Under the floor of an old Ballarat weatherboard: what a buyer's inspection looks at
Timber stumps, bearers, damp and airflow beneath Victorian and Edwardian Ballarat houses, and how far a visual pre-purchase inspection can go.
Buying an old Ballarat house means buying its stumps, its roof and a century of repairs. Our pre-purchase inspection walks the rooms, then goes up into the roof space and down under the floor wherever we can get in safely.
One of our inspectors will call you back. If it is urgent, call 1300 471 805.
A visual pre-purchase inspection of readily accessible areas, reported under AS 4349.1. It records significant items: structural damage, conditions likely to cause it, and safety hazards.
33 checkpoints across 10 areas on a standard Ballarat pre-purchase building inspection. Roof spaces, subfloors or rooms that are locked, too low or unsafe on the day are named in the report as not inspected, never assumed to be fine.
Significant items recorded on established homes before contracts were signed.
Timber stumps, bearers, damp and airflow beneath Victorian and Edwardian Ballarat houses, and how far a visual pre-purchase inspection can go.
What a pre-purchase inspection finds on roofs that have seen a century of Ballarat winters, from broken tiles to gutters that hold water.
How to fit a building inspection in before auction day or inside a cooling off period on a Ballarat house, and what to send us so it runs on time.
Building and Pest Inspections Building and timber pest reports in one Ballarat visit, with decay and damp written up. 
Defect Investigation Reports Cracks, roof leaks, condensation and mould in Ballarat homes, measured and traced to a cause. 
Pre-Handover (PCI) Inspections A numbered list of what is unfinished or defective in your new Ballarat home, before the final claim is paid. 
New Construction Stage Inspections Seven visits through a Ballarat build, each one booked before the next trade covers the work. 
Rental minimum standards (Victoria) inspections Your Ballarat rental checked against all 15 Victorian minimum standards, with a repair list before it is listed. Dilapidation Reports A dated photo record of your Ballarat house before demolition or excavation starts next door. 
VCAT Expert Witness Reports Evidence written to VCAT's expert witness requirements when a building dispute will not settle. 
Pre-Sale Inspections Learn what a buyer's inspector will raise before your Ballarat home is listed. 
Mould Inspections Visible mould and damp traced with a moisture meter in homes that rarely dry out in winter. 
Insurance Claim Assessments An independent look at storm, leak or impact damage to support your claim. 
Maintenance Inspections A yearly check of roof, gutters, subfloor and drainage before small faults grow. 
Apartment Pre-Settlement Your new unit or townhouse checked before settlement day. 
Reinspections A return visit to confirm the builder has closed out each listed item. 
Timber Pest Inspections A stand-alone AS 4349.3 timber pest inspection when the building side is already covered. Tax Depreciation Schedule Depreciation figures for a Ballarat investment property, prepared for your accountant. 
Commercial Property Inspections Condition reports on shops, offices and warehouses in and around the city. 
Strata Reports Common property reviewed for owners corporations and buyers of units. Instant online pricing, or talk to the booking team on 1300 471 805.
AS 4349.1 is visual and covers only readily accessible areas. We do not operate or test electrical wiring, switchboards, smoke alarms, gas, plumbing, appliances, heating, cooling, pools, spas or automatic doors; a licensed electrician or plumber checks those. Concealed framing, footings below ground, hidden damp courses, timber pests (unless you add a pest inspection), asbestos and mould testing are also outside it, as is anything locked, covered or unsafe to reach on the day.
Request a quote online and you will see the price for that address before booking. The figure depends on the size and age of the house, whether there is a subfloor and roof space to enter, and whether you add a timber pest inspection.
Yes, whenever there is a safe way in. We look at stumps, bearers, joists, ventilation and ground moisture. If clearance is too low or the access is blocked, the report says so rather than guessing.
Often. New concrete stumps beside old timber ones, fresh packers or uneven floors can point to a reblock, partial or full. We note what we see; the paperwork from the vendor or the council tells you who did it and when.
Ballarat's long, damp winters keep subfloors wet and roofs slow to dry. Poor subfloor airflow, condensation in bathrooms and moss on tiles are common outcomes, and each one shortens the life of timber and finishes.
The overlay does not change our inspection, but it can change what repairs you are allowed to make. Check the planning scheme or ask the City of Ballarat before you plan to replace windows, roofing or cladding.
Within 24 hours of the inspection, usually sooner. Your inspector can talk you through any item by phone before you decide to sign or negotiate.