What Does a Building and Pest Inspection Cover? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Introduction
Buying a property in Melbourne is an exciting step, but it also comes with risks.
Whether you are purchasing a family home, an investment property, or a brand-new build, hidden issues can cost you thousands down the line.
That is why a building and pest inspection is not just recommended, it is essential.
In this guide, we will explain:
- What a building and pest inspection covers
- Why both inspections are needed
- How it protects your investment
- Why buyers across Melbourne trust professional inspections more than ever in 2025
Why Building and Pest Inspections Are Critical in 2025
Melbourne’s property market is fast and competitive, especially across key growth areas.
Buyers often rush to make offers in high-demand suburbs such as Berwick, Pakenham, Frankston, Cranbourne, Glen Waverley, Mount Eliza, and Mornington.
However, behind fresh paint and good styling, serious structural defects can be hidden.
At Buywise Inspections, we work across South East Melbourne, Bayside, Casey, and the Mornington Peninsula, servicing suburbs including but not limited to:
- Brighton
- Cranbourne
- Narre Warren
- Carrum Downs
- Langwarrin
- Seaford
- Cheltenham
- Bentleigh East
- Rowville
- Mount Martha
- Dandenong
- Officer
- Clyde North
- Frankston South
- Mornington
- Berwick
Our inspectors are experienced in detecting hidden problems in both established homes and new constructions across Melbourne’s fastest-growing regions.
A professional inspection checks for:
- Major structural issues
- Water damage and leaks
- Termite activity and wood decay
- Poor workmanship or illegal renovations
Skipping this step can lead to huge repair bills and unsafe living conditions.
At Buywise Inspections, we help you make informed decisions not emotional ones.
What is Included in a Building Inspection Report?
A building inspection checks the property’s major components, focusing on safety, structure, and maintenance issues.
Your report will cover:
Structural Integrity
- Foundations and footings
- Roof structure and framing
- Wall cracks and movement
- Subsidence or sinking issues
Exterior Assessment
- Roofing materials, gutters, and downpipes
- Cladding, brickwork, and render
- Windows, doors, and frames
- External stairs, decks, and balconies
- Retaining walls and fencing
Interior Assessment
- Walls, ceilings, and floors
- Bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas
- Moisture damage (dampness, mould*)
- Insulation and ventilation
Services Overview
- Basic checks of plumbing and drainage
- Electrical safety concerns (‘including RCD’s)
All findings are documented with photographs and clear explanations, prioritised by urgency.
Learn more about our Building and Pest Inspections in Melbourne here.
What is Included in a Pest Inspection?
The pest inspection focuses on timber pests, especially termites, which cause more damage to Australian homes than floods, fires, and storms combined.
A pest inspection covers:
- Active termite infestations
- Previous termite damage
- Wood rot and fungal decay
- Borer activity
- Conditions conducive to pest infestation (such as high moisture levels)
At Buywise Inspections, we use moisture meters, tapping tools, termatrac – advanced pest and termite detection technology and thermal imaging cameras to detect problems invisible to the naked eye.
Common Problems Found in Melbourne Homes
Some issues we commonly detect during inspections include:
- Hidden termite damage
- Water leaks under wet area floors (bathrooms, laundries)
- Movement cracks in slab-on-ground houses
- Poor drainage leading to rising damp
- Dodgy extensions built without council permits
Whether it is a 100-year-old weatherboard in Brighton or a modern townhouse in Cranbourne, no property is immune from hidden issues.
More Ways We Protect Your Property Investment
At Buywise Inspections, we go beyond standard checks to offer additional services that help Melbourne buyers make confident decisions, including:
- Apartment inspections for strata properties
- New home stage inspections such as pre-slab, frame, lock-up, and PCI handover inspections
- Thermal camera inspections to detect hidden moisture issues and heat loss
- Drone roof inspections for hard-to-access areas and high structures
- Waterproofing inspections to identify potential leaks before they become costly
Our experienced team uses the latest technology to uncover hidden problems saving you time, money, and stress during your property purchase.
Explore our full inspection services here.
How Long Does a Building and Pest Inspection Take?
Inspection times vary depending on the property’s size and condition:
- Small to medium homes: around 90 minutes to 2 hours
- Larger or complex properties: 2–3 hours
We deliver detailed reports usually within 24 hours, so you can act fast when needed*.
Need a same-day inspection? Contact us here we often accommodate urgent bookings across Melbourne.
Should I Get an Inspection for a New Build?
Absolutely and it is often even more critical for new builds.
New homes in Melbourne frequently have:
- Waterproofing failures
- Incomplete finishing
- Structural shortcuts
- Non-compliant work
Booking a new home building inspection before handover ensures defects are identified and rectified before final settlement.
How Much Does a Building and Pest Inspection Cost?
Our fixed-price combined inspections start from around $400 to $600, depending on location and property size.
Considering hidden issues can cost tens of thousands to repair, a thorough inspection is a wise investment.
You can also request an upgrade to include pool inspections or specialised roof inspections if needed.
View our Building and Pest Inspection Pricing here.
FAQs
A professional building inspection checks all accessible areas of the property, including the roof cavity, subfloor, interior, exterior, roofing, and structural elements. A pest inspection focuses on detecting signs of termites, wood borers, and fungal decay, particularly in timber structures.
No, a pest inspection is a separate process, but many companies — including Buywise Inspections — offer combined building and pest inspections for better value. Booking both together ensures you are fully protected against hidden structural and pest problems.
A building inspection includes a general overview of visible plumbing and electrical systems to highlight obvious safety concerns. However, it does not replace full specialist inspections. Major faults in these systems may still require follow-up by licensed trades. We can help with this.
At Buywise Inspections, our reports include detailed written descriptions, photographic evidence, priority ratings for issues found, and recommendations for next steps. We focus on making reports clear, practical, and easy for buyers to act on.
Yes — a standard inspection includes accessible roof spaces and subfloors where safe access is possible. If there are concerns about tight or restricted access, additional tools like thermal imaging or drone inspections can be arranged.
A building and pest inspection is your best defence against buying a property full of hidden risks.
Whether you are purchasing in Melbourne CBD, Brighton, Frankston, or the Mornington Peninsula, a professional inspection gives you confidence and peace of mind.
At Buywise Inspections, we are committed to providing detailed, honest, and fast reports for Melbourne buyers.
✅ Fully qualified inspectors
✅ Same-day bookings available
✅ Photographic reports delivered within 24 hours
Ready to protect your next property purchase?
Book your building and pest inspection with Buywise Inspections today.
Do not risk your investment buy wise with Buywise.