Once the booking form is completed online, we get in touch with your nominated contact person to arrange the inspection(s) and within 24 hours we will email your invoice from Xero along with the details of the confirmed inspection time (or let you know why the inspection time has not been able to be confirmed).

We understand that time is usually of the essence in the settlement process and we will do everything we can to ensure inspections are undertaken at the first available opportunity.

Reports are issued within 24 hours of the inspection provided payment has been received. Reports are not released prior to payment.

The reports are issued via email to your nominated email address in PDF format.

You do as the owner of the report and the person responsible for the administration of the contract for sale. However, we can forward the report if you provide authorisation to do so.

Yes, but you need to advise the real estate agent representing the vendor that you plan on attending. Under the standard REIWA contract for sale there is no requirement to let the purchaser view the property again prior to settlement. Some real estate agents follow the terms of the contract, while others may allow the purchaser to attend. 

From Red Earth’s perspective, we are always happy to give clients a debrief of the report’s minor and major (if any) defects prior to leaving the property.

Although the reports are straightforward and easy to read it is always good to be able to explain any defects with the person(s) purchasing the property and who will usually be the one responsible for the maintenance and upkeep.

We offer fixed price building inspections and reports for the standard inspections. There are some additional inspections that can be added on, but there are no hidden or extra fees such as call out fees.

View pricing.

The Red Earth Structural Report is specifically designed to address the REIWA Building Inspection Report condition of sale and provides an assessment of any structural defects of the property. The Comprehensive Building Inspection looks at structural issues and additionally includes building maintenance items.

If major structural defects are discovered during the inspection, they will be included in the major defects summary at the beginning of the report and will be discussed with our client after the inspection.

It is then up to the Buyer to inform the Seller that major defects have been identified in the pre-purchase building inspection report and request that the Seller rectifies the structural defects identified. This is typically done by forwarding the report to your Settlement agent and Real Estate Agent so that a Defects Notice can be issued. The Seller then typically has 5 business days to confirm that they will rectify the structural defects.  

No. We do not provide estimates of costs for rectification or maintenance works required at the property. 

Our inspection reports include visual inspection of the following areas of a property where applicable and accessible:

Roof space areas
Interior of the building
Exterior of the building
Roof exterior (not included in the Structural inspection)
Subfloor areas (where applicable, for an additional fee)
Site and grounds (typically within 30m of the building subject to inspection – not included in the Structural inspection)

We do not undertake repairs, however, we have a trusted list of quality trades and consultants who we can introduce you to who can help.

Click on here to go to our list of Red Earth Recommended Trade Contacts. 

We receive no commissions or fees from our recommended trades and consultants. We make the introductions as finding quality, trustworthy trades and consultants can be difficult. This is particularly the case when clients are trying to settle on properties and are short of time. We like introducing good people to good people.

No. Ultimately that is your decision to make once you have looked at all the facts. Our building and termite inspections and reports provide you with the facts you need to make an informed decision about the state of the physical condition of the property.

Here’s a quick guide to the key questions our clients typically want answered in the reports we provide which will help you choose the most appropriate report for your needs.

A Major Defect in the Comprehensive Building Report is defined by the Australian Standard 4349.1 as:
“A defect of significant magnitude where rectification has to be carried out in order to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of utility or further deterioration of the property.”
Most conditions of  sale such as the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) contract which relate to building inspections concentrate on the building being deemed structurally sound by a registered builder to satisfy the condition. Therefore, the comprehensive building report could contain major defects such as leaking showers or moisture issues which are significant but which are not structural. These non-structural defects may not provide the purchaser with the ability to withdraw from the contract for sale but they may possibly provide a basis for renegotiation of the purchase price. It all depends on the wording of the building inspection clause which forms part of your offer to purchase the property.
We strongly recommend that you look closely at the wording of any proposed building or pest report annexure or condition of sale amended to the contract for sale prior to signing.

Paul Connelly is a registered builder with over 20 years experience in the commercial and residential construction industry.
Despite being tall, Paul is very good at getting through access holes, onto roofs, under floors and he knows what he’s looking at and for. He also speaks fluent English and genuinely loves houses and the built environment and likes what he does. You’ll find Paul straightforward, informative and professional.
Paul will take the time to answer any questions you may have concerning the report or the defects which are identified therein and can help with arranging completion of any rectification works.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Construction Management (Honors)
• Registered Building Practitioner (102466)
• CPPPMT3008 Inspect for and report on timber pests
• CPPPMT3010 Control timber pests

In 2007 AS4349.1 was released in response to continued complaints from the general public about the subjective nature and irrelevance of many pre-purchase building reports being provided by building inspectors prior to that time.
Sadly, since the release of AS4349.1 in 2007 many building inspectors and firms continue to provide reports which do not meet the standard.

Red Earth Building Inspections’ reports are in accordance with the Australian standards so you know that they meet the highest requirements and will provide you with a report which is relevant, informative and understandable.