections • New construction stage inspections • Pre-handover and practical completion inspections • Defect investigation reports • Dilapidation reports • Expert witness reports • Mould and drug residue testing • Roof inspections • Tax depreciation schedules • 137B Owner Builder reports • Commercial property inspections Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Yes, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your property and inspection needs. Our team can help determine the most appropriate inspection type for your situation and provide a no-obligation quote. Contact us on 1300 471 805 or submit an enquiry through our website.

Yes, Owner Inspections is committed to your complete satisfaction. We guarantee: • Thorough inspections conducted by qualified professionals • Detailed, easy-to-understand reports delivered within 24 hours • Fixed pricing with no hidden fees • Complimentary post-inspection support to answer your questions Our comprehensive insurance coverage provides additional peace of mind for all our clients.

Our inspectors hold a range of professional qualifications including: • Licensed builders and building practitioners • Structural and civil engineers • Certified building inspectors • Timber pest inspection licences • Building biology certifications • Expert witness accreditation All inspectors maintain current licences and undertake ongoing professional development to stay current with building codes and inspection standards.

Our team includes inspectors with 15 to 30+ years of experience in the building industry. Many have backgrounds as registered builders, structural engineers, or building surveyors. This depth of experience means they can identify issues that less experienced inspectors might miss and provide practical advice on remediation options.

Yes, our team includes specialists in various fields: • Structural engineers for complex structural assessments • Building biologists for mould and indoor air quality • Facade engineers for cladding and waterproofing issues • Expert witnesses for tribunal and court matters • Pest specialists for timber pest inspections We match the right inspector to your property type and specific concerns.

We carefully match inspectors to properties based on several factors: • Property type (house, apartment, commercial) • Inspection requirements (building, pest, structural) • Location and inspector availability • Any specific concerns you have raised For complex properties or specialist requirements, we may assign multiple inspectors or a senior team member with relevant expertise.

While we do not typically arrange pre-inspection meetings, you are welcome to attend the inspection and meet your inspector on-site. Our team can also arrange a phone call with the assigned inspector beforehand if you have specific questions or concerns you would like to discuss.

Yes, our inspectors operate with complete independence and integrity. We have no affiliations with real estate agents, builders, or trades, ensuring our reports are unbiased and solely in your interest. Our inspectors are paid a fixed fee regardless of what they find, so there is no incentive to overlook or exaggerate issues.