We always 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. For pre-purchase inspections, I’ll liaise with the real estate agent directly. For new home inspections, I coordinate with the builder or site supervisor at each stage.

Building inspections start at $495 inc GST, but also depend on many factors; is the property an apartment, unit, house, commercial property, etc? A discussion will take place between The BID and the 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 $250 addition 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), and have completed Certificate IV and Diploma of Building and Construction. I have been in the building industry since 1985.

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.

We guarantee that the report will be available within 24 hours 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 before sending the report.

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

A building inspection is a thorough visual assessment of a property, covering the interior, exterior, roof cavity, and subfloor where accessible. The goal is to identify defects, from minor maintenance issues through to major structural problems, so you understand the true condition of the property.

An independent inspector works for you, not the agent or builder. It means you get unbiased advice, a detailed report, and peace of mind knowing someone with no ties to the sale is protecting your interests.

No. Not every builder is qualified to perform inspections or write legally valid reports. A proper inspection requires a Registered Building Practitioner who understands compliance, can document defects clearly with photos, and can produce reports that hold up legally.

You will be required to get permission from the agent in order to be present during the inspection. Whilst I perform the inspection, I ask that I be left to do the inspection uninterrupted and then once I have completed the inspection, I am happy to walk you through my findings so you have a full understanding of the defects found.

Yes. Renovations can be complex because old and new structures meet. I check that extensions are built to current codes and highlight any risks with the existing home.

Don’t just choose the cheapest quote. Check reviews, ask for references, and if possible, view previous work. Always look for experience with your type of project.

Yes. I often find missing insulation, poor sealing, or incorrect glazing. With 7-star standards now in place, I check that your home meets current NCC requirements.

Yes. Adding insulation, sealing gaps, and upgrading to double glazing are cost-effective ways to improve comfort and lower bills in existing properties.

Inspections can usually be arranged within a few days. In urgent cases, such as auction deadlines, I do my best to fit you in.

Direct deposit and credit card (1.75% surcharge applies).

I cover all of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, including eastern, western, and northern suburbs.

Not every builder can actually do inspections properly. A building inspector (in the technical sense) is often just there to certify the stage so the builder gets paid — they can be in and out in half an hour. I work as a building consultant. That means I’m there for you, the client, not the builder. I spend one to two hours on site, take hundreds of photos, and reference everything against the Australian Standards. My role is to pick up every defect I can, explain it clearly, and make sure it gets fixed before you’re left with problems.