Pre-Purchase Building Inspections, Engineer-Led Before You Sign
Most pre-purchase inspections are carried out by a Licensed Builder alone. BINM's are carried out by a Chartered Engineer and Licensed Builder together, at the same price point, so if something structural turns up, you don't need a second inspection to find out what it means.
The Inspector Matters More Than the Inspection
Most pre-purchase inspections look similar on paper. An inspector walks the property and produces a written report on its condition. What differs is what the inspector is actually qualified to tell you when something is found.
A Licensed Builder can tell you that a wall is cracked. A Chartered Engineer can tell you why it's cracked, whether it's structural or cosmetic, and what it's likely to cost to fix. BINM starts every pre-purchase inspection with a Chartered Engineer, priced the same as a standard market inspection. If something more is found, you do not pay for a second visit — we escalate the same inspection data to a formal engineering or dispute-ready report.
One inspection. Every pathway covered. No second fee.
One Core Service. Every Pathway Covered.
Pre-Purchase Inspection (Engineer-Led)
A market-priced inspection that looks the same as a standard report to the naked eye, same scope, same timeframe, same price range, but delivered by a Chartered Engineer rather than a Licensed Builder. If nothing structural is found, you get a clear, plain-English report. If something is found, your inspector already has the qualifications to take it further, on the spot.
What a BINM Pre-Purchase Inspection Covers
A full visual, non-invasive assessment of the property's condition, structured around four areas.
Structural & Movement
Footings, walls, floors and roof structure assessed for cracking, movement and other indicators of structural behaviour. Because this assessment is led by a Chartered Engineer, observations come with an opinion on likely cause and severity, not just a description of what's visible.
Moisture, Drainage & Damp
Signs of rising damp, water ingress, and site drainage issues that can affect the building over time.
Roof, Exterior & Site
Roof covering, guttering, external cladding, fencing and site conditions assessed for condition and maintenance risk.
Services & Safety
Visual assessment of accessible plumbing and electrical infrastructure, smoke alarm presence, and visible safety hazards. This is a visual inspection only, not a compliance certification of electrical or plumbing systems.
Tiered Upgrades and Add-Ons
Every pre-purchase inspection can be extended with the following, individually or combined.
Drone roof video and images — for roofs that are inaccessible, steep, or hold safety risk to inspect on foot.
Floor level survey and contour map — establishes a movement baseline, useful for ongoing monitoring or as evidence.
Drawing review — architectural and structural plan review against as-built condition, where plans are available.
Engineering-level report — deeper causation and risk analysis beyond the standard report.
Dispute-ready expert report upgrade — if a defect becomes contested, your data is already escalation-ready.
Pest and termite inspections are not included in a BINM pre-purchase inspection. Let us know when booking if you also need this arranged.
If a Defect Is Found, What Happens Next
Scope
A clear, itemised scope describing exactly what needs to be fixed and why.
Costing
Engineer-prepared estimates so you know what you're negotiating with, before you commit to the purchase.
Procurement
Help sourcing and briefing the right trade or contractor for the rectification, if you proceed.
Project Management
Oversight through the rectification process, so the fix matches the recommendation.
Verification
A follow-up inspection to confirm the rectification was completed to standard.
Inspect. Report. Protect.
Three steps from booking to a report you can act on.
Inspect
Book online or call 1800 796 776. Tell us about the property and your settlement timeline. A Chartered Engineer is matched to your job with same-week availability.
Report
One thorough site visit. All data, photos, measurements and observations are captured to a standard that supports any report level, now or later.
Protect
Receive your report before your next deadline. If a structural issue is identified, upgrade to an engineering or dispute-ready report, no second site visit required.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Pricing
Pricing depends on property size, number of storeys, and location. All pricing confirmed before booking.
Selling instead of buying? See Existing Buildings for our pre-sale inspection options.
Pre-Purchase Inspection FAQs
Everything you need to know about pre-purchase building inspections.
A full visual, non-invasive assessment covering structural and movement indicators, moisture and drainage, the roof and exterior, and a visual check of accessible services and obvious safety hazards. Findings are documented with photos and a written report.
Every BINM inspection is led by a Chartered Engineer and Licensed Builder, not a Licensed Builder alone. If a structural issue is found, the same inspector can produce a formal engineering opinion without bringing in a separate firm or booking a second visit.
Many buyers do. A report that includes an engineer's opinion on cause and likely rectification cost generally carries more weight in a negotiation than a description of the defect alone.
Same-week availability is standard. Call 1800 796 776 or book online and we will confirm your inspection time and expected report turnaround.
Because your inspector is already a Chartered Engineer, the data captured on the day can be escalated to a formal engineering report without a second site visit or a second fee.
No. A BINM pre-purchase inspection covers the structural, building and engineering condition of the property. It does not include a pest or termite inspection. Let us know when booking if you also need this arranged and we can advise.