Well, so you have found a suitable house with the right number of bedrooms and a garden that receives afternoon sunlight. Before you sign on the dotted line and celebrate, there is one important step between you and your new home: a pre-purchase building inspection. This raises the concern that every prospective buyer has: how much is a building inspection? Although home inspection prices may seem like another expense to add to your list, knowing how much the building inspection cost can help you secure what is probably the most important financial investment of your life. This blog post explains the expected inspection expenses for 2025, the factors that affect those costs, and why the lowest bid isn’t always the best deal.
Why the Cost of Building Inspection Is Not Just a Number
The following information could help you save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars later on:
- Serious defects in structure, such as sagging roofs and broken foundations.
- Serious water damage or increasing moisture.
- Issues with the roof, like broken tiles, leaks, and deteriorating structure.
- Dangerous plumbing or defective wiring.
- Infestations of pests, particularly termites.
The Estimated Costs of Building Inspections in 2025
The costs for 2025 are given in the following table, which is based on the current industry home inspection rates. States such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, or Perth, as well as regional areas, will have different prices.
| Property Type | Standard Building Inspection (Estimated Cost) | Combined Building and Pest Inspection (Estimated Cost) |
| Apartment Unit (up to 2 bed) | $350 to $550 | $450 to $700 |
| Standard House (3 Bed, 1 Bath) | $450 to $650 | $550 to $850 |
| Large House (4-5 Bed, 2+ Bath) | $600 to $850 | $750 to $1,100 |
| Very Large or Acreage Property | $850+ | $1,100+ |
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Building Inspection
You might see a wide range of quotes when searching for an inspector. Below are the factors that determine the final cost of a building inspection.
Type of Inspection
- Building-Only: It only focuses on the state of the structure. The price range is $300 to $600. However, this is becoming less common as the standard.
- Building and Pest Inspection: It is highly recommended since it assesses the building’s structure and identifies timber pests (termites, borers) and the conditions that nourish them. It costs between $450 and $900 and is usually more detailed and economical than arranging separate procedures.
- Specialist Reports: A specialised report is prepared if the initial assessment finds issues that need extra attention, such as complete electrical checks, plumbing scopes, pool inspections, or specific structural engineering. The cost of each specialised report ranges from $200 to $1000+.
Property Size, Type, Age, and Condition
A one-bedroom apartment requires far fewer inspection points than a five-bedroom, two-story home with a pool and multiple outbuildings. Even though a new construction project may appear simple to inspect, it requires attention to detail and adherence to building codes. However, a 100-year-old heritage home presents specific problems that require an inspector who is familiar to historic construction processes, probable asbestos, and symptoms of structural decay. Older homes may require longer examination times, which affects the cost.
Location and Accessibility
- Capital cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide typically have higher operational costs. Insurance and salary all contribute to prices being at the top end of the ranges mentioned.
- Travel time and distance in regional and rural areas affect costs. A property in a densely populated metropolitan location will typically have a lower travel cost component than a regional or rural property that requires considerable driving time.
- The time and cost of inspection may also be increased by difficult-to-access spaces on the property, such as narrow subfloors or complex roof structures.
Building Inspection vs. Building and Pest Inspection
A standard building inspection focuses on the strength of the structure, construction flaws, and safety risks. It inspects everything from the roof void to the subfloor for defects such as faulty structures, water damage, and more. A building and pest inspection, on the other hand, combines a full building examination with a detailed timber pest check. A separate pest specialist (or a dually licenced building inspector) will look for signs of termites, wood borers, fungal deterioration, and pest-friendly conditions.
The Expertise of Building Inspectors
- Experience and Credentials: Professional inspectors who have advanced credentials (such as a Certified Building Inspector or, if applicable, a QBCC licence) and insurance usually charge more.
- Reputation and Reviews: A well-known inspector with a solid track record and satisfied customers frequently charges prices that reflect what he is worth.
- Use of Technology: Inspectors that use drones, moisture metres, thermal imaging cameras, and advanced reporting software commonly include the cost of these tools in their charges.
The Components of Professional Building Inspections
- Structural components, such as roofing systems, walls, floors, and foundations.
- Safety compliance, switchboards, and wiring in electrical systems.
- Water pressure measurement, fittings, and pipelines in plumbing systems.
- Look for any damage or flaws in the inside walls, ceilings, doors, and windows.
- External assessment of external walls, drainage, and weatherproofing.
- Risks to safety include violations, structural defects, and the possibility of fire.
Reasons to Avoid the Lowest Inspection Quotes
A low quote should be taken as a warning sign rather than a relief. This is what a cheap inspection typically means:
- Rushed Inspection: In an inspection of an average house, it takes 90 minutes to 2 hours on-site and another several hours to prepare a detailed report. An inspector who is doing it for less cost could carry out an on-site inspection for 30-45 minutes, skipping details.
- No Professional Indemnity: There are full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurances carried by respectable companies. These safeguard you when the inspector fails to notice a major defect. A low-cost inspector may be skimping on insurance.
- Less Use of Technology: Are the building inspectors using thermal imaging cameras to locate concealed moisture? Do they use a moisture metre? What about a drone to reach inaccessible roofs? The home inspection prices from reputable companies add these costs in inspection costs.
- Ticked-Box Reports: A low-cost inspection comes with a standard report that says little. A good report is a thorough, multi-page report with easy-to-understand explanations, high-quality photos, and sound recommendations.
- Conflict of Interest: Certain low-fee building inspectors may be too dependent on referrals from real estate agents, which could temper reports.
The Final Checklist Before Booking an Inspection
So what do you have to do if you are purchasing a new property? Don’t just ask, “How much is a building inspection?” Ask the following questions to find a quality inspector:
- Are you a certified and insured inspector or builder?
- Are you an expert in both pest and building inspections?
- Can I view an example report to get a sense of what to expect?
- What equipment do you use for the inspection? See if thermal imaging is mentioned.
- How much time will you be on-site at a property this size?
- When I receive the report findings, are you accessible to speak with me over the phone?
The Bottom Line
The pre purchase building inspection cost is indeed one-time. However, it is a relatively minor investment with significant potential for savings when compared to a purchase that will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. A reasonable building inspection cost for a typical suburban home is between $450 and $900. Prioritise experience, credentials, detailed reports, and the application of modern technology.
Schedule inspections early in the buying process to give yourself time to negotiate or cancel the contract if serious problems are found. Building inspection clauses should be included in contracts for properties to protect the rights of buyers.
At Just Inspections, we offer building and pest inspection throughout Australia and an easy-to-understand report with the use of the latest technology. Call us today for a no-obligation, free quote and take the first step in your property inspection.