Worried about an upcoming building inspection and wondering how to “pass”? In most cases, building inspections aren’t a pass/fail test. Instead, a licensed inspector identifies defects, safety hazards, and maintenance issues that could affect the property’s condition, value, or buyer confidence.
The best way to “pass” a building inspection is to reduce avoidable issues: make the property accessible, fix simple defects, address safety risks, and have documentation ready. This guide explains what a building inspection covers, why it matters to buyers, and how to prepare your property so the inspection runs smoothly and the report reflects the home at its best.
Key Takeaways
- Building inspections usually aren’t pass/fail — they document defects, risks and maintenance issues.
- The best way to “pass” is to reduce avoidable red flags: access, safety, moisture and basic repairs.
- Make key areas accessible (roof space, subfloor, garage) so inspectors can do a complete assessment.
- Fix simple visible defects and address leaks/drainage issues before inspection day.
- Have documentation ready (warranties, receipts, approvals) to give buyers confidence.
- A pre-sale inspection can help you prioritise repairs and avoid renegotiations later.
What does it mean to pass a building inspection?
When people say “pass a building inspection,” they usually mean one of three things:
- the inspector finds no major safety or structural issues
- the report contains fewer defects that buyers can negotiate on
- the inspection is smooth, fast, and doesn’t raise red flags due to access problems or poor presentation.
You can’t control everything in an older home, but you can control how accessible, safe, and well-maintained it appears — and that can directly influence the tone of the report and how buyers interpret it.
What a building inspection will cover
A standard building inspection is simply an exploration of a property’s conditions, sometimes requested before a property purchase. A standard building inspection is a visual assessment of a property’s condition and readily accessible areas. It focuses on identifying defects, damage and safety hazards that may affect the integrity of the building or require repair, and may highlight items that need further investigation by a specialist.
A licensed and certified building inspector will be responsible for conducting a property inspection. A detailed written account, also known as a building report, will be created by the inspector according to the result of his rounds.
Inclusive in the report is the summary of the methods undertaken in examining the building. Specifically, it contains an individual report on collective minor defects, visible major damages and safety hazards. Wherever a major fault or hazard is pinpointed, the building inspector will indicate its location and detail the reason why it is considered a major problem.
The inspector will also provide advice on what repairs to prioritise and how to properly remediate the problems. He may even suggest another specialist for a more substantial analysis, depending on the seriousness of the defect and how much it may cost to repair. This is to help shed more light on the severity of the damage.
Also read: Questions to Ask Yourself Upon Receiving a Building Report
A building inspection covers all reachable sections of the asset and excludes areas that are obscured or blocked. A building inspection typically includes readily accessible areas such as:
- Interior (walls, ceilings, floors, wet areas like bathrooms/laundry/toilet)
- Exterior (walls, cladding, visible foundations where accessible)
- Roof exterior and roof space (where safe and accessible)
- Under-floor/subfloor space (if present and accessible)
- Garage, carport, shed and outbuildings
- Pathways, driveways, steps, fencing and retaining walls (non-structural)
- Drainage observations (visible stormwater run-off and water drainage issues)
- Visible safety items such as smoke alarms and electrical safety switches (where applicable)
Why is it important to property buyers
A pre-purchase property inspection is important to potential buyers because it assures that defects and non-obvious issues are properly reported. This can help prevent future significant problems and possible extra costs for damage repairs.
The building inspection is also beneficial to you as the seller. The report serves useful in applying immediate repairs or remedies before the selling date arrives. This way, you can show that the property is safe and sound which guarantees its attractiveness to a potential buyer and may increase your profit.
Therefore, having an inspection will assist both the seller and the buyer in arriving at a fact-based decision whether to renegotiate in terms of immediate repair costs, market value adjustments, or contract termination in case of severe faults.
Also read: When To Walk Away From A Property
How to prepare your property before an inspection
Whenever a building inspector shows up at a property, many sellers are fearful of what might be the end result of the inspection. Though a site inspection can be daunting for the seller, there’s no need to feel stressed or overthink possible negative feedback.
Instead, methodically prepare your property for the inspection and make it appealing to the scrutinising eyes of the inspector. To help you dramatically spruce up your property before an in-depth inspection, here are some simple tips you can either do on your own or let a professional do it for you before the inspection.
1. Check on the small details
- Repair or replace old or defective screens.
- Check for broken glass panes and replace if needed.
- Refurbish wallpapers.
- Clean, repair, or replace faulty gutters.
- Check hinges, latches, windows, and doors if operational, and properly tightened or sealed.
- Test light bulbs and repair or replace faulty wires.
- Make sure that the attic, crawlspaces, basement, and the garage are readily accessible.
- Clear away wood debris in and around the house that might attract pests.
- Seal cracks or possible external wall entry.
- Ensure clean and operational vents.
- Clean roof coverings
- Keep your dogs tied up or caged securely.
2. Run a “beauty enhancement procedure”
- Maintain the tidiness of the house.
- Wash up house exterior walls and windows.
- Free up curtains and shades for a more conducive atmosphere.
- Ensure an inviting and comfortable kitchen.
- Uproot bushes and trim tree stumps around the house.
- Tidy up your garden from dried leaves and other debris.
- Cut down tall grass.
- Pave holes on the driveway and pressure clean if needed.
- Re-paint or varnish wood furniture and exteriors.
- Make sure fencing is in good shape.
- Lessen if not eliminate the presence of moisture to avoid mildew.
- Ensure bricks are on point.
3. Guarantee safety procedures
- Test the efficiency of smoke detectors.
- Ensure safe electrical installations.
- Comply with the pool fencing standards.
- Ensure adequate outdoor lighting.
- Store flammable materials properly.
- Repair pipe leaks and reroute waterways away from the property.
- Have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems professionally serviced.
- Fix plumbing faults on your bathroom, shower, sink, and toilet.
- Ensure that septic tanks and water tanks are operational and working efficiently.
4. Lay Down all Important Documents
In preparation for your potential buyer’s questions, in case they come along with the inspector, a complete portfolio of receipts, warranties, titles, and certificates at hand are useful. The portfolio must include:
- Title of property and other property-related certificates.
- Previous records of contractual repairs, renovations, or remodeling.
- Certification of ownership and its duration.
- Appliance warranties and service logs.
- Proof of billing and expenses record in the past few months
Never skip an inspection
If you’re planning to sell a property, make sure to get that building inspection
done. Follow this guide on how to pass your building inspection and you’ll have peace of mind during the whole process.
For property inspections in QLD, NSW, or WA, Inspect My Home can provide you with a professional pre-sale building inspection service to help you assess the quality of your property.
We have a team of licensed and experienced inspectors that can give you a detailed building report, whether you’re selling a residential or commercial property. Call us on 1300 337 447 or book online to schedule a building inspection for your property today.
Find out how much it will cost to inspect your property
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fail a building inspection?
In most cases, no. A building inspection isn’t a pass/fail test. It’s a report that identifies defects, safety hazards and maintenance issues so buyers can make an informed decision.
What do inspectors focus on most?
Inspectors pay close attention to structural integrity, visible defects, moisture issues, roof and subfloor areas (if accessible), and safety hazards such as trip risks or smoke alarm issues.
What should I fix before a building inspection?
Prioritise leaks and drainage issues, broken glass, loose handrails, damaged gutters, obvious trip hazards, and access problems (blocked roof/subfloor entry points).
Should I get a pre-sale building inspection?
Yes. A pre-sale inspection helps you identify and fix issues before buyers do, which can reduce renegotiation pressure and improve buyer confidence.
