When buying, building, or renovating a property, most people understand the importance of getting a building inspection. What many don’t realise, however, is how much the quality and qualifications of the inspector actually matter — especially in an industry that has, since September 2009, been unregulated.
In Sydney’s competitive property market, it’s not uncommon for buyers and owners to choose a building inspector based on price alone. Unfortunately, that decision can come at a significant cost if defects are missed, poorly assessed, or incorrectly reported.
A building inspection is only as good as the person conducting it. And when inspections are carried out by underqualified operators, the risks to you increase significantly.
The Risk of Cheap, Unqualified Building Inspections
At first glance, hiring a lower-priced inspector may seem like a smart way to save money. But in reality, it often does the opposite.
Unqualified or inexperienced inspectors may:
- Miss major defects
- Fail to identify non-compliant building work
- Downplay issues they don’t fully understand
- Provide reports that offer little protection if problems arise later
Rectifying defects after settlement or after handover during construction can cost thousands of dollars. In many cases, these issues could have been identified early by a properly qualified building inspector with real construction experience.
How to Tell If You’re Using a Qualified Building Inspector
Most property owners aren’t builders — and you shouldn’t need to be. But there are clear questions you can ask to ensure you’re engaging a genuinely qualified building inspector in Sydney.
1. “Are You a Licensed Builder?”
This is one of the most important — and most overlooked — questions.
In NSW, building inspectors are not a regulated profession, meaning basically anyone can call themselves a “building inspector” simply by saying so.
A licensed builder:
- Has completed formal trade and technical qualifications
- Has years of hands-on construction experience
- Understands how buildings are actually built — not just how to tick boxes
- Can recognise structural, waterproofing, framing, and compliance issues others miss
Inspectors without a builder’s licence may rely solely on checklists, rather than real-world building knowledge.
2. “Do You Have Professional Indemnity & Liability Insurance?”
Insurance isn’t just a formality — it’s your safety net.
Qualified building inspection companies should carry:
- Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance
Many inspection companies carry minimal cover. In contrast, high-quality firms such as Houspect Building Inspections holds $5 million of PI and $20 million of PL providing far greater protection for clients if an error leads to financial loss.
If an inspector or inspection company can’t (or won’t) provide proof of insurance, that’s a major red flag.
3. “How Much Experience Do You Have — And Where?”
Experience matters, but relevant experience matters more.
A qualified building inspector should be able to clearly explain:
- How long they’ve worked in the building industry
- Whether they’ve personally built or supervised construction
- How frequently they inspect properties like yours
Sydney properties vary enormously — from new builds and apartments to older homes and complex renovations. Inspecting an apartment is very different to inspecting a freestanding home or a construction stage project.
A reputable inspection company will also have:
- A physical office location
- A consistent inspection team (time with the company)
- A proven track record in Sydney and NSW
Not just a mobile number and a business card.
Why Licensed Builders Make Better Building Inspectors
Licensed builders bring a level of insight that is broad and valuable.
They understand:
- Structural load paths and framing systems
- Indications or waterproofing issues
- Poor workmanship in finishes
- Non-compliant construction
This depth of knowledge is particularly important during:
- Pre-purchase building inspections
- Construction stage inspections
- Pre-handover inspections
When defects are identified early, they’re easier — and far cheaper — to address.
Protecting Your Property Investment in Sydney
Whether you’re buying your first home, building a new property, or investing in real estate, your property is likely one of the largest financial commitments you’ll ever make.
Because standards for building inspectors remain low, the responsibility falls on property owners to choose wisely.
Cut-price inspections may look appealing upfront, but they often cost far more in the long run:
- Missed defects
- Disputes with builders
- Expensive post-purchase repairs
A professional building inspection conducted by licensed builders, backed by substantial insurance, isn’t an added expense — it’s a form of risk management.
When it comes to protecting your investment, experience, qualifications, and accountability matter. And with building inspections, you truly do get what you pay for.
