Qualified & Registered Building Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about building and pest inspections? You’re in the right place. Here are the questions we get asked most — answered in plain English, no jargon.
General Questions
What is a building and pest inspection?
A building and pest inspection is a professional assessment of a property’s condition. A building inspection covers the structural and physical condition of the property — walls, roof, floors, wet areas, and more. A pest inspection specifically looks for timber pest activity including termites, borers, and wood decay. At Certifyd, we offer these as a combined inspection for the most complete picture through our building and pest inspection service.
Do I really need a building inspection?
Yes — especially in Melbourne’s property market where many homes are older and have had multiple owners. A building inspection gives you independent, expert evidence of the property’s condition before you commit. It’s one of the best investments you can make before a purchase. If you’re buying an existing home, our pre-purchase building inspection is designed specifically for that stage of the process.
How long does an inspection take?
Most inspections take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property.
How much does a building inspection cost in Melbourne?
Our inspections start at $399 all-inclusive — no hidden fees. We provide a firm quote upfront. Get a free quote online or call 1300 637 176.
When should I book a pre-purchase inspection?
Book as early as possible — ideally before you make an offer. In auction situations, we recommend booking as soon as you identify a property you’re serious about, as we can usually inspect within 24–48 hours. If you’re bidding at auction, our dedicated pre-auction building inspection is built around those tighter timelines.
What happens if the inspection finds defects?
Defects aren’t necessarily a reason to walk away. Our report will explain what was found and how significant it is. Many buyers use the report to negotiate a price reduction or request repairs before settlement. Closer to settlement, a pre-settlement inspection can help confirm that agreed repairs have actually been completed.
Can I get an inspection before an auction?
Absolutely. In fact, a pre-auction inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make in Melbourne’s competitive market, since there’s no cooling-off period after auction. We offer fast-turnaround pre-auction inspections designed to fit your timeline
Pre-Purchase & Pre-Auction Questions
Reports & Process Questions
When will I receive my report?
We deliver your report the same day as the inspection — usually within a few hours of completing the assessment.
What does the report include?
Your report includes a full written assessment of every area inspected, rated findings (minor defect, major defect, safety hazard), high-quality photographs of every issue found, and recommendations for further action or repair.
Is the report in plain English?
Yes. We write our reports for property buyers, not builders. If anything in the report is unclear, call us and we’ll walk you through it.
Can I share the report with my solicitor or real estate agent?
Absolutely. The report is yours — share it with whoever is involved in your purchase.
Are your inspectors licensed?
Yes. Our inspections are led by a Registered Building Practitioner (DB-U 101478) with qualifications in building surveying and civil engineering. We are fully licensed and insured.
Are your inspections compliant with Australian Standards?
Yes. All our inspections are conducted in accordance with AS 4349.1 (Building Inspections) and AS 4349.3 (Timber Pest Inspections).
What areas of Melbourne do you cover?
We cover all of Greater Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Contact us to confirm coverage in your specific area. We also inspect specialised property types, including commercial sites through our commercial building inspection service.
Qualifications & Compliance Questions
Still have questions? We’re always happy to help
Same-day reports. No hidden fees. Backed by real engineering expertise