You’ve finally found the Melbourne property that ticks all the boxes. It has the correct location, the proper layout, and maybe even the dream garden. But beneath the fresh paint and polished floors could be issues that cost tens of thousands to fix.
With Melbourne’s median house price sitting around $983,000 in 2025, even the most minor oversight can carry serious financial consequences. In Victoria’s high-pressure auction environment, where buyers often have just days to act due to short cooling-off periods, the urgency of booking a building and pest inspection cannot be overstated.
Why? Because it is what you cannot see that often causes the most damage. Hidden issues such as structural defects, rising damp, mould, or pest infestations can go undetected during a standard walk-through.
Here’s the reality: 1 in 4 Australian homes is affected by termites, which cause over $1.5 billion in damage annually. And while an inspection typically costs a few hundred dollars, the cost of ignoring it can be far greater — often reaching $5,000 to $30,000 or more in unexpected repairs.
At Inspect East, we specialise in protecting Melbourne buyers from these costly surprises. With over 30 years of experience across residential and investment properties, we are trusted by buyers, sellers, and agents alike. In this guide, we unpack exactly what a building and pest inspector in Melbourne looks for, why a combined inspection makes sense, and how our team delivers peace of mind fast.
Who Needs a Building and Pest Inspector in Melbourne?
It is easy to assume that inspections are only for buyers. But in reality, many property stakeholders can benefit from a professional assessment.
First-home buyers
Buying your first property is exciting, but it also comes with risks. A house inspection in Melbourne ensures you are not stepping into a financial trap with hidden structural or pest issues.
Property investors
Rental properties need to be both compliant and safe. Inspections can uncover potential liabilities or maintenance costs, allowing you to make informed investment decisions.
Renovators and flippers
Older homes, especially those in popular Melbourne suburbs, often hide issues behind walls, under floors, or in subfloor areas. An inspection is essential before undertaking major renovations or buying a fixer-upper.
Sellers
Many vendors choose pre-sale building inspections in Melbourne to avoid surprises later on. Identifying and resolving issues in advance can streamline the selling process and build buyer confidence.
What Is a Combined Building and Pest Inspection?
A combined building and pest inspection is a two-in-one service that assesses both the structural integrity of a property and any current or historical pest activity.
Instead of booking two separate services, a qualified expert in both fields conducts a combined inspection during a single site visit. It provides a clear overview of the property’s overall condition, helping you understand the risks or confirm the value of your purchase.
Benefits of combining inspections
- Saves time by avoiding multiple appointments.
- Reduces overall cost compared to booking separately.
- Helps you make decisions faster in a competitive market.
- Ensures no area is overlooked during assessment
Thinking of buying? A combined building and pest inspection in Melbourne could reveal issues you cannot see yourself.
What Inspectors Look For
Professional building and pest inspections cover all accessible areas of the property. Here is a closer look at what Inspect East’s licensed professionals assess during an inspection.
Foundation and Exterior
This is where structural problems often begin. Our inspectors check for:
- Cracks in bricks, render or mortar.
- Signs of subsidence or foundation movement.
- Water is pooling around the home due to poor drainage.
- Rising damp along the lower wall areas.
- Inadequate weep holes or ventilation points.
Roof and Ceiling
The roof system is essential for protecting the property from water ingress and heat loss. We inspect for:
- Sagging or uneven roof lines.
- Damaged or missing roof tiles.
- Leaks, water stains or mould on ceilings.
- Blocked gutters or downpipes.
- Inadequate roof space ventilation.
Interior
Inside the home, minor signs can point to bigger issues. Our inspections identify:
- Cracks in walls and ceilings.
- Sticking or misaligned doors and windows.
- Mould in bathrooms, laundries and behind furniture.
- Uneven or sloping flooring.
- Poor finishes or evidence of substandard renovations.
Subfloor
Often overlooked, the subfloor can be a hidden hotspot for pest entry and timber decay. We look for:
- Excessive moisture or poor drainage.
- Ventilation problems.
- Timber rot in bearers and joists.
- Pest access points or termite damage.
- Debris or building waste that can attract pests.
Roof Cavity
The attic or roof space is another key inspection point, especially in older Melbourne homes. We assess:
- Nests from rodents or birds.
- Insulation condition and coverage.
- Evidence of leaks from roof penetrations.
- Termite or borer activity in exposed timber.
Pest Signs
Pest inspections are about more than termites. Our process checks for:
- Live termite activity or historic damage.
- Borer holes or tunnels in timber.
- Mud tubes or frass (termite droppings).
- Signs of wood decay fungi.
- Rat droppings, nesting material or chew marks.
Yards, Fencing and External Structures
The outdoor area is not immune to risks. We inspect:
- Timber fences and retaining walls for pest damage.
- Garden beds or trees located too close to the house.
- Detached structures like sheds or pergolas.
- External timber decking and steps.
- Water tanks and drainage areas.
Tools Used in Inspections
Our team uses modern, non-invasive tools to ensure thorough inspections with minimal disruption. Here are some of the technologies we employ:
- Moisture meters to detect damp behind walls and under surfaces.
- Thermal imaging cameras to reveal temperature differences caused by leaks, pests or missing insulation.
- Borescopes for viewing inside walls and confined spaces.
- High-resolution cameras to document findings clearly.
- Drone technology for inspecting rooftops on multi-level or hard-to-access buildings.
These tools allow us to gather detailed data quickly, helping you make timely decisions.
What’s in the Report?
After your inspection, you will receive a comprehensive digital report within 24 hours. Our reports are designed to be easy to read while including all necessary details for informed decision-making.
Each report includes:
- A breakdown of all inspected areas.
- Clear colour photographs showing issues.
- Severity ratings for each finding.
- Pest identification and treatment guidance.
- Maintenance recommendations.
- Compliance with current Australian Standards.
This document can be shared with your solicitor, builder, or real estate agent as part of the buying or selling process.
Why Choose Inspect East?
With more than three decades of experience, we are one of Melbourne’s most trusted names in building and pest inspections. Our team has completed thousands of inspections across the metro area, from heritage homes to modern townhouses.
What sets us apart:
- 30+ years of local experience.
- Fully licensed and insured inspectors.
- Reports that meet all Australian Standards.
- Trusted by real estate agents, solicitors and property buyers.
- Same-day availability for urgent inspections.
Looking for reliable property inspections in Melbourne? Our team delivers fast, expert reporting.
When Should You Book an Inspection?
Timing matters, especially in Melbourne’s high-speed real estate market. Here are the best times to schedule an inspection:
- Before the end of your cooling-off period.
- Before the auction, where cooling-off protections do not apply.
- Before settlement, to ensure the property has not been damaged.
- Before listing your property, as a seller.
- Annually, as part of regular maintenance and pest prevention.
For new builds or newly renovated homes, our new home inspections in Melbourne can identify artistry issues or non-compliance with building codes.
FAQs
How long does the inspection take?
Most inspections take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the property’s size and condition.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes. Many clients attend and use the opportunity to ask questions. We will walk you through any major concerns on-site.
What happens if significant issues are found?
If we uncover serious problems, the report can be used to negotiate the sale price or request repairs before settlement.
What suburbs do you service?
Our inspectors cover all of metropolitan Melbourne and the surrounding areas. You can view our full coverage on the About page or Contact Us to confirm.
Booking Your Inspection
Booking with Inspect East is simple. You can call, email or use our online form to arrange a time that suits you. We offer same-day or next-day service for urgent jobs, and our team is always happy to answer questions before or after the inspection.
Please do not risk it. Contact our team to book your licensed inspection today.