Urban 360 Building Inspections
Pre-Purchase Building Inspections
All services
Service

Pre-Purchase Building Inspections

An independent AS 4349.1 building inspection before you sign. We identify defects, structural issues, and safety concerns across every accessible area, then walk you through what each finding means for your decision.

What it is

A proper look,
not a quick glance.

Our qualified, experienced inspectors look beyond the surface to uncover defects, structural concerns, safety hazards, termite or pest activity, and potential hidden risks. Every accessible area is carefully examined using advanced diagnostic tools, allowing us not only to identify existing issues but also highlight areas that may lead to future problems.

Ideal for

  • Home buyers (first-time and experienced)
  • Property investors conducting due diligence
  • Conveyancers and solicitors acting on behalf of buyers
  • Buyers' advocates sourcing properties for clients
Scope of Inspection

What we inspect,
end to end.

Structural elements — foundations, footings, framing, load-bearing walls

Exterior — cladding, brickwork, render, paintwork, fascia, guttering

Roofing — roof covering, flashing, penetrations, valleys, ridge capping

Interior — walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, joinery

Wet areas — bathrooms, laundry, kitchen (moisture, waterproofing indicators)

Subfloor — stumps, bearers, joists, ventilation, moisture (where accessible)

Roof void — framing, insulation, ventilation, sarking (where accessible)

Site drainage — surface water flow, stormwater, grading around building

Garage, carport, and outbuildings

Fencing, retaining walls, paths, and driveways

Why It Matters

The stakes are
higher than they look.

Hidden defects can cost tens of thousands to rectify. A thorough pre-purchase inspection protects your investment and gives you the information you need to make a confident decision.

Identify defects before they become your problem
Understand the true condition beyond cosmetic presentation
Gain negotiation leverage backed by expert evidence
Avoid properties with major structural or safety issues
Budget for future maintenance and repairs with clarity
Meet due diligence requirements for finance and insurance
Our Approach

How we do it
differently.

Findings are categorised by severity and explained in person. You get negotiation context, plain-language guidance on what each defect means, and direct access to your senior consultant before, during, and after.

Risk-prioritised findings — categorised by severity, not just listed
Clear explanations of what each defect means in plain language
Future risk assessment — not just current condition, but what's coming
Negotiation guidance tailored to your specific findings
Direct access to your senior consultant — before, during, and after
No call centres, no junior inspectors, no generic templates
Risk Categories

How findings
are classified.

Every defect we identify is categorised so you know immediately what needs attention — and what can wait.

Level 01

Major Defect

A defect of sufficient magnitude where rectification must be carried out to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of utility, or further deterioration. Examples: significant structural cracking, failed waterproofing, major roof damage.

Level 02

Minor Defect

A defect that is not of sufficient magnitude to warrant Major classification but requires attention. Examples: cracked tiles, minor render cracking, worn weatherstripping, aging fixtures.

Level 03

Safety Hazard

A condition that presents an immediate or near-immediate risk to occupant safety. Examples: missing balustrades, unsafe electrical, non-compliant smoke detectors, trip hazards.

Our Process

From booking
to confident decision.

01
Step 01

Book & Brief

Contact us with the property details. We'll confirm scope, discuss any specific concerns you have, and schedule the inspection.

02
Step 02

On-Site Inspection

Our consultant conducts a thorough 1.5–3 hour assessment of all accessible areas. You're welcome to attend — we encourage it.

03
Step 03

Report Delivery

You receive a comprehensive, photographically documented report with risk-prioritised findings — typically same-day or within 24 hours.

04
Step 04

Consultation & Advice

We walk you through the report, explain key findings, answer your questions, and provide guidance to support your decision and negotiation.

What you receive

A report that's
detailed and clear.

Comprehensive reporting delivered through a configurable client portal — accessible across devices, with a streamlined experience that puts every finding, photo, and recommendation a tap away.

Comprehensive AS 4349.1 compliant inspection report
Risk-prioritised findings categorised as Major, Minor, or Safety
High-resolution photography of all identified defects
Clear written explanations of each finding and its implications
Post-inspection phone/video consultation included
Negotiation guidance based on report findings
Digital PDF delivered to your email
Report Turnaround

Fast. Thorough.
Decision-ready.

Most reports are in your inbox the same day. Tight deadline (auction, cooling-off)? Tell us when you book and we'll prioritise.

FAQs

Questions,
answered.

Still curious? Give us a call — we're happy to walk through anything specific to your property.

When will I receive the report?
Most reports are delivered same-day or within 24 hours of the inspection. If you have an urgent deadline (auction, cooling-off period), let us know and we'll prioritise accordingly.
Can I attend the inspection?
Absolutely. We encourage it. Being on-site allows us to show you findings in real time, answer questions, and give you a much stronger understanding of the property's condition. If you can't attend, we'll arrange a detailed phone or video consultation after.
What areas are NOT covered in a standard building inspection?
As per AS 4349.1, the inspection is a visual assessment of reasonably accessible areas. It does not include concealed areas behind walls/ceilings, invasive testing, or specialist assessments such as timber pest, asbestos, electrical, plumbing, or structural engineering. We can arrange these as additional services.
Should I get a pest inspection too?
Yes — we strongly recommend a combined building and timber pest inspection. Termite damage is one of the most common and costly issues in Melbourne properties, and it's often not visible during a standard building inspection alone.
Can the report be used for insurance or finance purposes?
Our reports are designed to meet AS 4349.1 requirements and can support insurance and finance applications. However, specific lender or insurer requirements vary — contact us if you need a particular format.
Ready when you are

Book pre-purchase building inspections
with confidence.

Limited daily availability. Get in touch to discuss your property and schedule your inspection — no obligation.