What Is a Building Inspection? (Adelaide Guide)
A building inspection is an independent expert assessment of a property's condition, conducted against the Australian Standard AS 4349.1. A licensed inspector visits the property, examines structural and building elements, photographs defects, and delivers a written report. In Adelaide, you'd typically get one before signing a property contract or before making final payment on a new build.
The Australian Standard: AS 4349.1
AS 4349.1-2007 defines what a pre-purchase residential inspection covers, how it's documented, and the limitations the inspector must declare. It's the framework that gives a building inspection report legal and professional weight.
Reports from licensed inspectors follow it. Cheap or unlicensed 'inspections' often skip it, which matters if you need to use the report in negotiation or dispute.
Who can conduct one
In South Australia, building inspectors hold a Building Work Contractors Licence (issued by Consumer and Business Services). Some also hold professional memberships with bodies like the Master Inspectors Association or the Association of Building Consultants.
Insurance is critical - look for inspectors with current public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Every inspector in our network meets these minimums.
When you'd get one
Before signing a property purchase contract (or within cooling-off period if you've already signed).
Before final payment on a new build (handover or practical completion inspection).
When you suspect a specific defect and need documented evidence (defect inspection under AS 4349.7).
Annually on a property you own, especially if termite or movement risk is present.
What you receive
A written report with executive summary, photographs of every flagged defect, a description of the inspection's scope and limitations, and recommendations for further investigation where needed.
Reports typically run 20-40 pages for a standard pre-purchase inspection. The executive summary is the most important page - it tells you in plain English what's serious and what's minor.
What it doesn't include
Building inspections aren't a guarantee of property condition - they document what was visible on the day of inspection. They aren't an electrical or gas compliance test, a pool safety inspection, a strata or title search, or a legal opinion.
Inspectors don't make legal recommendations. Whether to negotiate, walk away, or rescind in cooling-off is your decision, made in consultation with your conveyancer.