Property Inspection & Reports — Vital Before You Buy in NSW
NSW Fair Trading will tell you that before purchasing a home or investment property, it’s essential to understand the true condition of the building. While personal inspections are helpful, a professional property inspection report from a trusted provider like Diamond Property Inspections gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid expensive surprises down the track.
✅ Why Arrange a Property Inspection?
A professional building inspection in NSW provides a detailed assessment of the property’s structural condition and can help you:
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Identify hidden defects or safety issues
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Understand the extent of any repairs needed
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Negotiate a lower purchase price if problems are found
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Decide whether or not to proceed with the purchase
When you request a contract of sale, the agent must let you know about any existing property inspection reports. You may be able to repurchase these at a discounted rate.
🔍 What You Can Check Yourself During a Property Viewing
When inspecting a property in person (typically 30 minutes to an hour), be sure to:
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Test all windows and doors for ease of opening and alignment
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Look for damp, mould, or water stains, especially around skirting boards and ceilings
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Check ceilings for sagging and walls for cracks or buckling
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Lift carpets in corners to look for rotting or damp floorboards
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Test all taps and plumbing fittings for water pressure and stability
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Flush toilets and check cisterns for proper function
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Inspect under sinks for rust, leaks, or pipe movement
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Review the age and size of the hot water system
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Test all light switches, and check for a safety switch in the fuse box
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Inspect the roof, guttering, downpipes, and external walls for visible damage
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Ask about the property’s energy efficiency rating
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Assess noise levels at different times of day
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Take note of any strong odours from nearby businesses or waste facilities
While useful, your own inspection may not uncover structural, pest, or hidden issues. That’s where Diamond Property Inspections can help.
🏠 What Is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection Report?
A pre-purchase building inspection report (also known as a standard property report) is a written account of the condition of a property, typically prepared before exchanging contracts. A qualified inspector from Diamond Property Inspections will assess the property for:
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Major structural defects
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Safety hazards
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Roof damage or movement in walls (cracks, shifting)
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Rising damp or poor drainage
💡 Why Choose Diamond Property Inspections?
With years of experience and compliance with Australian Standards, Diamond Property Inspections delivers reliable and easy-to-read reports, helping homebuyers across NSW make informed decisions.
Benefits of choosing Diamond:
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Licensed and fully insured inspectors
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Fast turnaround on reports
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Local knowledge of NSW property conditions
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Clear insights for negotiations or future repairs
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Thorough inspections of every accessible area
🧰 What’s Included in a Diamond Property Inspection Report?
Every inspection includes a detailed check of accessible areas such as:
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Interior and exterior of the building
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Roof space and roof exterior
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Sub-floor areas
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Driveways, retaining walls, fences, and drainage
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Garage, shed, laundry, and toilet (if separate)
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Site conditions and surface water management
You may also request specific checks, such as:
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Asbestos indicators
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Electrical safety switches
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Smoke alarms
🚫 What’s Not Included?
A standard building inspection report focuses on visible and accessible issues. It doesn’t include:
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Hidden structural elements (e.g. footings, wiring, drainage, or plumbing)
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Appliances and non-structural cosmetic features
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Pest detection (a separate pest inspection is recommended)
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Cost estimates for repairs
Ask Diamond Property Inspections if you need a special-purpose inspection report that includes additional items or minor defects.
🏢 What About Strata and Company Title Properties?
For strata or company title units, the inspection typically covers only the interior and immediate exterior. If you need an assessment of common areas, request a special-purpose property report.
📄 Key Details to Expect in Your Report
Your Diamond Property Inspections report will include:
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Buyer’s name and property address
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Inspection date and purpose
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Full inspection scope and limitations
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Areas not inspected and recommendations for further investigation
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Summary of condition and any major defects
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Referrals to specialists if needed (e.g. pest inspector, engineer, plumber)
📆 When to Book Your Inspection
It’s best to book your building inspection early in the sale process—ideally before signing contracts. In NSW, you have a 5-day cooling-off period after signing (unless buying at auction). This window allows you to:
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Order a building inspection
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Review the report
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Decide whether to proceed or withdraw (you’ll only forfeit 0.25% of the price if you cancel)
Most inspectors, including Diamond, require 2–3 days’ notice.
📞 Book Your Property Inspection Today
Before you commit to one of the biggest purchases of your life, be sure to get a trusted, independent property inspection report.
Diamond Property Inspections is your expert team for thorough, fast, and reliable building inspections in NSW.
👉 Visit diamondinspections.com.au or Call 1300 368 000 to book your inspection today!