Specialist inspections
Other inspection services
Need something inspected that isn't listed? Tell us what you need inspected and why, and we'll let you know whether we can help. If we can, we'll confirm the scope and provide a quote.
Illustration. Not an actual property or real inspection work.
- Owners with a question about one part of a property that doesn't fit a standard inspection.
- Buyers, sellers and owners who aren't sure which of our services fits their situation.
- Rental providers and property managers who need something looked at outside a routine inspection.
- Anyone who has been asked for an inspection or report and isn't sure what kind it is.
- A conversation about what you need inspected, why, and what you'll use the result for.
- A check of whether one of our listed services already fits, such as a pre-purchase inspection, a structural inspection or a property condition report.
- Where we can help, a scope agreed with you before anything is booked.
- An independent, visual inspection of the items or areas in the agreed scope.
- Where your request needs someone else, the type of professional to speak with.
- A clear answer on whether we can help with what you need.
- If we can, a confirmed scope and a quote before anything is booked.
- After the inspection, a written record of what was observed at the time, with supporting photos, in the form agreed in the scope.
- If we can't, where possible, a suggestion of the type of professional who may be able to help.
- A plain-language explanation from VicWide, with the chance to ask questions.
Describe what you need inspected, where the property is and what prompted the request.
Tell us what you'll use the result for, such as a purchase, a repair, a sale or a request from someone else.
If someone has asked you for an inspection or report, share their request or the exact wording they used.
Share photos, plans, earlier reports or anything else that helps explain the situation.
Let us know about access and any safety concerns at the property.
Can’t see your question? Send an enquiry and we’ll come back to you.
More detail
More about other inspection services
How it works
Tell us what you need inspected, where the property is and what prompted the request. Photos, and any written request you've received, help. 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 one of our listed services already fits, we'll point you to it.
Check our listed services first
Your request may fit a service we already describe. For a look at a home's condition before you buy, see Pre-purchase inspections. For cracking or movement, see Structural inspections. For materials that may contain asbestos, or for visible mould and damp, see Asbestos inspection & testing and Mould inspections. For a dated record of condition, see Property condition reports or Dilapidation reports.
If you're still not sure, send an enquiry and choose “Not sure yet”. Describe the property and your situation, and we'll help you work out the next step.
Independent and statutory inspections
Some inspections are part of a formal process. The mandatory inspections for a building permit, for example, are carried out by or on behalf of the relevant building surveyor, and some certificates can only be issued by people authorised to issue them. An independent inspection you commission for your own information is a different thing, and it doesn't replace any of those.
If someone has asked you for an inspection, the wording of the request matters. Share it with us, and we'll let you know whether it's something we can help with, or who you may need instead.
What this service is not
It isn't a promise that we can take on every request, a statutory inspection, a certificate of compliance or legal advice. An inspection under this service is visual and non-invasive, and it can't see behind walls, under floor coverings or into areas that are closed off or unsafe to reach.
Learn with VicWide
Showing 2 topics
Inspections
Which inspection do I actually need?
Pre-purchase, strata, new-build and specialist inspections each suit a different need: buying a house or an apartment, building, or looking into a concern such as cracking, damp or older materials. This topic explains what each type looks at, when people usually arrange it, and how to describe your situation so we can suggest the right scope.
Key points 7
- Buying a house: a pre-purchase inspection looks at its visible condition and for signs of timber pest activity. For a home you already own, choose building and pest.
- Buying an apartment, unit or townhouse: a strata report covers the lot and the common property you can access, with help reading the owners corporation papers.
- Building: independent stage and handover inspections are checks you choose, separate from the mandatory inspections for the building permit.
- A specific concern: structural, mould and asbestos inspections look at visible cracking or movement, visible mould and signs of moisture, or materials that may contain asbestos.
- Pools and land: pool barrier inspections focus on the barrier, gates and fences. Land inspections look at the block, its site features and its surrounds.
- Before nearby works: a dilapidation report is a dated, photo-supported record of visible condition.
- If you're unsure, describe the property and the decision you're facing, and we'll help you choose.
Related service: Pre-purchase inspections
Inspections
What should I do before the inspection?
Good access makes for a more complete inspection. This topic covers arranging keys and permission, clearing the way to key areas, and gathering documents that help explain the property.
Key points 5
- Confirm access with the owner, agent or renter, and arrange keys ahead of the day.
- Make sure the roof space access, subfloor access, meter box and outbuildings can be reached.
- Secure pets and mention anything that could affect safe access.
- Have plans, permits, certificates or previous reports ready to share.
- Areas that can't be reached safely are recorded as limitations in the report.
Related service: Building & pest inspections
Ready when you are
Enquire about other inspection services
Tell us what you need. We’ll let you know whether we can help, then confirm the scope and a quote.