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Start with what you're trying to decide or fix. You can browse the services, ask the assistant, or send an enquiry and choose “Not sure yet”. Describe the property and your situation, and we'll help you work out the right next step.

The approach is the same: a visual inspection of a home's accessible areas, including a look for visible signs of timber pest activity. A pre-purchase inspection is set up around a purchase, so your key dates, such as an auction day or a contract deadline, and your questions about the home are the starting point.

A building and pest inspection looks at the visible condition of an existing home, including signs of timber pest activity. A new-building inspection is an independent inspection at a stage of construction while a home is being built. For a check of the finished home before you take possession, there is also our new construction and handover inspection.

No. Mandatory inspections for a building permit are carried out by, or on behalf of, the relevant building surveyor. Our new-building inspections are independent inspections you choose to commission. They don't replace the mandatory inspections, and your builder remains responsible for the work.

No. The final inspection for the building permit is carried out by, or on behalf of, the relevant building surveyor. A handover inspection is a separate, independent check of your new home that you commission before you take possession, so you can raise unfinished or defective items with your builder. It isn't a sign-off or an occupancy permit.

The lot you are looking at, any car space or storage area that comes with it, and the common property you can access on the day, such as entries, corridors, car parks and gardens. We also help you read the owners corporation papers for building-related points. It isn't legal or financial advice, and we don't assess levies or finances.

They are closely related. A rental inspection is set up for rental providers and property managers, including routine checks during a tenancy. A property condition report is a dated, room-by-room record of a property's condition at one point in time, which rental providers, renters and owners can all use.

You may. Owner-builders who sell a home they built can have extra obligations, which may include an inspection report. Check the current requirements with the Victorian building regulator and ask your conveyancer or lawyer how they apply. Then tell us about the property and your sale timing, and we'll confirm whether we can help before anything is booked.

A dilapidation report records your property's visible condition, with dated photos, before nearby works begin, so you have a clear record of how it looked beforehand. It is most useful before any demolition or excavation starts. It doesn't prove what caused a later change or decide who is responsible.

A structural inspection looks at cracking, movement, sagging and other visible signs of structural concern, and sets out clear next steps. It is a visual inspection, not a structural engineering assessment. Where the signs call for it, we'll say plainly that a structural engineer should assess the concern.

An inspection identifies materials that may contain asbestos. Only laboratory testing of a sample can confirm what a material contains, and we can arrange sampling and testing where it's needed. We don't remove asbestos.

A mould inspection looks for visible mould and for signs of where moisture may be coming from, such as condensation, a slow leak or poor ventilation. You receive likely causes and practical next steps, so you can deal with the source and not just the surface.

Our expert witness inspections provide an independent inspection and a written report of what was observed, for building disputes. Tell us about the matter first: the property, what is in dispute, who is involved and what the report is for. We'll confirm whether we can help before anything is booked, and if we can, confirm the scope and provide a quote.

Tell us what you need inspected, where the property is and why you need it. We'll let you know whether we can help. If we can, we'll confirm the scope and provide a quote before anything is booked. If we can't, we'll say so and, where we can, suggest the type of professional to speak with.

Share the request, or the exact wording used, when you enquire. Some requests are for a statutory inspection or certificate, which an independent inspection doesn't replace. We'll let you know whether we can help, or who can carry it out or issue it.

Pool and fence/barrier inspections cover pool and spa barriers, gates and fences. In Victoria, pools and spas are subject to registration with your council and periodic barrier certification. We can help you understand what applies. Where a statutory inspection or certificate is required, we'll let you know whether we can help, or who can carry it out or issue it.

VicWide is based in Bannockburn, Victoria, and serves Melbourne and surrounds. Use the area checker with your suburb or postcode. If we can't confirm your area straight away, send an enquiry and we'll confirm whether we can help.

Arrange access and keys, make sure areas such as the roof space access, subfloor, meter box and outbuildings can be reached, and secure pets. Have any plans, permits, certificates or previous reports ready, and tell us the main question you want answered. Each service page also lists how to prepare for that service.

Let us know when you enquire whether you'd like to attend. What matters most is that access is arranged. We'll confirm the arrangements when we confirm your booking.

Anything that helps explain the property: plans, permits, certificates, warranties, previous inspection reports and details of recent building work. For new builds, your contract's stage definitions and builder's program help too. For a strata report, the owners corporation papers you have are useful.

Areas that are locked, blocked or unsafe to reach can't be inspected, and they are recorded as limitations in the report. Clearing access before the day helps make the inspection more complete.

No. Submitting the form sends a booking request. There is no live availability on the website, so we'll contact you to confirm the scope and an appointment time. Your booking is confirmed only when we confirm it with you.

It depends on the service, the property and the scope. Quotes come from VicWide. Send an enquiry or request a quote with the details of your property, and we'll come back to you with a quote once we understand what's needed.

Timing depends on the service, the scope and access to the property. We'll confirm timing when we confirm the scope with you. If you have a deadline, such as an auction day or a handover date, include it in your enquiry.

Once the home is finished enough to inspect, and before you take possession. Your building contract usually sets out how completion, the final payment and handover work, so check it first or ask a lawyer. Tell us your expected handover date when you enquire, and let us know if it moves.

Yes. Choosing Continue on WhatsApp opens a pre-filled message that you review and send yourself. Nothing is sent automatically. If you have already sent the enquiry form, we have that enquiry whether or not you send the WhatsApp message. If you go straight to WhatsApp without sending the form, we only receive what you send there.

Usually a written report describing what was observed at the time of the inspection, with photos supporting key observations and a clear list of areas that couldn't be inspected. The exact contents depend on the service and the agreed scope.

No. A report and a certificate of compliance are different documents. A report describes observations at the time of inspection and the requirements that may apply. If you need a certificate, tell us when you enquire and we'll let you know whether we can help, or who can issue it.

No inspection can. Inspections are visual and non-invasive and cover accessible areas at the time of the inspection. Concealed, obstructed or unsafe areas are noted as limitations. A report is not a warranty or an insurance policy.

No. The report describes the home's visible condition at the time of the inspection. It isn't a valuation, and we don't advise on whether to buy or what to pay. Your conveyancer or lawyer can advise on contract conditions and timing.

No. It is a visual inspection that describes what can be seen and suggests next steps. A structural engineer assesses structural adequacy, investigates causes in more depth and can design repairs. If the signs point that way, we'll recommend one.

No. Asbestos can be hidden inside walls, under floor coverings or in areas that can't be reached safely. The report describes the areas and materials inspected, and any test results, but it can't confirm that a property is free of asbestos.

No. A mould inspection looks at the building: where mould is visible, where moisture is showing and what may be causing it. It isn't a health or medical assessment. If you're worried about your health, speak with a doctor.

No. It records what was visible on the day, with dated photos, and can help everyone start from the same record. It doesn't decide bond claims or disputes, and it isn't a statement that a property meets any legal standard. For a dispute, check the official Victorian renting guidance or seek legal advice.

We can't promise any outcome, and we can't give legal advice. The report records what was observed, whoever commissions it, and isn't written to argue for one side. How it is used, and how much weight it is given, are matters for you, your lawyer and whoever decides the dispute.

Yes. If something in your report isn't clear, ask us and we'll explain it in plain language.

We can help you understand which permits may apply to your project and what the relevant authority is likely to ask for. Whether a permit is required is confirmed by your council, the relevant building surveyor or the relevant authority.

No one can promise an approval or a timeframe. Decisions sit with your council, the relevant building surveyor or the relevant authority. We can help you understand the requirements and prepare clear, organised information.

Plans, permits, inspection and compliance certificates, warranties, manuals and invoices for significant work are all worth keeping together. They are often needed when you sell, rent out or renovate.

Whatever you have. Useful ones include the owners corporation certificate, recent meeting minutes, the rules and any maintenance plan. If you are buying, your conveyancer or the selling agent may be able to provide them.

We can guide you on the licensing and registration pathways that may be relevant and help you organise your application material and evidence. The relevant licensing or registration authority makes every decision, so no outcome can be promised.

Choose a program on the Training page and register your interest. We'll be in touch with format, timing and cost details once they're confirmed for that program.

No. Registering interest tells us you'd like to take part. It doesn't reserve a place, and it's a separate enquiry from booking an inspection.

Programs are designed for home buyers, owners, investors, property managers and people entering building-related work. Each program lists its intended audience and the formats on offer.