Pre-purchase building inspections

Know what you’re buying before you sign or bid.

A property can look great during an open home and still hide defects, moisture problems or expensive maintenance issues. Get a thorough, independent building inspection from an experienced local professional before you commit.

Pre-purchase inspections from $560

  • More than 25 years of building experience
  • Interior and exterior inspection
  • Thermal imaging for hidden moisture
  • Clear report with detailed photos
  • Prompt inspection and report turnaround

Request a pre-purchase inspection

Send through the property details and we’ll confirm availability, timing and price.

Need an inspection urgently? Call Andrew directly on 0421 707 908.

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  • Independent advice since 1999
  • 25+ years of building experience
  • Prompt, detailed reporting
  • Professional indemnity insurance
Look beyond the open home

The inspection could change your property decision.

Buying a home or investment property is a major commitment. Before you sign a contract or raise your hand at auction, it pays to understand the property’s true condition.

A pre-purchase building inspection can uncover issues that may not be obvious during a walkthrough, from structural concerns and water damage to poor workmanship and upcoming maintenance.

With the right information, you can decide whether to proceed, negotiate with greater confidence or prepare for the costs that may come with the property.

An established home with aged roof tiles, a weathered render wall and a visible crack along the front boundary
A thorough property assessment

What do we look for?

Andrew conducts a detailed visual assessment of the accessible areas of the property, inside and out. The inspection is tailored to the home’s age, construction and condition, with particular attention given to defects that could affect your decision.

Structural concerns

We assess accessible structural elements for visible signs of movement, deterioration or damage, including cracking, uneven areas and other potential warning signs.

Roofing and exterior

The external building condition is reviewed, including accessible roofing areas, walls, cladding, windows, doors, drainage and visible weather damage.

Interior condition

We inspect accessible rooms and internal areas for defects, damage, incomplete work and maintenance concerns.

Moisture and waterproofing

Andrew checks for visible signs of leaks, water damage and waterproofing problems. Thermal imaging is also used to help identify possible moisture concerns that may not be obvious to the naked eye.

Subfloor and roof space

Where safe and reasonably accessible, these areas may be inspected for visible defects, moisture, damage and other concerns.

Maintenance issues

The inspection identifies major and minor maintenance items that could require attention after purchase, helping you understand what may need to be repaired or monitored.

The inspection covers areas that are safe and reasonably accessible at the time. Any inaccessible or obstructed areas will be identified in the report.

Clear information, not more confusion

A report you can actually understand.

You won’t be left with a generic checklist full of technical language. Your report is tailored to the property and designed to help you understand what was found, why it matters and what may need to happen next.

Your report includes:

  • An overview of the property’s condition
  • Photos of the inspected areas
  • Close-up images of identified defects
  • Major and minor defects
  • Structural and maintenance concerns
  • Signs of leaks or moisture
  • Areas requiring further investigation
  • Watchpoints to monitor over time
  • Practical recommendations
  • A clear summary of the most important findings
  • Repair guidance or indicative cost considerations where appropriate

You can also speak directly with Andrew after receiving the report to clarify the findings and discuss any areas of concern.

A home of the kind IBRV inspects before purchase

Pre-Purchase Building Inspection

From$560including GST

A thorough, independent inspection designed to help you understand the property before you commit.

Included:

  • Interior and exterior inspection
  • Assessment of accessible building areas
  • Thermal imaging
  • Detailed property photos
  • Major and minor defect reporting
  • Maintenance and moisture concerns
  • Easy-to-read written report
  • Follow-up discussion with Andrew

The final price depends on the property’s size, age, location and complexity. Send us the address and property details for a confirmed quote.

Additional protection

Do you also need a pest inspection?

Termites and other timber pests can cause significant damage without leaving obvious signs.

IBRV can coordinate a pest inspection with a trusted, licensed local professional alongside your building inspection. This gives you a more complete understanding of the property before you make your decision.

A building inspection and pest inspection assess different risks, so choosing both may provide greater peace of mind when buying an established property.

Local experience on your side

More than a report. Practical advice when it matters.

More than 25 years of building experience

Andrew is a qualified carpenter with extensive hands-on experience in the building industry. He knows what to look for and how to explain the findings in practical terms.

Independent advice

IBRV works for you. The inspection provides an independent view of the property’s visible condition, helping you make your own informed decision.

Local property knowledge

Based in Wangaratta, Andrew understands the construction styles, environmental conditions and common building issues found across North East Victoria.

Prompt service

Property deadlines can move quickly. We aim to arrange inspections promptly and deliver reports on the same or following day where possible.

Clear communication

You’ll deal directly with Andrew throughout the process, from booking the inspection to discussing the report.

Thorough reporting

Detailed photos, clear explanations and practical recommendations give you more than a list of defects. They give you useful information for your next step.

Our process

From enquiry to answers in four simple steps.

  1. Send us the property details

    Complete the enquiry form or call Andrew with the property address and any important contract or auction deadlines.

  2. We confirm the inspection

    We’ll confirm availability and pricing, then arrange access with you, the owner or the selling agent.

  3. Andrew inspects the property

    The accessible interior and exterior areas are thoroughly assessed, with photos and thermal imaging used to document the property’s condition.

  4. Receive and discuss your report

    You’ll receive a clear, detailed report outlining the findings. If you have questions, Andrew can talk you through the areas that matter most.

What happens next?

If the inspection finds a problem, you have options.

IBRV does not make the purchasing decision for you. We give you clear, independent information so you can make that decision with greater confidence.

Finding defects does not automatically mean you should walk away. The purpose of the inspection is to help you understand the level of risk before making your decision.

Depending on the findings and your circumstances, you may choose to:

  • Request further advice from an appropriate specialist
  • Ask for repairs to be completed
  • Reconsider your offer
  • Negotiate based on the work required
  • Budget for future repairs and maintenance
  • Decide the property is not right for you
Trusted by property buyers

Helping buyers move forward with confidence.

Read why buyers, homeowners and property professionals across the region trust Andrew and IBRV for prompt, thorough and straightforward building inspections.

5.0
Based on 31 Google reviews
Andrew was incredibly helpful, honest, and took the time to walk me through the inspection findings and answer all my questions. It saved me both time and money, and gave me the confidence I needed to move forward. Highly recommend.
Tanya R.Google review
Andrew has been very helpful on three properties for us. He’s our go to man for anything to do with building inspections, having been prompt, reliable and a responsive communicator. Great to deal with and unreservedly recommended.
Sylvia M.Google review
Andrew was professional, fast and very thorough in his reviews of two homes for us. Very happy with his service and would definitely recommend and use again.
Sarah W.Google review
My experience with Andrew was exceptional, and I highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a building inspection, I am confident that I will continue to rely on Andrew for future inspections, and I will not hesitate to recommend him to my own clients and colleagues.
Felicity K.Google review
100% recommend IBR. Andrew was very professional, thorough and more than happy to answer my many questions. Support small business, this service without a doubt impeccable, reliable and well priced.
Tania W.Google review
Andrew is very professional, honest, trustworthy person. You can trust him 100%. If you need a building inspection report, seek Andrew. Recommend 200%.
Kameera B.Google review
Servicing North East Victoria

Local pre-purchase building inspections

IBRV is based in Wangaratta and provides pre-purchase building inspections across North East Victoria and surrounding regional areas.

Key service areas include:

We also inspect properties in surrounding towns and rural locations. If your area is not listed, contact us to check availability.

Farmland and homes below a mountain range in regional Victoria

Pre-purchase inspection FAQs

Need an answer quickly?Call Andrew on 0421 707 908
When should I book a pre-purchase building inspection?

Ideally, the inspection should be completed before you make an unconditional commitment to the property. If you are buying at auction or working within a contract deadline, speak with your conveyancer or legal adviser about the timing, then let us know your deadline when booking.

Can you organise access with the real estate agent?

Yes. Once the inspection is confirmed, we can coordinate access with the selling agent or property representative where required.

How quickly can you inspect the property?

We aim to arrange inspections promptly and can often inspect within 24 hours, depending on the property’s location, access and Andrew’s availability.

How long does the inspection take?

Most pre-purchase inspections take between one and three hours. Larger, older or more complex properties may take longer.

When will I receive my report?

Reports are generally provided on the same or following day after the inspection. If you are working to a specific deadline, let us know before booking.

Can I attend the inspection?

Discuss this with Andrew when booking. Attendance may depend on the property, access arrangements and the selling agent’s requirements.

Does the inspection include thermal imaging?

Yes. Thermal imaging is used to help identify signs of moisture or leaks that may not be obvious during a standard visual assessment.

Does a building inspection include termites and pests?

A building inspection and pest inspection are separate services. IBRV can coordinate a pest inspection with a trusted, licensed local professional if you would like both completed.

What if a major defect is found?

The report will explain the visible issue and recommend an appropriate next step. This could include obtaining specialist advice, investigating further or considering the likely repair requirements before proceeding.

Can a property pass or fail an inspection?

No. A building inspection records and explains the property’s condition at the time of inspection. It does not provide a simple pass or fail result. The findings help you decide whether the property and its risks are acceptable to you.

Do you inspect commercial properties?

Yes. IBRV can inspect residential and commercial properties. Contact us with the property details so we can confirm the appropriate service and quote.

Before you buy, get the full picture.

Arrange a pre-purchase building inspection and make your next property decision with clearer information and greater confidence.

Pre-purchase inspections from $560

Based in Wangaratta and servicing North East Victoria and surrounding regions.

Call Andrew
Request an Inspection