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Owner-Builder Inspections in Victoria — Independent Oversight on Your Own Build
What does this actually cost? An owner-builder pays for inspections privately because there’s no builder behind them carrying that risk. Expect quotes anywhere from $360
Pre-Listing Inspection ROI — Does the Cost Justify the Sale Price Lift?
What does this actually cost? A pre-listing inspection isn’t a buyer-cost — it’s a seller’s tool for protecting the sale price. Expect quotes anywhere from
Waterproofing & Fixing Stage Inspection — What’s Checked at Stage 4
Quick answer: The fixing / waterproofing stage inspection happens after plasterboard is up and waterproofing is applied to wet areas — but before tiling and
Property Inspection vs Building Inspection — What’s the Difference?
What does this actually cost? A ‘property inspection’ and a ‘building inspection’ look the same on a price list — they aren’t the same product.
New Home Defects Builders Try to Dismiss — And How to Push Back
Quick answer: Builders routinely dismiss new-home defects as “industry tolerance,” “settling,” or “not covered under warranty.” Many of these dismissals don’t hold up against the
Buying in Hoppers Crossing? The Local Defect Checklist for Western Suburbs Homes
What does this actually cost? Hoppers Crossing buyers see inspection quotes from a wide spread — most of the gap is what’s included, not what’s
Lock-Up / Pre-Plaster Inspection — Your Last Look Before the Walls Close
Quick answer: The lock-up (also called pre-plaster) inspection happens once the home is sealed against weather — windows, doors, roof on — but before plasterboard
How Long Does a Building and Pest Inspection Take?
Quick answer: A combined building and pest inspection typically takes 2 to 3 hours on site for a standard 3-4 bedroom home, plus a few
Pre-Slab Inspection — What’s Checked Before the Concrete Pour
Quick answer: A pre-slab inspection happens after the formwork, reinforcement and vapour barrier are in place — but before the concrete is poured. It’s the
Combined Building and Pest Inspection vs Separate — Which Should You Book?
What does this actually cost? Combined building-and-pest is almost always the right call — and not because it’s cheaper. Expect quotes anywhere from $360 to
Frame Stage Inspection — What Your Independent Inspector Checks Before Plaster
Quick answer: A frame stage inspection happens after the timber wall and roof framing is up and the bracing is on, but before plasterboard goes
Reactive Clay Soils in Melbourne’s West — Why Houses Crack and What to Look For
Quick answer: Most of Melbourne’s western suburbs sit on highly reactive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry. This movement causes wall
PCI Checklist — What to Inspect Before Signing Handover on Your New Home
About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting
Why Your Builder’s Inspection Is Not Enough (and What an Independent Inspector Finds)
About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting
The 5 Stages of a New Home Build (and What to Inspect at Each)
About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting
Pool Safety Inspections in Victoria — The CIS Form 23 Explained
About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting
Methamphetamine Testing for Australian Homes — What Landlords and Buyers Should Know
About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting
Dilapidation Reports — When Do You Need One and What’s Included?
About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting
