Building and pest inspection Melbourne
A combined building inspection and timber pest check across Melbourne, from $400 + GST. One visit, one clear written report within 24 hours, and a call to talk through what matters.
Two checks, one appointment
Most Melbourne buyers need both. The building inspection tells you the condition of what you are buying. The timber pest check tells you whether termites, borers or decay have already done damage, or whether the property has the damp, poorly ventilated conditions that invite them. Booking them together means one attendance, one set of access arrangements, and one report to read.
It matters more here than in many cities. Melbourne's reactive clay soils move with the seasons and show up as cracking and uneven floors, while older weatherboard homes on shallow sub-floors are prone to damp and timber pest activity. Both are things we look for as a matter of course.
The building inspection covers
- Structural elements, walls, floors and ceilings
- Roof covering, roof space and roof plumbing where accessible
- Sub-floor, stumps and bearers where accessible
- Wet areas, waterproofing evidence and signs of moisture
- Site drainage, paving, retaining walls and fencing
- Visible cracking and signs of movement or settlement
The timber pest check covers
- Evidence of live termite activity and past workings
- Termite mudding, damaged skirtings, architraves and frames
- Borer attack in structural and decorative timbers
- Timber-destroying fungal decay and rot
- Conditions that attract timber pests, such as damp and poor ventilation
- Timber in contact with soil and inadequate sub-floor ventilation
Why buyers book with us
One visit, one report
The building assessment and the timber pest check happen in the same appointment, and the findings arrive in a single written report rather than two you have to reconcile.
Qualified and registered
Your inspection is carried out by a qualified structural engineer and registered builder, so structural findings come with an explanation of what they actually mean.
Report within 24 hours
Written report emailed within 24 hours, followed by a call to walk you through it. Auction on the weekend? Tell us and we will prioritise it.
Building and pest inspection cost in Melbourne
Our inspections start at $400 + GST, fixed and published, with no call-out or travel surcharge anywhere in metropolitan Melbourne. The final figure depends on the size and type of property, and it is confirmed before we attend.
Full detail is on the pricing page.
Building and pest inspection questions
- What is a building and pest inspection?
- It combines two checks in one visit. The building inspection is a visual assessment of the structure and condition of the property, inside and out, including the roof space and sub-floor where they can be safely accessed. The timber pest check looks for evidence of termites, borers and timber-destroying fungal decay, plus the conditions that attract them, such as poor sub-floor ventilation, damp brickwork and timber in contact with soil.
- How much does a building and pest inspection cost in Melbourne?
- Ours start at $400 + GST, fixed, with no call-out or travel surcharge across metropolitan Melbourne. The price depends on the size and type of the property, and you get the figure confirmed before we attend rather than after.
- Who pays for the building and pest inspection in Victoria?
- Today the buyer arranges and pays for it. The Victorian Government has announced a proposed scheme that would move that obligation to the seller, expected to begin in 2027. Nothing has changed yet, so if you are buying now, the inspection is still yours to organise.
- How long does it take and when do I get the report?
- A typical house takes 90 minutes to two and a half hours on site, depending on size and access. Your written report is emailed within 24 hours, and we call you afterwards to talk through the findings.
- Should I inspect before an auction?
- Yes. There is no cooling-off period at auction in Victoria, and the contract is unconditional the moment the hammer falls. Book during the campaign so the report is in your hands before you bid.
- Do you inspect apartments and townhouses?
- Yes. We inspect apartments, units and townhouses as well as houses, including observations on common property where access allows.
- What is not covered?
- It is a visual inspection. We do not open up walls, lift fixed floor coverings, or dismantle plumbing and electrical systems. Anything locked, unsafe or blocked by stored goods is recorded in the report as inaccessible, so you know exactly what was and was not seen.
- Do I need to be there?
- You are welcome to attend, but you do not have to. You or the agent arranges access to the property, and we coordinate the inspection appointment from there and confirm the time with you.
More answers on our frequently asked questions page.
Related reading
Buying for the first time in Melbourne? Start with our ultimate guide to pre-purchase building inspections in Melbourne.
Want the detail on what a pre-purchase building inspection includes, and the other inspection types we carry out?
Wondering whether the seller will soon have to pay for it? Read who pays for a building and pest inspection in Victoria and what the proposed 2027 reforms would change.
Selling instead of buying? A pre-sale assessment finds the issues before buyers do.
Book your building and pest inspection
Tell us the property and your timeline. We coordinate the inspection appointment and report within 24 hours.