Frequently Asked Questions

We always try to ensure that our report is easy to read with clear photos of defects with arrows and clear explanations in simple terms so you understand what is in the report. If there is something you do not fully understand, simply contact us and we will happily explain and give clarity.

As per Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) regulations, the only way you can exit a contract if a major defect is detected during the inspection, is if the building consultant performing the inspection is a Registered Building Practitioner. You can rest assured the Building Inspection Doctor is a Registered Building Practitioner.

Yes! If it’s a pre-purchase inspection, we will contact the real estate agent directly to arrange a time to inspect the property. If it is a new construction stage inspection, as part of the arrangement, we would have the contact details of the builder/supervisor to liaise with when each stage is completed and ready for inspection.

Building inspections start at $440 inc GST, but also depends on many factors; is the property an apartment, unit, house, commercial property etc? A discussion will take place between The BID and client to determine the pricing relevant for the property to be inspected.

For termite/timber pest inspections, The Building Inspection Doctor hires and recommends Walker’s Pest Management for all of our inspections requiring this service. The fee for this is $220 additional to the quoted price of a standard building inspection. The timber pest inspection is done in conjunction with the building inspection.

I am a qualified carpenter, Registered Building Practitioner (Lic No DB-U 28872), have completed Certificate IV and Diploma of Building and Construction. Have been in the building industry since 1985.

Yes! The builder is required to know so that the Inspector can gain access to the site at completion of each stage.

Please check your contract as some builders have a clause where they will charge an additional fee if you hire the service of an independent inspector.

It depends on the size of the property being inspected and the standard of the work. As a general rule, the inspection of a standard 4 bedroom home can take between 1 and 2 hours to perform.

At The Building Inspection Doctor, we guarantee that the report will be available within 24hrs of completion of the inspection, although, to ensure there are no holdups with the construction of your new home, on most occasions, the report will be available on the same day as when the inspection was done. The report is also sent to the builder to ensure that any defects are rectified as required. NB: Payment of the invoice for that stage is required prior to sending the report.

Yes, we are insured. We have Public Liability insurance with $10mil cover, Indemnity Insurance and Workcover Insurance.

It depends on the builder, however on most occasions, you won’t be allowed onsite during the inspection due to OHS regulations, although we are happy to meet you offsite after completion of the inspection to discuss what may have been found during the inspection.