Is a Building and Pest Inspection Really Needed for a New Home in Melbourne?
Buying a newly built home in Melbourne? Many assume that new constructions are flawless, especially when they come with warranties and staged council inspections. But that assumption could cost you thousands later. At Buywise Inspections, we’ve inspected hundreds of new homes across Melbourne in 2025 and uncovered hidden issues that builders either missed or ignored.
Why Inspect a New Home?
Even though the paint is fresh and the layout looks modern, defects often go unnoticed until months or years later. Many builders subcontract work, which means quality control varies. Deadlines, material shortages, and rushed handovers can all lead to costly construction flaws.
Common problems we’ve found in brand-new Melbourne homes include:
- Leaking showers due to poor waterproofing
- Incomplete or missing insulation
- Roof tile cracks or incorrect installation
- Frame misalignment
- Missing structural bracing
- Inadequate drainage or ventilation
- Termite entry points around slab penetrations
These issues are rarely picked up during standard council inspections, as those focus on code compliance, not workmanship. That’s why an independent building and pest inspection is critical.
What Does a New Home Inspection Cover?
Buywise offers both staged and pre-handover inspections. A staged inspection happens at several points during the build: pre-slab, frame, lock-up, and final. A pre-handover inspection is done once the home is fully built but before settlement.
Our new home inspections cover:
- Roof structure and external cladding
- Waterproofing of wet areas like showers and balconies
- Plumbing and electrical overview
- Frame alignment and structural integrity
- Moisture detection and thermal imaging
- Pest entry points and timber quality
We provide detailed, photo-rich reports typically within 24 hours, helping you raise defects with the builder before they become your financial responsibility. While we aim to deliver the report quickly, we cannot guarantee a fixed timeframe in all cases.
Why Not Rely on Builder or Agent Reports?
It might seem easier to use the builder’s inspection report or one provided by the agent, but that’s risky. Some inspectors rely heavily on referrals from builders and may overlook key problems to keep getting work. This can lead to reports that are biased or incomplete.
Getting your own independent inspection ensures full transparency. The inspector works for you, not the builder or agent.
Are New Homes Really That Risky?
Yes. Construction defects are common, even in brand-new houses. Builders are under pressure to meet deadlines and manage costs. Mistakes happen, and unfortunately, some are buried behind walls or under floors.
Here are just a few examples of issues we’ve found in newly built properties:
- Hazardous or non-compliant staircases and verandahs
- Termite barriers installed incorrectly or missing
- Poor roof pitch that leads to water pooling
- Water seepage in crawl spaces and basements
- Wet area leaks that aren’t obvious at first glance
- Ventilation issues leading to wood rot and condensation
- Subsidence and structural cracks
What About Pest Problems in New Builds?
It’s easy to assume termites won’t be an issue in a new home. But we’ve seen otherwise. Termites can get in early, especially through poorly sealed slab penetrations or areas with moisture and timber contact.
An undetected termite colony can cause major structural damage before you even realise they’re there. That’s why we always recommend combining a pest inspection with your building inspection.
Builder Warranties vs Independent Inspections
You might think a builder’s warranty will protect you from defects. But the reality is, getting issues fixed after settlement can be slow and frustrating. If you pick up defects before settlement, you’re in a stronger position to have them resolved while the builder is still accountable and on-site.
Popular New Build Areas in 2025
We’re doing more inspections than ever in Melbourne’s growth corridors and established suburbs, including:
- Clyde North
- Tarneit
- Cranbourne
- Donnybrook
- Pakenham
- Mickleham
- Mount Eliza
- Truganina
- Officer
If you’re buying in a new estate or house and land package, it’s essential to get an inspection before final settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Even new homes can have construction defects. We frequently find waterproofing issues, frame misalignments, incomplete finishes, and other problems that should be addressed before handover.
Book your inspection just before final handover or settlement. Ideally, request access from the builder once construction is complete so any issues found can be resolved early.
A pre-handover inspection is a final check after construction is completed. Staged inspections are carried out at multiple points during the build (pre-slab, frame, lock-up) to catch problems early.
Not always. Warranties may have exclusions or time limits, and getting repairs done later can be difficult. A pre-handover inspection ensures problems are fixed before the builder hands over the keys.
Yes. We inspect new homes across Greater Melbourne and major growth areas like Clyde North, Officer, Cranbourne, and Mount Eliza.