Local, reliable building inspections in Phillip Island

An independent building inspection is an assessment conducted by a qualified inspector who evaluates the construction of a new home to ensure it meets the minimum requirements of the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards. We are fully independent to the parties involved in the building contract and therefore we can provide an impartial and independent opinion of the quality and compliance of the works completed on site.

We cover Gippsland and surrounding areas including South Gippsland, Bass Coast, Phillip Island, West Gippsland, Latrobe Valley. We service the major towns Leongatha, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Traralgon, Foster, Moe, Warragul, Pakenham as well as all the towns in between give us a call and we can provide a quote even if you are outside these areas.

We provide a range of building inspections including New Build Stage Inspections, Insurance Building Assessments, Roof Report, Building Defects Report, Pre-Purchase Building Inspections Report, Regular Maintenance Reports.

Hiring an independent inspector like the Rhizome Building can help identify potential issues early, ensuring that your home is safe, structurally sound, and built according to specifications. If left un-noticed at early stages of the building process this can result in significant costs to rectify by the builder and make it more difficult for the home owner to seek rectification of the items.

Inspections can be scheduled at various stages, such as Foundation, Frame, Lock-Up, Fixing, Waterproofing, Final. It’s beneficial to have inspections at key points during construction as a minimum to coincide with the mandatory inspections outlined on your building permit and prior to any stage payments to the builder. We can also provide a Building Defects Report even after your residential home construction is completed.

Inspectors evaluate the quality of workmanship, compliance with building codes, safety features, plumbing, electrical systems, and overall construction integrity. As well as identify any unforeseen or future issues that may arise once the works are completed or affect your building insurance policy outcomes.

The duration varies depending on the size and complexity of the home, but most building inspections typically take 1 to 3 hours and we will have a report submitted within 24 hours of the completion of the building inspection.

The inspector will provide a detailed report of any findings including references to the relevant building codes and Australian standards as well as photographic evidence. You can discuss these with the builder to address necessary repairs or rectification of the items.

While independent inspections are not legally required, many homeowners choose to have them for peace of mind and to protect their investment.

Costs can vary based on location, the size of the home, and the inspector’s qualifications, but they generally range from a few hundred dollars to over one thousand dollars. This is a small price to pay when you compare with the possible cost of rectification or dispute with the builder at a later date can costs in the tens of thousands to over one hundred thousand dollars.

Yes, at Rhizome Building we encourage homeowners to be present, as it allows you to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the findings.

Yes, under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 A builder must permit the building owner (or a person authorised by the building owner) to have reasonable access to the building site and to view any part of the building works. Most reputable builders even expect independent inspections to occur during the build.

Review the report carefully and discuss any issues with your builder. Use it as a basis for negotiations or to ensure corrections are made. Rhizome Building can provide you with support throughout the building process.

Yes, look for inspectors who are registered and licensed with the VBA and have a minimum license of Domestic Builder Unlimited or DB-U. You should also ensure that the inspector has the relevant insurance including Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. This ensure that the independent inspector is qualified and insured to comment on any domestic building work. You can use the VBA’s find a practitioner tool to check they have the relevant licenses.

If you discover problems after moving in, review your warranty information and consider contacting the builder for repairs, depending on the issue and warranty coverage. We can also provide a Building Defects Report after you have moved into the property and been provided with an occupancy certificate to aid in rectification and negotiations.