Brief-defined scope
Unlike AS 4349.1 (broad pre-purchase scope), AS 4349.7 lets the client define the scope. The inspector confirms scope before attending.
AS 4349.7-2013
Inspections for Reasons Other Than Pre-Purchase
The Australian Standard for inspections conducted for purposes other than pre-purchase. Covers defect inspections, dispute documentation, warranty claims, and second-opinion inspections. Scope is defined by the client's brief, not a broad property assessment.
SCOPE
What's inspected under this standard.
- Targeted defect inspections on known issues
- Builder dispute documentation
- Statutory warranty claim support (SA Building Indemnity scheme)
- Body corporate / strata defect investigations
- Insurance claim documentation
- Second-opinion inspections on contested reports
WHAT THE STANDARD DEFINES
Key requirements and structure.
Forensic-style documentation
Reports are designed to support disputes, claims, and tribunal proceedings. Photographic evidence, crack measurements, moisture readings, and cause analysis are more detailed than typical AS 4349.1 reports.
Cause analysis
Best-effort identification of likely cause: movement, water ingress, workmanship, design, settlement. This supports warranty and insurance claims.
Suitability for legal proceedings
Reports are written to support SACAT tribunal proceedings and other dispute resolution forums. Some inspectors are qualified expert witnesses.
WHO USES IT
Inspections under this standard are typically for...
- Owners in builder dispute or warranty claim
- Body corporates investigating recurring building defects
- Tenants documenting habitability concerns
- Anyone needing forensic documentation of a building issue
REPORT REQUIREMENTS
Every compliant report includes these.
- Defined client brief (the specific issue investigated)
- Property identification
- Inspection date and conditions
- Inspector licence, insurance, and forensic experience details
- Detailed examination of the brief-defined defect
- Cause analysis where determinable
- Indicative remediation outline (not a quote)
- Suitability statement (e.g. 'suitable for use in SACAT proceedings')
LIMITATIONS
What this standard doesn't cover
AS 4349.7 is non-invasive visual inspection unless the brief specifies otherwise. Cause analysis is best-effort - some causes can only be confirmed through destructive investigation by other specialists. Inspectors are not legal experts; legal advice on the merits of a claim is the role of your solicitor.
RELATED INSPECTIONS
Inspections conducted under AS 4349.7
OTHER STANDARDS
Related standards in the AS 4349 family
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