Qualified & Registered Building Experts
New Home Warranty Inspection Melbourne
Your builder’s warranty won’t last forever — and neither will your chance to have defects fixed at no cost to you. A new home warranty inspection from Certifyd makes sure you identify and document every defect before your warranty expires, so you can hold your builder accountable.
What Is a Building Warranty Inspection?
In Victoria, most new homes come with a Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) warranty that covers structural defects for up to 10 years and non-structural defects for a shorter period. A building warranty inspection — often called an 11-month or 12-month inspection — is a thorough assessment of your new home before that warranty period closes.
The goal is simple: identify any defects your builder is still responsible for fixing, and document them clearly before you lose the right to claim.
When Should You Book a Warranty Inspection?
Timing is everything. We recommend booking your warranty inspection at around the 10–11 month mark after your handover date. This gives you enough time to:
Don’t wait until month 12 — by then, it may be too late. If you haven’t taken possession yet, a new home handover inspection is the right service to book before you accept the keys.
What We Look For in a Warranty Inspection
Our warranty inspections go beyond a simple visual check. We assess:
Structural Defects
cracks, movement, settlement, and framing issues
Waterproofing
wet areas, balconies, and
external cladding
Roofing
tiles, flashings, gutters, and
drainage
Interior finishes
gaps, poor joinery, uneven surfaces, and cracked plaster
Doors and windows
alignment, sealing, and hardware
function
External areas
paths, driveways, fencing, and
drainage
Plumbing and drainage
visible pipe runs, hot water systems, and
water pressure
General workmanship
anything that doesn’t meet building standards or your contract specifications
Why Use Certifyd for Your Warranty Inspection?
Our team includes a certified building surveyor and civil engineer — the kind of credentials that carry real weight when disputing defects with a builder. We don’t just flag cosmetic issues; we assess structural integrity and workmanship against the applicable Australian Standards. That gives your warranty claim the credibility it needs.
For clients building a new home, we can also help earlier in the process with a new home handover inspection before practical completion, or later with a pre-settlement inspection if a final condition check is needed before settlement.
How Much Does a Warranty Inspection Cost?
Our pre-purchase building and pest inspections start at $399 — an all-inclusive price with no add-ons. We provide a firm quote upfront so there are no surprises on the day. Get your free quote online or call 1300 637 176.
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Inspection Type |
Starting Price |
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Building Inspection Only |
$$$ |
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Pest Inspection Only |
$$$ |
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Combined Building & Pest |
$$$ |
What to Expect – 3 Simple Steps
Request a free quote
Fill out our online form with your property details and inspection type.
Receive your quote
No surprises. We confirm the price before anything is booked.
Inspection done
Choose your preferred day. We inspect and deliver your report the same day.
Don’t let your warranty expire without knowing what’s been missed
Same-day reports. No hidden fees. Backed by real engineering expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
What is covered under a builder’s warranty in Victoria?
Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act, structural defects are typically covered for up to 10 years, and non-structural defects for shorter periods depending on the type of work. We recommend checking your specific contract and speaking to a building consultant.
Can I still make a warranty claim if I missed the deadline?
Some defects may still be claimable under other legislation. However, acting within the warranty period is always the safest approach. Call us and we can advise based on your situation.
What do I do with the report after the inspection?
Submit it directly to your builder as a formal defect notice. If your builder disputes the findings, our report from a licensed building surveyor carries significant weight in any dispute resolution process.
Does this inspection cover pest activity?
Our standard warranty inspection focuses on building defects. If you’d like a pest inspection added, we can combine both in a single visit as part of a building and pest inspection.