What it is
What's a pre-purchase building inspection?
It's an independent, structural and aesthetic inspection of a property you're considering buying, conducted before you sign the contract or before cooling-off ends. The point is to flag any defects, safety concerns or expensive surprises so you can negotiate, walk away, or buy with both eyes open.
The Wayfare report is prepared to AS 4349.1, the Australian standard for pre-purchase property inspections. You can show it to your conveyancer, your lender, or a builder for repair quotes — it's a properly weighted, professionally written document.
What's covered
What I inspect
A full walk-through takes two to three hours. Here's what gets eyes, hands and (where needed) a torch, ladder or moisture meter on it.
Structural elements
Foundations, slab, framing, walls, floors, ceilings, roof structure, sub-floor where accessible. Looking for movement, cracking, sagging, deflection, water damage.
Exterior
Cladding, brickwork, render, paint, eaves, gutters and downpipes, driveways, paths, fencing. Looking for weathering, separation, water management, decay.
Roof & roof void
Tiles or sheeting, flashings, ridge capping, soffits. Inside the roof space — insulation, sarking, framing, signs of leaks, vermin or compromised structure.
Interior
Every room. Floors, walls, ceilings, joinery, doors and windows, wet areas. Visual check of finishes, paint, levelness, evidence of movement or moisture.
Wet areas
Bathrooms, ensuites, laundry, kitchen. Tile condition, grout, sealant, evidence of failed waterproofing, fixture condition.
Sub-floor & services (visual)
Sub-floor ventilation, evidence of moisture or movement, accessible plumbing and electrical (visual only — not testing). Hot water unit age and condition.
Honest scope
What's NOT covered (and what to do instead)
A pre-purchase building inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment. It is not the same as:
- Timber pest inspection — that's a separate report by a licensed pest specialist. A combined building + pest service in partnership with a local pest specialist is launching shortly — until then we recommend booking your pest inspection directly with a licensed pest specialist.
- Compliance certification — we don't certify works, we don't approve renovations, we don't sign off on the BCA.
- Electrical or plumbing testing — we visually inspect. If a fixture or circuit needs testing, that requires a licensed sparkie or plumber.
- Hidden defects behind plasterboard, in cavities or under floor coverings — if it can't be seen without invasive work, it can't be reported. Where we suspect a hidden issue, we'll flag it and recommend further investigation.
This is an industry standard, not a Wayfare-specific limit. We are upfront about scope because we'd rather you understand the report than be disappointed by it.
The deliverable
The report you receive
Format
40–60 page PDF
Structured by area, photographed throughout, written in plain English. Every finding has a severity rating: safety · major · minor · cosmetic · maintenance.
Visuals
Photos + video
Every notable finding has at least one photo. A short video walk-through of the property is included — useful if you're buying remotely.
The phone call
30 minutes by phone
The day the report lands, I ring you. We walk through anything that needs explaining and answer any questions you'd want a builder's perspective on.
Pricing
Honest, published pricing
Standard pre-purchase
$550 from
- Full inspection to AS 4349.1
- 40–60 page PDF with photos
- Video walk-through
- Same-day phone call
- Report in 24 hours
Interstate / remote buyer
$650 extended
- Everything in standard, plus
- Extended video walk-through (10+ minutes)
- 30-minute video call after the report
- Same-day report + call
Combined building + pest inspections launching shortly. See full pricing →