A building inspection is only as useful as the process around it. Book it too late, misread the report, or fail to act on the findings, and even the most thorough inspection won't protect you. Here's a practical checklist to get the timing and follow-through right.
Most buyers treat the inspection itself as the finish line. In reality, it's the midpoint of a process that starts the moment you're seriously considering a property and doesn't end until you've acted on what the report tells you.
The Golden Rule
Book your inspection early enough that you have genuine time to act on the findings — whether that means renegotiating, requesting rectification, or walking away — before you're contractually locked in.
Before the Inspection
- 1Check Your Contract's Due Diligence Window
Confirm your cooling-off or subject-to-inspection period so you know your deadline to act.
- 2Decide on Combined Services
Building and timber pest inspections together are usually more efficient and cost-effective than booking separately.
- 3Confirm Access
Ensure the agent or vendor knows the inspection is happening and can provide access to the subfloor, roof space, and any locked areas.
- 4Ask for a Sample Report
Request a sample from your chosen inspector so you know what level of detail to expect.
During the Inspection
- 1Attend If You Can
Being on site lets you ask questions in real time and see findings in context, not just in a written summary.
- 2Note Your Own Observations
Jot down anything that catches your eye — smells, sounds, or visible issues — to raise with the inspector.
- 3Ask About Severity, Not Just Presence
Understanding whether something is major, minor, or requires monitoring matters more than a simple yes/no list.
After the Report Arrives
- 1Read the Full Report
Don't rely on a verbal summary alone — the written findings and photographs carry the real detail.
- 2Separate Major from Minor
Focus your decision-making on structural, safety and high-cost findings rather than cosmetic items.
- 3Talk to Your Conveyancer
Discuss significant findings before deciding whether to proceed, renegotiate, or withdraw.
- 4Keep the Report
Retain it as a long-term maintenance reference, even after settlement — it's a useful record of what to monitor.
| Stage | Key Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before | Confirm your due diligence deadline | Missing it removes your ability to act on findings |
| Before | Book combined building & pest | More efficient and often more cost-effective |
| During | Attend and ask questions | Context matters as much as the written findings |
| After | Read the full report, not just the summary | Photos and detail carry the real picture |
| After | Discuss major findings with your conveyancer | Determines your negotiation or withdrawal options |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent ways buyers undermine an otherwise good inspection process.
Booking Too Late
- Leaving the inspection until the last day of your due diligence window removes your ability to act
Choosing on Price Alone
- The cheapest quote often means less time on site and a shallower report
Skimming the Report
- Reading only the summary page misses detail that could materially affect your decision
Not Asking Follow-Up Questions
- A good inspector is available to talk through findings — use that access
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a building inspection?
As soon as you're seriously considering a property, ideally the same day you go under a subject-to-inspection contract, so you have maximum time to act on the findings.
Should I attend the inspection in person?
It's not essential, but it's genuinely useful — seeing findings in context and asking questions on the spot often clarifies things a written report alone can't.
What should I do immediately after receiving the report?
Read it in full, separate major from minor findings, and if anything significant is flagged, discuss your options with your conveyancer before your due diligence period closes.
Do I need to keep the report after settlement?
Yes — it's a useful long-term reference for maintenance planning and can help you track whether any noted items change over time.
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