Building Inspection Report Options Backed by Engineers
Most building inspectors give you one type of report, take it or leave it. BINM gives you four report levels prepared from the same inspection, so you only pay for the depth you actually need, and you can always go deeper later.
Book an InspectionOne Inspection. Every Report Level Already Covered.
Every BINM inspection is conducted by a Chartered Engineer, which means the site visit always captures enough data to support any report level, from a simple defect summary to a fully signed engineering opinion. Choose the level you need now, or decide after you see what's actually there.
Inspect once. Choose your report level. Upgrade anytime, no second inspection fee.
Standard Report
Our most popular report level. Visually similar to what most competitors call their standard or basic report. Different in terms of who prepares it, a Chartered Engineer, not a Licensed Builder.
What's Included
- Visual defect identification
- Photo-supported findings
- Priority classification
- Plain-English summary
Best For
- General-purpose due diligence
- Buyers and owners
- Properties in good condition
- Most pre-purchase and pre-sale inspections
From $495 inc. GST · See Standard Report page →
Comprehensive Report
Everything in the Standard Report, plus the context that actually helps you make a decision: why a defect is happening, how urgent it is, and a format built for negotiation.
What's Included
- All Standard inclusions
- Causation commentary
- Risk context & urgency
- Negotiation-ready format
Best For
- When a defect has already been found
- Price negotiations
- Understanding risk severity
- Vendor rectification requests
Upgrade anytime, no second inspection fee · See Comprehensive Report page →
Engineering Report
Full engineering analysis and recommendations, signed by a Chartered Engineer. Suitable for complex defects, permit applications and informed decision-making, prepared by the same engineer who already inspected the property.
What's Included
- Structural behaviour analysis
- Load path & causation assessment
- Rectification recommendations
- Engineer-signed opinion
Best For
- Complex or structural defects
- Insurance claims
- Permit applications
- Informed, high-stakes decisions
Upgrade anytime, no second inspection fee · See Engineering Report page →
Expert Report
For disputes, legal proceedings and tribunal matters, VCAT in Victoria, NCAT in New South Wales, QCAT in Queensland, and SACAT in South Australia. A compliant expert witness format, written to a higher evidentiary standard than the Engineering Report, and produced by the same Chartered Engineers. Available on request.
What's Included
- Tribunal / legal-compliant format (VCAT, NCAT, QCAT, SACAT)
- Expert witness declaration
- Full causation & liability analysis
- Backed by Chartered / Fellow Engineers
Best For
- Formal building disputes
- VCAT, NCAT, QCAT, SACAT and equivalent tribunal matters
- Legal proceedings
- Insurance disputation
Dedicated page coming soon · Enquire about an Expert Report →
One Inspection, Four Ways to Go Further
Every level builds on the one before it. You can start anywhere and move up without booking a second inspection.
Standard Report
Defect list, photos and a plain-English summary
Comprehensive Report
Plus causation, risk context and urgency
Engineering Report
Full structural analysis, signed engineering opinion
Expert Report
Dispute and litigation-ready, available on request
Add-Ons Available at Any Report Level
These extras can be added to any of the four report levels, individually or combined.
Drone Roof Video & Images
- For roofs inaccessible or unsafe to inspect on foot
Floor Level Survey & Contour Map
- Establishes a movement baseline for monitoring or evidence
Targeted Investigation
- Cracking, water ingress, balcony movement, retaining walls
Drawing Review
- Architectural and structural plans against as-built condition
Rectification Scope of Works
- Itemised scope, cost estimates and procurement support
Project Management
- Oversight through rectification, plus a verification inspection
Report Level Pricing at a Glance
Pricing depends on property size, type, location, and which report level you choose. All pricing confirmed before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about choosing a BINM report level.
If you just need a clear picture of the property's condition, the Standard Report covers most situations. If a defect is found and you need to understand its cause and urgency, Comprehensive is the right step. If it's structural, Engineering gives you a full analysis and signed opinion. If it becomes a formal dispute, the Expert / VCAT Report is the litigation-ready format. Not sure? Book the inspection and decide afterwards, there's no penalty for choosing later.
Yes, and that's by design. Our Inspect Once, Upgrade Report Anytime model means our engineer collects everything needed during the first visit, regardless of which report level you book. If something serious is found, or your situation changes, such as a dispute arising, you can upgrade from a Standard to a Comprehensive, Engineering or Expert report without a second inspection or an additional inspection fee.
An Engineering Report provides full structural analysis, causation assessment and rectification recommendations, signed by a Chartered Engineer. It's suitable for complex defects, permit applications and informed decision-making. An Expert Report is specifically formatted for legal proceedings, tribunal matters (VCAT, NCAT, QCAT or SACAT depending on your state) and formal disputes. It includes an expert witness declaration, an independence statement, and meets the evidentiary requirements of the relevant tribunal or court. Both are produced by our Chartered Engineers, but the Expert Report is written to a higher evidentiary standard.
No. Most clients book a Standard Report by default and only upgrade if something is found. Because every inspection is engineer-led, the site visit data already supports any report level, so deciding later costs you nothing extra in inspection fees.
It means you won't be charged to have someone come back out and look at the property again to produce a higher report level. The report preparation itself may carry its own cost depending on the level chosen, but the site visit is never repeated or re-charged.
Yes, if you already know your situation is heading towards a dispute. Let us know when you book and we'll scope the inspection accordingly. Contact us to discuss your specific matter.