A report you can actually use
For each defect we record, we answer the questions buyers need answered before they make a decision.
- What the defect is
- Where the defect is
- What happens if it is not repaired
- Which trade is needed to rectify it
Property inspections & reports
Building & pest inspections in Melbourne
Know the defects before you buy. Get a detailed report within 24 hours (or same day if you need it), with photos and a call from your inspector.
We are registered and fully insured.
Get your free quote
Get a free, instant quote with no obligation to book.
Prefer to call? 1300 729 352
Same-Day Reports AvailableJust ask when you book
25+ Years ExperienceIn building and property inspections
We Arrange EverythingAgent access and inspection scheduling
Why buyers are choosing Melbourne House Check
“Matt's expertise helped me avoid a major pitfall involving a significant foundation defect.”
“The inspection was very thorough, more than I had expected and he took the time to debrief me afterwards with his overall thoughts and concerns. The report was issued to me later that day.”
“Prompt, professional and thorough. Highly recommend Matt, am beyond impressed.”
Understand the property before you buy.
From the roof space to the subfloor, we check the home's structure, condition and signs of timber pests. You get the detail you need before you buy.
- Roof space & subfloor
- Framing, stumps, bearers and joists. We look for damp, movement, poor ventilation and signs of timber pest activity.
- Inside the home
- Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows and wet areas. We check for defects, moisture and visible safety hazards.
- Exterior, site & timber pests
- Roof coverings, gutters, brickwork, decks and drainage. We look for damage and signs of termites, borers and timber decay.
We inspect where access is safe and available. Any areas we cannot inspect are clearly identified in your report.
How we handle your inspection
You'll have the chance to ask questions before you book and after the inspection. We explain the findings in plain English, so you can make sense of the report before deciding how to proceed.
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Arrange your free quote
Tell us about the property and your deadline. We'll confirm the price and inspection availability before you book.
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We arrange access and inspect
Once you book, we contact the selling agent to arrange access. You're welcome to attend the inspection and see what we find.
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Your report, explained
We email your report within 24 hours, or the same day if you've asked, then call to walk you through the findings. Your inspector takes the time to answer your questions and explain which issues need attention.
The Melbourne House Check difference
Registered and properly insured
Every inspection is carried out by a registered domestic builder (DB-U 71487), with professional indemnity and public liability cover.
Fast reports when you need them
Your report arrives within 24 hours. Auction coming up? Ask for a same-day report and we'll send it on the day of the inspection.
We explain the findings
We call you after the inspection and talk through the findings in plain English. You are welcome to come along on the day.
Support after the report
If you buy the property, you can still call us for building advice about the home we inspected.
Download sample report
See how we document defects, explain their consequences and identify the trade needed for repairs.
Download sample report
Get a quote for your inspection
Tell us about the property and when you need your report. We'll confirm your price and availability, with no obligation to book.
What a combined building and pest inspection covers
Each inspection follows the relevant Australian Standards. It's a visual inspection of all accessible areas, inside and out, carried out by a registered domestic builder (DB-U 71487).
AS 4349.1
Building inspection
Checks the condition of the home. Your inspector records major and minor defects, safety hazards, and signs of damp, cracking or movement.
AS 4349.3
Timber pest inspection
Looks for termites, wood borers and fungal decay, plus the conditions that make a timber pest attack more likely.
What your report gives you
Sent within 24 hours, or the same day if you need it.
- Major and minor defects, with photos
- Timber pest activity and damage found
- Areas that could not be inspected
- Recommended repairs, trades or further checks
Why a timber pest inspection matters in Melbourne
Termites are a common cause of timber damage in Melbourne homes, and the damage is often hidden until it's serious. A building and termite inspection before you buy gives you the chance to find it first.
Termites work out of sight
Subterranean termites travel from nests in the ground and eat timber from the inside. Often the damage isn't visible until floors sag or timber gives way.
Insurance usually won't cover termite damage
Standard home insurance typically doesn't cover termite damage. Finding it before you buy can save you from repair costs you didn't plan for.
We check the conditions that attract pests
We also looks for moisture, leaks, poor ventilation and timber touching the ground. These make a timber pest attack more likely.
Common signs of timber pest issues
Timber pest damage is easy to miss at an open home. Look out for these signs when you walk through a property.
- Mud leadsThin mud tubes running up walls, stumps or foundations.
- Hollow or soft timberSkirting boards, architraves or framing that sound hollow or feel soft.
- Timber that crumblesWood that breaks away or feels paper thin when you tap it.
- Sagging floors or sticking doorsUneven floors, or doors and windows that have started to jam.
- Exit holes and frassSmall round holes and fine, powdery dust left by wood borers.
- Fungal decay and dampDamp, discoloured timber and a musty smell in the subfloor.
- Discarded wingsSmall piles of wings near windows, doors or lights after termites swarm.
- Conditions that attract pestsTimber touching soil, leaking pipes or poor subfloor ventilation.
We document everything found in your building and pest inspection report, with photos and clear explanations. See how it's set out in the sample report (PDF).
We know Melbourne homes.
We're Melbourne owned and operated, with experience in local house construction as well as inspections. We understand how a home's age, materials and alterations can affect its condition.
That building experience helps your inspector recognise warning signs and assess conditions that could cause further damage. That includes evidence of poor drainage, leaks and timber decay, and how these issues can affect the home over time.
Your report explains the defects we find, why they matter and what may happen if they're left unrepaired. We talk you through the findings and recommended repairs or further investigation, so you can consider immediate concerns and future maintenance before buying.
Building and pest inspection FAQs
Need an inspection before auction? Call to check the next available appointment.
Call 1300 729 352How much does an inspection cost?
The price depends on the property's size and location. Request a free quote and we'll confirm the price and availability before you book.
When will I receive my report?
Within 24 hours of the inspection. Need it sooner? Ask for a same-day report when you book. Let us know your auction or contract deadline and we'll confirm the timing.
Do I need both building and pest inspections?
A building inspection checks the property's condition. A timber pest inspection checks for signs of termites, borers and timber decay. Choose the combined inspection to include both.
How long does a building and pest inspection take?
Usually 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the home and the land. That includes the roof space, subfloor, interior, exterior, yard and outbuildings where access is safe.
Who arranges access to the property?
Once you book, we arrange access with the selling agent or property contact. You're welcome to attend the inspection.
What happens if the inspection finds problems?
Your report explains each issue, how serious it is and what's needed to fix it. You can use it to negotiate with the seller or to reconsider the purchase, and your inspector will talk you through it.
Are you registered and insured?
Yes. Your building and pest inspector is a registered domestic builder (Domestic Builder Unlimited, DB-U 71487). We carry professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
