What is a Pre-Purchase Structural Inspection?

The purpose of a pre-purchase structural inspection is to provide advice to a potential buyer or other interested party on the structural condition of a building or property. We identify the following:

• any major structural defect or

• condition conducive to structural damage or 

• safety hazard.

​​

The inspection aligns itself with Appendix A of the Australian Standards AS-4349.1. 

 

The defects identified at the time of inspection will be classified by the following:

• Structural defects creating an urgent and serious safety hazard being a structural building element or situation that represents a current or immediate potential threat of injury or disease to persons.

• Major defects relating to the structure of the property, being a structural defect which in the opinion of the inspector is of sufficient magnitude that rectification has to be carried out in order to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of utility or further deterioration of the property.

• Conditions conducive to structural damage or deterioration being conditions which, if left unmanaged, are likely to result in the development of major structural damage.

 

We will inspect and report on:

•  The interior and exterior of the building

•  The structural roof construction

•  The sub-floor space

•  Floors

•  Patios and pergolas 

•  Retaining walls

•  The property within 30 meters of the building subject to inspection

•  The general condition of the building

​

Definition of Structural Defect: 

As per the Australian Standards Pre-Purchase Structural Inspection AS-4349.1 

STRUCTURAL DEFECT means a fault or deviation from the intended structural performance of a building element and is a major defect to the building structure of sufficient magnitude where rectification has to be carried out in order to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of utility, or further deterioration of the building structure.

 

Structural defects do not include any non-structural element, e.g. roof plumbing and roof cover incl. timber battens, general gas, water and sanitary plumbing, electrical wiring, partition walls, cabinetry, windows, doors, trims, fencing, minor structures, non-structural damp issues, ceiling linings, floor coverings, decorative finishes such as plastering, painting, tiling or general maintenance.

​

Pre Purchase Structural Inspection Perth