FAQ

The inspection looks for major building defects such as Leaking roofs, Structural inadequacies, Leaking showers, damp issues, poor external drainage, water hammer and potential safety hazards.

During a building inspection the following areas are fully explored:

The Roof exterior
– The roof coverings such as tiles, corrugated metal and membranes, valleys, flashings, cappings, penetrations and skylights, gutters and down pipes etc – Essentially we look for evidence the roof is not water tight or adequately plumbed.

The Roof interior
– The roof framing members and connections are checked for defects, the roof covering (from the inside) is checked for evidence of leaks, sisalation, insulation and electrical installations are assessed for potential safety hazards.

The Building exterior
– The building elevations are checked for cracks and other defects, windows, walls, doors, lintels all external accessible areas are assessed, balconies / verandahs, decks and other timber structures are checked for structural adequacy, wood rot and other defects.

The Building interior
– All of the building interior is checked - bedrooms, hallways and living areas for defects including the floors, walls and ceilings, timber trims, windows and doors as well as joinery and cupboards. Wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries are assessed for a number of things including water operation, evidence of water hammer, age and condition of hot water service, evidence of leaking shower recess / wet areas, defects to sanitary fixture and fittings, toilets are flushed and moisture readings are taken.

The Site
– Paths and steps, retaining walls, driveways and external surface drainage are inspected for defects or inadequacies up to 30 meters from the main building. Large trees and other potential problems are assessed including the boundary fences.
All outbuildings are inspected, such as a garage, granny flat or shed.

The Sub Floor

We also go into the sub floor of the property to ensure that there is termite protection, good ventilation and that the framing timbers and support posts are adequate.

Cracking

We will outline any cracking to the property, where it is, how big it is and if it is a major or minor defect to the property.

Our Inspectors are accredited Building Consultants and Licensed Builders. Our Building and Pest Inspectors have undergone a rigorous qualification process and specialised timber pest accreditation. We consistently stay up to date with industry trends and legal requirements through continued professional development. We are fully insured for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity through Pacific International Insurance.

We believe our Building Reports are the best in the industry and our prices are very competitive. We can provide reports within 24 hours of the inspection, or same-day when required.

Full telephone support is provided directly from our Inspectors, and we can also arrange for a site consultation to fully explore any issues a property may have.

Our expertise is based on decades of experience in all facets of the building and timber pest industry.

Sydney Building Reports is an ethical company which serves its customers as we here would like to be served. Our professional staff are friendly, helpful and responsive.

Our building inspectors are accredited building consultants who have carried out specialised inspection training, hold current Builder’s Licenses and have a minimum of fifteen years building industry experience.

Sydney Building Reports Inspector's expertise is based on decades of experience in all facets of the building and timber pest industry.  They are also members of the Master Builders Association and Institute of Building Consultants.

Sydney Building Reports is fully covered for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance through Pacific International.

We comply with the current relevant Australian Standards AS 4349.1 – 2007 & AS 4349.3 – 2010.

If the property is going to Auction the Vendor Inspection should be carried out prior to first open house date, this will give you time to read the report and consider its implications with regard to your selling strategy, potentially offering time to fix some issues before the buyer becomes aware of them during the course of the campaign.

If the property is for sale by private treaty, again, it is best to have the inspection done as soon as possible.

A vendor report made available to potential purchasers can put them at ease and give them confidence in the property. The Sydney property market moves fast and anything that gives you an advantage should be fully explored. 

Our vendor reports are generally sent within 24 hours of the inspection. Verbal reports can also be made available same-day if required.  Litigation reports take up to two weeks after inspection, subject to the number of issues that need to be addressed.  Other reports are usually two to three business days.

All reports cover any building defects and relevant photographs.  Please see our specific services on report details.

Yes, certainly. Our Inspectors will include information on your area of specific concern at no extra charge

Our inspectors can notify you of any materials suspected of containing asbestos if requested. This is based on certain indicators such as property age, property type and other visual indicators.

Please note however, we don't carry out 'asbestos inspections' per se, because positive identification of asbestos requires removal of suspected material and laboratory testing.  We can organise for this inspection to be done, but need permission from the property owner to take out a piece of the affected material and send it off for testing.

Visit our post to read about the likelihood and typical areas asbestos could be found within a house.

An average 4 bedroom house and property should take about 1 hour to inspect.

We provide full telephone support and are here to help.

We accept credit card payments from MasterCard, Visa and American Express as well as Direct EFT.

It is company policy to receive payment upon ordering your inspection. For cancellation of inspections, we require 24 hours notice, otherwise a cancellation fee applies.

The 24 hours cancellation period excludes weekend and public holidays.  Notification of cancellation can be made by phoning our office Monday–Friday on 9416 0455.

We send all reports via email to your nominated email address.

If you would also like a copy posted to you in the mail, we send a printed and bound version in colour for a small fee.