Building Inspections

Professional Building Inspection Services Across Australia

City Wide Building Consultants provides comprehensive building inspection services backed by over 15 years of tribunal-accepted expertise.

Our inspections deliver detailed, evidence-based assessments that stand up to scrutiny in legal proceedings and provide clarity for property decisions.

Defect Inspections

Comprehensive defect identification and documentation for residential, commercial, and strata properties.

Our defect inspections provide thorough analysis of building issues across all construction types. We identify structural defects, waterproofing failures, compliance breaches, and workmanship issues with detailed photographic evidence and technical assessment.

What We Inspect:

  • Structural integrity and foundation issues
  • Waterproofing and membrane failures
  • External and internal finishes
  • Building Code of Australia (BCA/NCC) compliance
  • Australian Standards compliance (AS2870, AS3700, AS3740, AS/NZS 3500)
  • Brick growth and expansion joint adequacy
  • Moisture ingress and water penetration
  • Building systems (plumbing, drainage, electrical compliance)
  • Workmanship quality and construction standards

Our Methodology:

  • Comprehensive visual inspection (internal and external)
  • Detailed photographic documentation
  • Moisture meter testing for water ingress detection
  • Review of architectural and engineering drawings
  • Compliance assessment against relevant codes and standards
  • Detailed written report with findings and opinions

Deliverables:

  • Professional inspection report with expert opinions
  • Photographic appendix with numbered references
  • Identification of defects with technical explanations
  • Reference to applicable building codes and standards
  • Cost estimates for rectification (when required)
  • NCAT Expert Witness Code of Conduct compliance

Progress Inspections

Independent monitoring of construction quality throughout the building process.

Progress inspections provide owners, developers, and lenders with independent verification that works are proceeding in accordance with plans, specifications, and Australian Standards.

When Progress Inspections Are Critical:

  • Prior to progress payment milestones
  • Lock-up stage verification
  • Frame inspection certification
  • Pre-installation inspections (kitchen joinery, bathrooms, waterproofing)
  • Quality control for owner’s representatives
  • Bank and lending institution requirements

What We Verify:

  • Works completed to date match contract specifications
  • Construction methodology meets Australian Standards
  • Structural elements are properly installed
  • Waterproofing is correctly applied before tiling
  • Services (plumbing, electrical) are correctly positioned
  • Building Code compliance at each stage
  • No defects or non-conforming work

Our Reports Include:

  • Stage of works assessment
  • Compliance verification
  • Photographic documentation
  • Identification of any issues requiring attention
  • Recommendations for next stages
  • Payment certification support (when engaged as owner’s representative)

Handover & Practical Completion Inspections

Expert verification that building works meet contractual requirements and are ready for occupation.

Practical completion inspections determine whether works have reached the stage defined in building contracts as “fit for intended use” with only minor omissions that don’t prevent reasonable use.

Our Assessment Covers:

  • Contract works completion verification
  • Building Code of Australia compliance
  • Australian Standards compliance
  • Minor omissions and defects identification
  • Services commissioning and operation
  • Completeness of finishes
  • Outstanding works list preparation
  • Handover documentation review

Critical for:

  • Owner acceptance decisions
  • Final payment determinations
  • Commencement of defects liability periods
  • Occupation certificate prerequisites
  • Lease commencement verification
  • Dispute prevention

Practical Completion Criteria

We assess whether:

  • Works are complete except for minor omissions and defects
  • The building is reasonably fit for its intended use
  • All required certifications are provided
  • Services are operational and compliant
  • Finishes are acceptable to contract standards

Dilapidation Reports

Pre-construction condition assessments to protect property owners from construction-related damage.

Dilapidation reports document the existing condition of buildings and structures before nearby construction, excavation, or demolition works commence.

Essential For:

  • Neighbouring properties to development sites
  • Properties adjacent to excavation works
  • Buildings near demolition activities
  • Strata schemes affected by nearby construction
  • Heritage buildings requiring protection
  • Properties where vibration or settlement may occur

Our Dilapidation Process:

  • Comprehensive pre-construction survey
  • Detailed photographic documentation
  • Identification of existing defects and issues
  • Structural condition assessment
  • Crack mapping and measurement
  • Services condition documentation
  • Video documentation (when appropriate)
  • Baseline condition establishment

Report Features:

  • Detailed property description
  • Room-by-room condition assessment
  • Comprehensive photographic appendix
  • Existing defect identification with measurements
  • Structural observations
  • Recommended monitoring requirements
  • Professional indemnity insurance backing

Why Choose City Wide for Building Inspections?

  • Licensed Expertise

    Mario Bournelis holds both licensed builder and licensed building supervisor qualifications, providing technical understanding that goes beyond basic inspection services. Our inspections are informed by actual building experience and deep knowledge of construction methodology.

  • Court-Accepted Standards

    Our inspection reports are prepared in accordance with NCAT Procedural Direction 3 “Expert Witnesses” and meet the evidentiary standards required for tribunal and court proceedings. Every report demonstrates independence, objectivity, and technical rigour.

  • Proven Track Record

    With extensive experience providing reports for NCAT, District Court, and Appeal Panel proceedings spanning over 15 years, our inspection methodology and reporting standards have been tested and accepted by tribunals, courts, and legal professionals across Australia.

  • Comprehensive Methodology

    We don’t just identify visible defects. Our inspections include:

    • Moisture meter testing to detect hidden water ingress
    • Review of architectural and engineering documentation
    • Assessment against multiple Australian Standards
    • Analysis of compliance with Building Code of Australia
    • Consideration of construction sequencing and methodology
  • Evidence-Based Reporting

    All findings are supported by:

    • Detailed photographic evidence with numbered references
    • Technical explanations of defects and non-compliance
    • Citations to relevant codes, standards, and regulations
    • Professional opinions based on building science
    • Clear distinction between observations and expert opinions

Technical Capabilities

Moisture Testing & Diagnostics

  • We utilise professional-grade moisture meters to detect:
  • Hidden water ingress in walls, floors, and ceilings
  • Waterproofing membrane failures
  • Rising damp and moisture penetration
  • Plumbing leaks affecting building fabric

Compliance Assessment Expertise

  • Building Code of Australia (BCA/NCC) – All performance requirements and deemed-to-satisfy provisions
  • AS2870 – Residential Slabs and Footings
  • AS3700 – Masonry Structures (weepholes, expansion joints, structural adequacy)
  • AS3740 – Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas
  • AS/NZS 2589 – Gypsum Linings
  • AS/NZS 3500 – Plumbing and Drainage (installation depths, gradients, materials)
  • AS1684 – Residential Timber-Framed Construction

Construction Knowledge Areas

  • Our building inspection expertise covers:
  • Structural analysis and foundation systems
  • Waterproofing membrane application and failures
  • Brick veneer construction and brick growth issues
  • Drainage and stormwater management
  • Concrete works and finishing
  • Timber framing and floor systems
  • Roof construction and weatherproofing
  • Service installations (plumbing, drainage, electrical compliance)

Our Inspection Process

1. Initial Consultation

We discuss your inspection needs, property type, specific concerns, and timeline requirements.

For legal matters, we coordinate with solicitors to ensure our scope addresses all relevant issues.

2. Site Inspection

Our licensed building consultant conducts a thorough on-site inspection with:

  • Comprehensive internal and external examination
  • Moisture testing where water ingress is suspected
  • Photographic documentation of all relevant areas
  • Measurements and technical observations
  • Review of any available documentation on-site

3. Documentation Review

We analyse:

  • Architectural and engineering drawings
  • Contract documents and specifications
  • Previous inspection reports (if available)
  • Certification and compliance documentation
  • Relevant Australian Standards and building codes

4. Report Preparation

We prepare a detailed written report including:

  • Executive summary of key findings
  • Detailed observations by area or element
  • Technical analysis and expert opinions
  • Photographic appendix with cross-references
  • Compliance assessment
  • Recommendations (when appropriate)
  • Cost estimates for rectification (when engaged for defect inspections)

5. Report Delivery & Follow Up

  • Reports are delivered within agreed timeframes, with availability for:
  • Report explanation and clarification
  • Follow-up inspections to verify rectification
  • Expert conclave participation
  • Court or tribunal attendance
  • Additional investigation as required

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical residential inspections take 2–4 hours on-site depending on property size and complexity. Larger commercial or strata properties may require full-day or multiple-day inspections.

Standard inspection reports are delivered within 5–7 business days. Urgent reports for tribunal deadlines can be expedited – please discuss timeframes when booking.

Yes, when engaged for defect inspections, we provide cost estimates for rectification based on Rawlinson’s Construction Cost Guide and current market rates, including preliminaries and GST.

Absolutely. Our reports are prepared to court and tribunal standards, and we regularly provide concurrent evidence, participate in expert conclaves, and attend hearings across all Australian jurisdictions.

All inspections are conducted by Mario Bournelis, who holds:

  • Licensed Builder qualifications
  • Licensed Building Supervisor credentials
  • 15+ years expert witness experience
  • Extensive tribunal and court acceptance
  • Professional indemnity insurance

Yes, we provide progress inspections at any construction stage, including critical stages like waterproofing, framing, lock-up, and pre-completion.

We identify all defects with technical explanations, reference to applicable standards, and recommendations for rectification. For disputes, our reports support your position in negotiations or legal proceedings.

Inspection Pricing

Inspection fees vary based on:

  • Property size and complexity
  • Location and travel requirements
  • Scope of inspection required
  • Report detail and urgency
  • Whether expert witness services are required

Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific inspection needs.

Book Your Building Inspection

  • Citywide Building Consultants

    10 Plymouth Street, Enfield  NSW 2136

  • Telephone

    0412 675 270

  • Email

    info@citywidebuilding.com.au

  • Urgent Inspection Requests

    For matters with tribunal or court deadlines, contact us immediately. We prioritise urgent instructions where expedited reporting is required.

National Service Delivery

While based in Sydney, City Wide Building Consultants provides building inspection services across all major Australian cities:

  • Sydney – All metropolitan and regional NSW
  • Melbourne – Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria
  • Brisbane – South-East Queensland
  • Canberra – ACT and surrounding regions
  • Adelaide – Greater Adelaide
  • Perth – Western Australia metropolitan areas
  • Hobart – Tasmania

For urgent inspection requirements where tribunal or court deadlines apply, we prioritise scheduling to meet your timeframes.