Purchasing a property is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Conducting a professional pre-purchase building inspection provides valuable insight into the condition of a home prior to buying. But how much should you budget for a building inspection in Sydney NSW?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the average cost of Sydney building inspections. You’ll also learn what key factors influence price, along with tips for getting an accurate, affordable inspection.
Average Price for a Standard Building & Pest Inspection
The typical price range for a standard building inspection on a houses in Sydney is:
- $400 to $600 for a standard 3 bedroom suburban home with 1 or 2 bathrooms
- $500 to $700 for a larger 4-5 bedroom two storey house with 2 or 3 bathrooms
- $400 to $500 for a unit with 2 bathrooms as is common in modern units
- $350 to $450 for an older 1-2br unit with 1 bathroom
Most average sized homes fall between $400 and $600. However, costs depend on the property type, size, location and level of detail. We’ll explore how these key factors impact inspection prices next.
What Impacts the Cost of Building Inspections?
Several variables influence how much a pre-purchase building inspection will cost you in Sydney:
Property Type: Units are cheaper than houses or commercial buildings to inspect as there is no sub floor or roof interior/exterior to inspect.
Building Size: Larger homes with more rooms and levels require extra time. Expect to pay more for larger properties with more bathrooms.
Accessibility: Difficult access to roof spaces, subfloors or cellars can increase fees.
Location: Travel fees may apply for properties in outer metro or regional areas. Expect higher prices for remote locations requiring significant transit time.
Scope: A standard visual inspection is the baseline option. Additional testing for electrical, asbestos, mould, pool compliance will raise costs.
Experience: Top inspectors with decades of expertise often charge higher hourly rates. Newer inspectors typically have lower fees.
What Does a Standard Building Inspection Include?
A standard pre-purchase building inspection focuses on visually accessible elements. Typical components covered as per AS4349.0-2007 standar:
- Property interior – all property interior
- Property exterior – walls, eaves, gutters, drainage
- Roof interior – All timbers, tiles, ceiling etc
- Roof exterior – single story only and when safe
- Sub floor – if safely accessible
- Yards and fences – up to 25m from property
The inspection tests functionality and identifies any damage, wear and tear, or potential safety hazards. You receive a detailed written report summarising the inspector’s findings.
Upgrades Beyond a Standard Inspection
Upgraded inspection options for additional fees include:
- Asbestos testing
- Mould inspection and/or air sampling
- Thermal imaging photography to identify moisture or leaks
- Swimming pool fence compliance
- Soil and drainage evaluation
- Estimates for repair costs
How to Get Quality Building Inspections at a Fair Price
Follow these tips to find an affordable yet thorough pre-purchase building inspection in Sydney:
- Search online and compare multiple quotes – costs can vary significantly.
- Check licenses – all inspectors should be accredited by a professional body.
- Look for experience – newer inspectors often charge less.
- Ask what’s included – make sure the scope meets your needs.
- Consider property size and features – more complex homes cost more.
- Avoid extras you don’t need – focus on a standard visual inspection first.
- Be flexible on timing – inspections on weekdays or off-peak are cheaper.
- Ask about potential discounts – some inspectors offer first-time client deals.
Investing in a professional Sydney building inspection delivers vital peace of mind for buyers and ensures your new property purchase is structurally sound. With an understanding of the average costs and a focus on fair inspector pricing, you can gain these benefits while staying on budget.