Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Once you’ve found a property you love, it’s tempting to let excitement take over and skip straight to settlement. Working through a pre-purchase building inspection checklist can save you from some very costly surprises down the track.
A structured pre-purchase building inspection checklist helps ensure nothing important is missed during the inspection process. At BestWest Building, we follow a systematic approach across every property, so you get a clear, consistent understanding of its condition before you commit.
Pre-purchase building inspection checklist: what’s assessed
The checklist below reflects how a professional inspection is typically carried out, highlighting the key areas a qualified inspector will assess on site.
1. Structural elements
Structural integrity is one of the most critical aspects assessed during a professional pre-purchase building inspection.Visible foundations and slabs are assessed for signs of movement or subsidence, external and internal walls for structural cracking or bowing, and floors for sagging, soft spots, or signs of moisture damage below.
The roof frame deserves particular attention. A qualified inspector should physically enter the roof space whenever possible rather than viewing only through the access hatch. Issues like unsupported hanging beams, missing tie-downs, and termite damage are frequently missed without proper access and are among the most expensive defects to fix.
2. Interior condition
During a professional inspection, the interior is assessed for both visible defects and early signs of underlying issues that may not be immediately obvious.
Ceilings are assessed for staining, sagging, or irregularities that can indicate roof leaks or plumbing problems above. In our Premium Pre Purchase Building Inspection, doors and windows are also tested, as frames that stick, bind, or sit out of alignment can point to potential structural movement.
Wet areas require particularly close attention. Bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens are inspected for potential moisture transfer, loose or drummy tiles, and any signs of water damage extending into adjacent walls or flooring. Isolated areas of fresh paint are also noted, as they can sometimes indicate attempts to conceal defects rather than routine cosmetic updates.
3. Exterior areas
A well-presented facade can mask a range of issues before closer inspection. External walls are checked for cracking, render damage, and any gaps where water could penetrate the building.
Retaining walls, fencing, and outbuildings are also included in a premium pre-purchase inspection. Garages, sheds, and pergolas are noted, particularly where structures may not have the appropriate approvals.
4. Roof spaces and insulation
Roof-related defects are common and can be expensive to address, making this a key focus during a professional inspection. Roof coverings are assessed for cracked or broken tiles, deteriorating pointing, blocked gutters, and damaged flashings around penetrations.
Inside the roof cavity, inspectors assess the condition and coverage of insulation, along with any signs of water ingress or structural concerns. In older Perth properties, issues such as spalling clay tiles are also identified and noted.
How to interpret your inspection report
Once your inspection is complete, your report will typically categorise findings as either major or minor defects/maintenance.
- Major defects are issues that affect the structural integrity or safety of the property and require urgent attention. These include things like significant foundation movement and severe roof frame damage.. Major defects can and should be used as leverage in price negotiations or as grounds to request repairs before settlement.
- Minor defects cover maintenance items and general wear that don’t pose an immediate safety risk but still need to be factored into your decision. Understanding the difference between the two helps you prioritise what needs to be addressed immediately and what can be planned for over time.
A good inspector will also be available to walk you through the report and answer your questions directly, which makes a significant difference when you’re trying to make sense of technical findings under time pressure.
Ready to Book Your Pre-Purchase Building Inspection?
Having the right checklist is a great starting point, but there’s no substitute for a qualified, experienced inspector who knows exactly what to look for and how to document it clearly.
Understanding how an inspection is carried out and what’s assessed can also make it much easier to interpret your report and make confident decisions.
At BestWest Building, our team of registered builders has completed over 45,000 inspections across Perth and South West WA. We provide comprehensive same-day reports with photos and a personal consultation with your inspector so you can move forward with confidence.
