Pre-purchase Building Inspection
Inspection Agreement
Requirement for Inspection agreement
AS 4349.1 - 2007 requires that an inspection agreement be entered into between the inspector & the client prior to the conduct of the inspection. This agreement sets out specific limitations on the scope of the building inspection and on limits that apply in carrying out the pre purchase building inspection. Where specific State or Territory requirements apply in addition to the scope of work in this agreement, or where the inspector and client agree to additional matters being covered, that additional scope is listed at the end of this agreement. It is assumed that the existing use of the building will continue.
AS 4349.1 - 2007 requires that the basis for comparison is a building of similar age and similar type to the subject building and which is in reasonable condition, having been adequately maintained over the life of the building. This means that building being inspected may not comply with Australian Standards, building regulations or specific state or territory requirements applicable at the time of the inspection.
Purpose of Inspection
The purpose of the building inspection is to provide advice regarding the condition of the property at the time of the inspection.
Access limitations
Areas where reasonable entry is denied to the inspector or where reasonable access is not available are excluded from and do not form part of the inspection. Access limitations may include legal right of entry, locked doors, security system, pets, furniture or other obstructions. Physical access limitations may include height, narrow boundary clearance, thick vegetation, small roof or crawl space and adverse weather conditions. The report shall identify any area or item within the scope of the building inspection that was not inspected and the factor that prevented inspection.
The extent of accessible areas shall be determined by the inspector at the time of inspection based on the conditions encountered at that time. The inspection shall include only accessible areas and areas that are within the inspector's line of sight and close enough to enable reasonable appraisal. Reasonable access includes a prerequisite that the minimum clearances specified in the table below are safely available.
DIMENSIONS FOR REASONABLE ACCESS
NOTES:
Conditions
An inspection report may be conditional on
Requirement for Inspection agreement
AS 4349.1 - 2007 requires that an inspection agreement be entered into between the inspector & the client prior to the conduct of the inspection. This agreement sets out specific limitations on the scope of the building inspection and on limits that apply in carrying out the pre purchase building inspection. Where specific State or Territory requirements apply in addition to the scope of work in this agreement, or where the inspector and client agree to additional matters being covered, that additional scope is listed at the end of this agreement. It is assumed that the existing use of the building will continue.
AS 4349.1 - 2007 requires that the basis for comparison is a building of similar age and similar type to the subject building and which is in reasonable condition, having been adequately maintained over the life of the building. This means that building being inspected may not comply with Australian Standards, building regulations or specific state or territory requirements applicable at the time of the inspection.
Purpose of Inspection
The purpose of the building inspection is to provide advice regarding the condition of the property at the time of the inspection.
Access limitations
Areas where reasonable entry is denied to the inspector or where reasonable access is not available are excluded from and do not form part of the inspection. Access limitations may include legal right of entry, locked doors, security system, pets, furniture or other obstructions. Physical access limitations may include height, narrow boundary clearance, thick vegetation, small roof or crawl space and adverse weather conditions. The report shall identify any area or item within the scope of the building inspection that was not inspected and the factor that prevented inspection.
The extent of accessible areas shall be determined by the inspector at the time of inspection based on the conditions encountered at that time. The inspection shall include only accessible areas and areas that are within the inspector's line of sight and close enough to enable reasonable appraisal. Reasonable access includes a prerequisite that the minimum clearances specified in the table below are safely available.
DIMENSIONS FOR REASONABLE ACCESS
| Area | Access hole | Crawl space | Height |
| Roof Interior | 400mm x 500mm | 600mm x 600mm | Accessible from a 3.6m ladder |
| Roof exterior | - | - | Accessible from a 3.6m ladder placed on the ground |
NOTES:
- Reasonable access does not include the cutting of access holes or the removal of screws and bolts or any other fastenings or sealants to access covers.
- Sub-floor areas sprayed with chemicals are not be inspected unless it is safe to do so.
Conditions
An inspection report may be conditional on
- prevailing weather conditions or recent occupancy and use of services that might affect observations
- information provided by the client or the agents of the client
- deliberate concealment of defects
- any other relevant factor limiting the inspection