Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in property, a professional building inspection is a crucial step. But how much should you budget for one? And more importantly—what determines the cost of a building inspection?
If you’ve been searching for clear answers, you’re in the right place. In this article, we break down the key factors that affect building inspection pricing in Melbourne and across Victoria, so you know exactly what you’re paying for—and how to get the best value.
Need a quick, obligation-free quote based on your property? Click here to get a tailored estimate from Inspect East.
Why Building Inspections Aren’t One-Price-Fits-All
When you see inspection costs advertised online, you might notice a broad range—anywhere from $250 to over $700. That’s because no two inspections are the same. Prices vary depending on several core factors, which we explore below.
To understand how these prices are calculated, it helps to first understand what you’re actually getting. A building inspection includes:
- A thorough visual assessment of the property
- A written, photographic report outlining defects
- Compliance checks with Australian building standards
- Clear recommendations for repairs or further evaluation
Learn more about what goes into our pricing on our Building Inspection Cost in Melbourne page.
1. Type of Inspection Required
Different inspection types come with different levels of detail—and different pricing.
Common Inspection Types:
- Pre-purchase inspections – For buyers wanting to uncover hidden issues
- Pre-auction inspections – A quicker turnaround for fast-moving sales
- Handover (PCI) inspections – To ensure your builder has met contract terms
- Dilapidation reports – Before or after construction next door
- Building and pest combo – A full property check including termites
How it affects cost:
The more detailed or specialised the inspection, the more time it takes—and the higher the cost. A basic pre-purchase inspection may be less than a combined building and pest report with thermal imaging.
2. Size of the Property
It may sound obvious, but size matters. A small apartment and a large two-storey home require vastly different amounts of inspection time.
Factors include:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Multiple storeys or split levels
- Separate garages, sheds, or granny flats
- Large outdoor areas or decking
How it affects cost:
Larger homes mean more inspection zones, more photos, and a longer report. Prices increase based on square footage and complexity.
3. Age and Condition of the Property
Older properties often have more wear and tear—and potentially more hidden problems.
Why it matters:
- Older homes may require checking outdated materials (like asbestos or galvanised plumbing)
- There may be signs of previous renovations, DIY work, or structural movement
- Newer homes often require less time to inspect—but may still hide defects
How it affects cost:
Inspecting a 100-year-old weatherboard cottage is often more time-consuming than a brand-new townhouse, especially when structural or safety concerns arise.
4. Location and Accessibility
Where your property is located can influence price—especially if access is difficult.
Key considerations:
- Inner-city vs. outer suburbs or regional towns
- Whether the subfloor and roof space are accessible
- Steep driveways, fencing, or locked areas
- Traffic and travel time for the inspector
How it affects cost:
Remote or hard-to-reach homes may involve travel surcharges or longer appointment windows.
Want to know if we service your suburb? Request a free quote and we’ll confirm availability and pricing.
5. Scope of the Report
Some reports are designed to be broad and general. Others are highly detailed, with itemised checklists, high-resolution photos, and priority-coded findings.
Options include:
- Verbal summary reports (usually cheaper)
- Basic written reports
- Detailed photographic reports with room-by-room notes
- Optional thermal or moisture imaging
How it affects cost:
The more detailed the report, the more time required both on-site and for documentation. However, comprehensive reports often save buyers from making expensive mistakes.
6. Add-On Services and Inspection Bundles
Building inspections can often be bundled with other valuable checks, depending on your needs.
Common add-ons:
- Pest inspection (to check for termites and wood rot)
- Electrical or plumbing condition report (via licensed specialists)
- Pool barrier compliance checks
- Re-inspections (after defect rectification)
How it affects cost:
While add-ons do increase the price, bundling inspections together is often more cost-effective than booking separately—and ensures nothing is missed.
Ask us about bundled building and pest options when you get your free quote.
How to Ensure You’re Getting Value for Money
Here’s what to look for in a competitively priced, trustworthy inspection service:
- Is the inspector fully licensed and insured?
- Are you getting a clear, written report with photos?
- Does the quote include travel, GST, and reporting time?
- Are they experienced in inspecting your property type?
Remember, the cheapest inspection isn’t always the best. Saving $100 upfront could cost thousands if major defects are missed.
At Inspect East, we focus on providing transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We tailor our inspections to your property and give you a detailed quote upfront—so there are no surprises.
FAQs: Cost of Building Inspections in Melbourne
1. What is the average cost of a building inspection in Melbourne?
The average cost ranges from $350 to $600 for a standard pre-purchase inspection. More complex properties or combined inspections may exceed $700.
2. Do I need to pay extra for a pest inspection?
Yes, pest inspections are a separate service but can be bundled with your building inspection for a better rate.
3. Are weekend or urgent inspections more expensive?
Sometimes. We do offer fast turnaround and weekend appointments—just let us know your deadline when you request your quote.
4. Is a more expensive inspector worth it?
Yes, if it means thorough reporting, insurance coverage, and peace of mind. Ask about inclusions before comparing prices alone.
5. Can I get a discount for multiple inspections or properties?
Yes, we offer discounts for repeat clients, multiple bookings, and real estate professionals. Contact us for a tailored deal.
Ready to Get a Clear Price?
Not sure what type of inspection you need or how much to budget? That’s where we come in. At Inspect East, we make it easy to get an accurate, fair quote—no guesswork, no pressure.
Click here to get a free building inspection quote based on your property type, location, and timeline. We’ll walk you through the process and tailor our service to your needs.