Executive summary (page 1)
Plain-English overview of the most important findings. If you only read one page, it's this one. Lists major structural concerns, urgent issues, and the inspector's headline opinion on the property's overall condition.
AS 4349.1-2007 COMPLIANT
What an Adelaide inspection report looks like.
A report to the AS 4349.1-2007 framework typically runs 25-40 pages, with photographic evidence on every flagged defect, a plain-English executive summary on page 1, and clear recommendations.
INSPECTION REPORT · AS 4349.1
Pre-Purchase Building Inspection
Sample Property · Adelaide SA
Inspector
Independent inspector
Inspection date
11 May 2026
Property type
3-br standalone
Standard
AS 4349.1-2007
23 defects identifiedREPORT
REPORT STRUCTURE
What's in every section.
The order is typical of an AS 4349.1 report. Each inspector adapts the depth and emphasis to your property type.
Scope and limitations
Defined per AS 4349.1-2007. States what areas were inspected, what was not accessible, weather conditions on the day, and any specific exclusions. Critical for understanding what's covered and what's not.
Property identification
Address, inspection date, weather, occupier status, and a property summary. Inspector's licence number, insurance details, and certifications.
Structural elements
Foundations, footings, framing, roof structure, retaining walls. Each defect photographed and location-tagged. Movement, cracking, or any structural concerns rated by severity.
Roof, walls, ceilings, floors
External cladding, roof covering, internal lining boards, ceilings, floor coverings. Weatherproofing, water damage indicators, paint and surface condition.
Wet areas
Bathrooms, kitchens, laundries. Tiling, waterproofing visibility, drain falls, silicone integrity, taps and shower function, leaks under sinks.
Sub-floor and roof void
Where accessible. Sub-floor: ventilation, dampness, framing condition, vermin signs. Roof void: insulation, water entry signs, truss/rafter integrity.
Drainage and site
Stormwater management, gutter and downpipe function, site falls, retaining walls, paths and driveways. Adelaide-specific reactive clay considerations.
Ancillary buildings
Garages, sheds, granny flats, decking, pergolas, fencing. Visual condition assessment - full structural review of ancillary buildings is typically out of standard scope.
Defect log with photographs
Each defect numbered, photographed, location-tagged, severity-rated (urgent / major / minor / maintenance), and accompanied by indicative cost commentary where possible.
Recommendations
Where the inspector recommends further investigation - electrical compliance test, engineer's structural review, asbestos testing, termite specialist - these are flagged with the reason.
DEFECT RATING
How defects are categorised.
Urgent
Safety or significant structural concern that needs immediate attention.
Major
Substantial defect affecting habitability, weatherproofing, or value. Negotiation-worthy.
Minor
Defect that affects appearance or function but not safety. Often part of normal ageing.
Maintenance
Routine wear that needs attention in coming 12-24 months. Budget item, not deal-breaker.
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