{"id":20409,"date":"2026-06-14T20:00:47","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T20:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/?p=20409"},"modified":"2026-09-14T21:47:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T21:47:43","slug":"building-inspection-report-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/building-inspection-report-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Inspection Report Explained: How to Read Your Report"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"20409\" class=\"elementor elementor-20409\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b280183 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b280183\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-996cc11 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"996cc11\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Receiving a <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"36\" title=\"Building Inspection\">building inspection<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/sample-building-inspection-report\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"46\" title=\"Report\">report<\/a> can be overwhelming, particularly if you&#8217;re buying your first home.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">You may see terms such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/major-defect-building-inspection-report\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"47\" title=\"Major Defect\">Major Defect<\/a>\/Safety Hazard, defect, maintenance item, further investigation, restricted access<\/strong> or recommendations to obtain <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/blog\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"17\" title=\"Blog\">advice<\/a> from a qualified contractor.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">But what do those terms actually mean for you as a buyer?<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A building inspection <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/sample-building-inspection-report\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"46\" title=\"Report\">report<\/a> isn&#8217;t simply a list of what&#8217;s wrong with a <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/property-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"30\" title=\"property\/house\">property<\/a>. It records the condition of the visible and safely accessible areas at the <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/how-long-does-a-pre-purchase-building-inspection-take-in-melbourne\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"18\" title=\"Time\">time<\/a> of inspection, identifies defects and concerns, and provides recommendations where further investigation, maintenance or repair may be appropriate.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This guide explains how to interpret some of the terminology and recommendations you may encounter in an <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"25\" title=\"Business Name\">Elevate Building Inspections<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/sample-building-inspection-report\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"46\" title=\"Report\">report<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Want to see exactly how our reports are presented? View our <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/sample-building-inspection-report\/\">Sample Building Inspection Report<\/a> alongside this guide.<\/p><h2>What Is Included in a Building Inspection Report?<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Following a <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/pre-purchase-building-inspections\/\">pre-purchase building inspection<\/a>, Elevate provides a detailed photographic report documenting findings from the visible and safely accessible areas of the property.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on the property, access and type of inspection, this may include observations relating to:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Internal rooms and finishes<\/li><li>External building elements<\/li><li>Roof exterior<\/li><li>Roof space<\/li><li>Subfloor areas<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/signs-of-water-damage-to-look-for-when-buying-a-house\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"45\" title=\"Water Damage\">Moisture<\/a>-related concerns<\/li><li>Drainage<\/li><li>Cracking and movement<\/li><li>Building deterioration<\/li><li>Maintenance requirements<\/li><li>Safety concerns<\/li><li>Areas requiring further investigation<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">When a <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/building-and-pest-inspections\/\">building and pest inspection<\/a> is completed, it also considers <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/timber-pest-and-pre-purchase-pest-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Timber Pest\">timber pest<\/a> risks, including termites, borers, and conditions that may contribute to timber deterioration or pest activity.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Consider the report as a whole rather than simply counting how many defects have been identified.<\/p><h2>Major Defect \/ Safety Hazard<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">One classification buyers are naturally most concerned about is <strong>Major Defect\/Safety Hazard<\/strong>.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This classification indicates that a finding deserves significantly more attention than an ordinary maintenance item.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For example, Elevate&#8217;s sample inspection identified visible moisture damage to kitchen flooring. Inspection of the accessible subfloor also identified damp conditions affecting the subfloor and adjacent <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/construction-stage-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"41\" title=\"Framing\">framing<\/a> associated with an active leak.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The report categorised the finding as a <strong>Major Defect\/Safety Hazard<\/strong>, and recommended further investigation by a qualified plumbing contractor.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This demonstrates why the classification shouldn&#8217;t be considered in isolation.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/the-importance-of-building-inspections-in-melbourne\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"22\" title=\"Important\">important<\/a> questions are:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>What has been identified?<\/li><li>Where is the defect?<\/li><li>What appears to be causing it?<\/li><li>How extensive could the problem be?<\/li><li>Is the issue ongoing?<\/li><li>Has further investigation been recommended?<\/li><li>Which professional should investigate it?<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A Major Defect\/Safety Hazard doesn&#8217;t automatically tell you whether you should or shouldn&#8217;t <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/pre-purchase-building-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"5\" title=\"Pre-Purchase\">purchase<\/a> a property. It means the finding deserves careful attention.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For more information, read <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/what-happens-if-a-building-inspection-finds-major-defects\/\">What Happens If a Building Inspection Finds Major Defects?<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">You can also read our detailed guide to <strong>What Does &#8220;Major Defect&#8221; Mean on a Building Inspection Report?<\/strong><\/p><h2>Minor Defects and General Defects<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Not everything identified in an inspection is a major problem.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Established properties commonly contain defects associated with age, deterioration, weather exposure and normal use.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on the property, these could include:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Minor cracking<\/li><li>Deteriorated finishes<\/li><li>Failed sealants<\/li><li>Localised deterioration<\/li><li>Damaged fittings<\/li><li>Weathered materials<\/li><li>Minor roof or gutter maintenance<\/li><li>General repair requirements<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">These findings are still worth understanding.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A relatively small maintenance issue can sometimes contribute to a larger problem if it&#8217;s ignored for an extended period.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For example, deteriorated caulking around a <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/waterproofing-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"28\" title=\"Waterproofing\">wet area<\/a> may appear minor compared with <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/structural-issues-most-buyers-miss-at-open-homes\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"34\" title=\"Structure\">structural<\/a> movement, but maintaining caulking and grout can help minimise water seepage into subsurface areas.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Read our guide to <strong>Major Defect vs Minor Defect<\/strong> for a closer look at how the significance of different building defects can vary.<\/p><h2>Maintenance Items<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A building inspection can also identify items that require maintenance rather than substantial rectification.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The distinction is useful for buyers because an established home isn&#8217;t expected to be completely defect-free.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Elevate&#8217;s sample inspection, for example, includes recommendations around <strong>caulking and grout maintenance<\/strong> in wet areas.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Shower and bath junctions should be monitored for issues such as:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Cracking<\/li><li>Mould staining<\/li><li>Loss of adhesion<\/li><li>Separation from adjoining surfaces<\/li><li>Deteriorated sealant or grout<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">These aren&#8217;t necessarily evidence of an existing major building failure.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Instead, they demonstrate how inspection reports can identify maintenance requirements that may help reduce the likelihood of future deterioration.<\/p><h2>Moisture Damage<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Moisture is particularly important because what you can see on the finished surface may only tell part of the story.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Elevate&#8217;s sample inspection provides a good example.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Visible moisture damage was identified to the <strong>kitchen flooring<\/strong>, but the inspection also identified:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>An active leak<\/li><li>Damp conditions within the subfloor<\/li><li>Damp adjacent <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/construction-stage-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"41\" title=\"Framing\">framing<\/a><\/li><li>Moisture affecting the underside of the flooring<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This demonstrates why visible swelling, staining or deterioration shouldn&#8217;t automatically be dismissed as cosmetic.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Prolonged moisture exposure may potentially affect flooring, <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/construction-stage-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"41\" title=\"Framing\">framing<\/a>, plasterboard, cabinetry and fixings.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If a visual inspection can&#8217;t fully establish the source or extent of moisture damage, a specialist investigation may be recommended.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Read <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/signs-of-water-damage-to-look-for-when-buying-a-house\/\">Signs of Water Damage to Look for When Buying a House<\/a> for examples of warning signs buyers can look for during an open inspection.<\/p><h2>What Does &#8220;Further Investigation Recommended&#8221; Mean?<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is one of the most important recommendations to understand.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A building <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/why-hire-a-building-inspector-in-melbourne\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"15\" title=\"inspector\">inspector<\/a> may identify evidence of a problem without being able to determine its complete cause or extent within the scope of a visual, non-invasive inspection.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For example, Elevate&#8217;s sample report identified an active kitchen leak and recommended investigation by a <strong>qualified plumbing contractor<\/strong>.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Why?<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Because identifying visible moisture damage and diagnosing the complete plumbing problem are different tasks.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Further investigation may be recommended where specialist expertise, testing or additional access is required.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on the finding, you may be referred to an appropriately qualified:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Plumber<\/li><li>Structural engineer<\/li><li>Electrician<\/li><li>Roofing contractor<\/li><li>Drainage specialist<\/li><li>Builder<\/li><li>Timber pest professional<\/li><li>Other relevant specialist<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A recommendation for further investigation doesn&#8217;t automatically mean an issue is catastrophic.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It means the available evidence warrants closer assessment before you draw conclusions about its cause, extent, or appropriate rectification.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Read our complete guide: <strong>What Does &#8220;Further Investigation Recommended&#8221; Mean in a Building Inspection Report?<\/strong><\/p><h2>Roof Defects and Maintenance<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The roof can offer important clues about a property&#8217;s overall condition and maintenance.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Elevate&#8217;s sample inspection identified findings including:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Roof debris<\/li><li>Roof rust<\/li><li>Debris within gutters<\/li><li>Water staining to external eaves<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Individually, these findings need to be considered in context.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For example, staining beneath the roofline may indicate that water has entered or overflowed in that area, but the stain itself doesn&#8217;t establish exactly where the water originated.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The surrounding roof coverings, gutters, flashings and drainage conditions may all need to be considered.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Debris within gutters can also restrict the effective movement of rainwater and increase the potential for overflow.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is why the report records both the visible defect and, where appropriate, recommendations for maintenance or further investigation.<\/p><h2>Subfloor Findings<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For properties with an accessible subfloor, inspecting beneath the house can reveal conditions that aren&#8217;t obvious from inside.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The Elevate sample inspection identified damp <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/construction-stage-inspections\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"41\" title=\"Framing\">framing<\/a> associated with an ongoing leak as well as moisture affecting the underside of the flooring.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Potential subfloor observations can include:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Damp or darkened timber<\/li><li>Timber deterioration<\/li><li>Moisture beneath flooring<\/li><li>Plumbing leaks<\/li><li>Drainage concerns<\/li><li>Restricted ventilation<\/li><li>Structural deterioration<\/li><li>Timber pest evidence<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is one reason a professional <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/pre-purchase-building-inspections\/\">pre-purchase building inspection<\/a> goes beyond simply walking through the home&#8217;s internal rooms.<\/p><h2>Water Staining<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Water staining is evidence that deserves investigation, but a stain doesn&#8217;t automatically tell you its cause.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The Elevate inspection identified <strong>water staining on the external eaves,<\/strong> along with roof and gutter maintenance issues.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on its location, staining could potentially relate to:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Roof leaks<\/li><li>Flashing defects<\/li><li>Gutter overflow<\/li><li>Plumbing<\/li><li>Drainage<\/li><li>Historical water ingress<\/li><li>Other moisture sources<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is why an inspector considers the surrounding building elements rather than simply photographing the stain and moving on.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/signs-of-water-damage-to-look-for-when-buying-a-house\/\">Signs of Water Damage When Buying a House<\/a> explains these warning signs in more detail.<\/p><h2>Drainage Findings and Limitations<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Drainage around a property can significantly influence moisture conditions.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Water pooling around a building or being directed towards the home rather than away from it can contribute to damp conditions and deterioration.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Elevate&#8217;s inspection documentation recommends monitoring drainage during rainfall and keeping drainage points clear to reduce the potential for surface water accumulation.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">However, there is an important limitation to understand.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A standard pre-purchase building inspection involves a <strong>visual assessment of surface drainage<\/strong>. It doesn&#8217;t test underground stormwater or sewer systems.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If visible conditions suggest an underground drainage problem, further investigation by a <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/how-to-find-the-best-building-inspector-in-melbourne\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"20\" title=\"Right One\">licensed<\/a> plumber or drainage specialist may be appropriate.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is a good example of why the <strong>limitations section of your inspection report matters<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>Restricted and Inaccessible Areas<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A pre-purchase building inspection is a visual and non-invasive assessment.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">That means there can be areas the inspector can&#8217;t see or safely access.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Access may be affected by:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Furniture<\/li><li>Stored belongings<\/li><li>Floor coverings<\/li><li>Fixed cabinetry<\/li><li>Finished wall and ceiling linings<\/li><li>Low roof spaces<\/li><li>Restricted subfloor clearance<\/li><li>Locked areas<\/li><li>Insulation<\/li><li>Unsafe access conditions<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">An inspector doesn&#8217;t remove walls, lift finished flooring or dismantle fixed building components simply to see what&#8217;s behind them.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If an area can&#8217;t be inspected, that limitation should be considered when interpreting the report.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This becomes particularly important when there are visible warning signs around an inaccessible area.<\/p><h2>Why Inspection Limitations Matter<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">No visual building inspection can provide absolute certainty about every concealed part of a property.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For example, floor coverings may conceal damage. Cabinetry may restrict access to plumbing. Wall linings can conceal framing. Insulation may prevent visibility of building elements.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This doesn&#8217;t reduce the value of the inspection.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Instead, it explains why professional inspection reports clearly identify limitations and recommend additional investigation when the visible evidence warrants it.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The aim is to distinguish between <strong>what could be observed, what couldn&#8217;t be observed and what may need further investigation<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>Timber Pest Findings<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A combined <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/building-and-pest-inspections\/\">building and pest inspection<\/a> adds a dedicated assessment for timber pest risks.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on the property, the report may discuss:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Termite evidence<\/li><li>Borer activity<\/li><li>Timber deterioration<\/li><li>Previous pest activity<\/li><li>Timber damage<\/li><li>Conditions that may increase timber pest risk<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It&#8217;s important to understand the difference between finding evidence of timber pest activity and identifying a property condition that may make pest activity more likely.<\/p><h2>Conditions Conducive to Timber Pests<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A report may identify conditions that increase the potential risk of timber pest activity even where active termites haven&#8217;t been identified.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on the property, these may relate to issues such as:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Persistent moisture<\/li><li>Damp subfloor conditions<\/li><li>Poor drainage<\/li><li>Timber deterioration<\/li><li>Timber-to-ground <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/contact\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"23\" title=\"Contact\">contact<\/a><\/li><li>Restricted ventilation<\/li><li>Other environmental conditions favourable to timber pests<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is another reason moisture, drainage and timber pest findings shouldn&#8217;t always be considered separately.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The conditions affecting one part of a property can influence another.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If you&#8217;re buying an established home and want both aspects assessed, consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/building-and-pest-inspections\/\">Building and Pest Inspection in Melbourne<\/a>.<\/p><h2>How Should You Read Your Building Inspection Report?<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Don&#8217;t simply count the number of items in the report.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Instead, work through the findings according to their significance and the actions recommended.<\/p><h3>1. Start With Major Defects and Safety Hazards<\/h3><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Identify the findings given the greatest significance and read the complete descriptions and recommendations.<\/p><h3>2. Look for Active Problems<\/h3><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">An active leak, ongoing water ingress or another continuing problem may deserve particular attention because deterioration could continue until the underlying issue is rectified.<\/p><h3>3. Review Recommendations for Further Investigation<\/h3><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Identify which findings require another appropriately qualified professional to establish the cause or extent.<\/p><h3>4. Look for Related Findings<\/h3><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Don&#8217;t necessarily treat each defect as an isolated problem.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For example, Elevate&#8217;s sample report contained visible kitchen flooring damage, an active leak and damp subfloor framing.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Taken together, these findings provide considerably more information than the damaged flooring would alone.<\/p><h3>5. Review Access Limitations<\/h3><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Check which parts of the property weren&#8217;t accessible and consider whether any surrounding findings increase the importance of those limitations.<\/p><h3>6. Review Maintenance Requirements<\/h3><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Finally, look at the smaller defects and maintenance items.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">These help you understand the general condition of the property and the work that may be required after purchase.<\/p><h2>Does a Building Inspection Report Tell You Whether to Buy the House?<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">No.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A building inspection isn&#8217;t a pass-or-fail test.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Its purpose is to give you clearer information about the visible condition of the property before you make a major financial commitment.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">One buyer may be comfortable buying a home that needs substantial repairs. Another may want a property that needs relatively little immediate work.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Your inspection report gives you evidence that can help you:<\/p><ul data-spread=\"false\"><li>Better understand the property&#8217;s condition<\/li><li>Ask informed questions<\/li><li>Obtain specialist advice where appropriate<\/li><li>Investigate repair requirements<\/li><li>Discuss significant findings with your conveyancer or legal practitioner<\/li><li>Make a more informed decision about whether to proceed<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If your report identifies substantial problems, read <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/what-happens-if-a-building-inspection-finds-major-defects\/\">What Happens If a Building Inspection Finds Major Defects?<\/a> for more information about potential next steps.<\/p><h2>See an Elevate Building Inspection Report for Yourself<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The easiest way to understand an inspection report is to see one.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/sample-building-inspection-report\/\">Sample Building Inspection Report<\/a> shows the type of findings, photographs, defect classifications, maintenance recommendations and inspection limitations that may appear in a report.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It can help you understand what you&#8217;re actually receiving before booking an inspection.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><strong>View the Sample Building Inspection Report \u2192<\/strong><\/p><h2>Book a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection in Melbourne<\/h2><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Elevate Building Inspections provides <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/pre-purchase-building-inspections\/\">Pre-Purchase Building Inspections in Melbourne<\/a> assessing visible and safely accessible areas for structural concerns, moisture problems, roofing defects, drainage issues, safety concerns, poor workmanship and other defects that may warrant further investigation.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For buyers who also want timber pest risks assessed, we provide <a href=\"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/building-and-pest-inspections\/\">Building and Pest Inspections<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Following the inspection, you&#8217;ll receive a detailed photographic report explaining the findings and identifying areas where maintenance, repair or further investigation may be appropriate.<\/p><p><strong>Book your inspection with Elevate Building Inspections.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Receiving a building inspection report can be overwhelming, particularly if you&#8217;re buying your first home. You may see terms such as Major Defect\/Safety Hazard, defect, maintenance item, further investigation, restricted access or recommendations to obtain advice from a qualified contractor. But what do those terms actually mean for you as a buyer? A building inspection [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20413,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_page_generator_pro_exclude":false,"_page_generator_pro_group":0,"_page_generator_pro_index":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20409"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20416,"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20409\/revisions\/20416"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elevatebuilding.com.au\/melbourne-building-inspections\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}