Pre-Auction Building Inspection, Know Before You Bid
Bid with confidence at auction. Get your inspection done before auction day. There's no cooling off period once the hammer falls, and no chance to make your offer conditional on a building inspection.
Auctions Do Not Give You a Second Chance to Check
Buying at auction works differently to a private sale, and it pays to know the rules before you go in. When the hammer falls, the contract is unconditional. You cannot make your bid subject to finance or a building inspection, and there is no cooling-off period in most cases. Whatever condition the property is in becomes your responsibility the moment you are declared the successful bidder.
That is exactly why so many buyers book their inspection before auction day. You walk in already knowing what you are bidding on. Every pre-auction inspection starts with a Chartered Engineer, at the same price as a standard market inspection, so if something structural is found before auction day, you already have an answer, not just a worry to chase up after you have won.
Inspect before you bid. Not after you have already won.
One Core Service. Timed to Beat the Hammer.
Pre-Auction Building Inspection (Engineer-Led)
We give the property a full once over before auction day, so you can bid knowing exactly what condition it is in. Your inspector is a Chartered Engineer and Licensed Builder, and we work to get your report turned around in time for your auction date wherever we possibly can.
What a BINM Pre-Auction 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, with an engineer's opinion on likely cause and severity.
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-auction 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 if you need evidence later.
Drawing review, architectural and structural plan review against as-built condition, where plans are available.
Engineering-level report, if a structural concern is found, upgrade to a full engineering report before auction day, no second inspection.
Pest and termite inspections are not included in a BINM pre-auction inspection. Let us know when booking if you also need this arranged.
If a Defect Is Found Before Auction Day, What It Means for Your Bid
Understand
A clear, plain-English explanation of what was found and how serious it is.
Cost It
An engineer-prepared estimate of likely rectification cost, so you can factor it into your maximum bid.
Set Your Ceiling
Use the inspection and the cost information to set a firm maximum bid before auction day.
Bid With Confidence
Walk into the auction knowing your number, rather than guessing on the day.
Escalate If Needed
If the finding is structural, upgrade to a full engineering report before auction day, no second inspection fee.
Inspect. Report. Protect.
Three steps from booking to a report you can act on.
Inspect
Book as early as possible once you know the auction date. Call 1800 796 776 or book online, and a Chartered Engineer is matched to your job with same-week availability.
Report
Receive your report with enough time before auction day to weigh up the property and set your bidding limit.
Protect
Bid with a clear number in mind. If something structural is found, upgrade before auction day, no second site visit required.
Pre-Auction Inspection Pricing
Pricing depends on property size, number of storeys and location. Book early, availability close to the auction date cannot always be guaranteed if booked late.
Buying through a private sale instead? See Pre-Purchase Inspection for our standard pre-purchase scope.
Pre-Auction Inspection FAQs
Everything you need to know about booking an inspection before auction day.
As early as possible once you know the auction date. Auction dates are fixed, so the closer you book to the date, the less flexibility there is to fit your inspection in beforehand.
Of course. Finding a defect does not stop you from bidding, it just gives you the information to bid smart. You will know whether to walk away, or what your maximum bid should be once any likely rectification cost is factored in.
If you are not the successful bidder, your report still belongs to you and can be useful background if you go on to inspect other properties. Contact us about your next property and we can discuss the right inspection for it.
The inspection itself covers the same scope. The difference is timing. A pre-auction inspection is booked and completed before the auction date, so the report is ready before you need to make a bidding decision rather than after a contract is signed.
Pre-auction inspections are usually organised and paid for by the buyer, since each bidder needs their own independent report they can rely on. A vendor may have their own pre-sale inspection completed to share with the market, but as a buyer you should be cautious about relying on a report that was not prepared for you.
Reports are prepared for the person who books the inspection. If you would like to discuss sharing access or costs with another interested buyer, contact us before booking to see what we can arrange.