Before you commit to a major purchase, make sure the structure is sound. Our qualified Victorian engineers inspect key load-bearing elements — from foundations to framing — so you can move forward confidently or negotiate with facts in hand. You’ll receive a clear, engineer-signed report within 10–12 business days.
You have days to decide on a property, and you cannot see behind the walls
Auction day, a 3-day cooling-off period, or a settlement clock already running. Cosmetic renovation hides more than it reveals, and a building and pest report will not tell you whether the structure itself is sound. A structural engineer can, before you are committed.
This is an engineering assessment, not a building inspection
The two are often confused, and buyers regularly pay for one when they needed the other. A building and pest inspection is a broad condition check across the whole property. A pre-purchase structural inspection is narrower and deeper: a structural engineer assesses whether the building is sound, and where there is cracking or movement, works out what is causing it. The report is signed by the engineer who carried out the inspection.
If a building inspector has already flagged something structural, this is the report that tells you how serious it is.
How the two compare
| Structura pre-purchase structural inspection | Standard building (and pest) inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Who carries it out | A structural engineer, degree-qualified and registered, who signs the report in their own name | A building inspector or building consultant. Registration and qualifications vary by operator |
| What it is looking at | Whether the building is structurally sound — footings, slab, framing, load paths, walls, roof structure | General condition and defects across the whole property, plus finishes and workmanship |
| Cracking and movement | Measured, classified against AS 2870 and assessed for cause and severity | Usually noted and described, without engineering analysis of cause |
| Structural alterations | Assessed for whether load paths have been compromised — removed walls, added openings, extensions | Noted where visible, not analysed |
| Pest and timber damage | Not covered | Covered where a combined building and pest inspection is engaged |
| Finishes, fixtures and fittings | Not covered | Covered |
| Weight it carries | An engineer-signed report can be relied on by insurers, councils, solicitors and VCAT | Generally used for negotiation between buyer and seller |
| When you need it | Cracking, movement, sloping floors, a previous extension, an older or altered home, or a building report that flagged something structural | A general condition check on any property before purchase |
Many buyers engage both. They answer different questions, and neither one substitutes for the other.
Cracking, patched render or fresh paint over areas you cannot assess
Floors that slope or bounce, or doors that do not sit square
Visible additions, decks or extensions that may never have been approved
A period home, a knock-down rebuild, or anything on reactive clay soil
An auction or cooling-off deadline that leaves no room to find out later
How we help
A registered structural engineer inspects the slab, subfloor, frame, roof and load-bearing elements, then tells you plainly what you are taking on. You can use the findings to proceed with confidence, renegotiate, request rectification, or walk away.
Formal structural assessment by a registered engineer
Required for peace of mind before you buy, sell, or invest in property
Helps buyers: avoid hidden risks, renegotiate, or walk away from problem homes
Helps sellers: show transparency and boost buyer confidence
Confirms the structure is sound — or identifies issues before they become costly
Why buyers and sellers trust our reports
Engineer-Signed Reports
No Judgement, Just Help
Fast Turnaround
Clear Guidance
What the inspection involves
An engineer attends the property and assesses the structure. We do not inspect plumbing, electrical or cosmetic finishes — this is a structural assessment by an engineer, not a general building inspection.
- Visual inspection of structural elements
- Check footing integrity, load paths, anchoring
- Identify compliance or need for rectification
- Include photos and expert summary
- Final written report with clear recommendations (or verbal feedback if selected)
What you will receive
Verbal findings on site if that is what you have booked, or an engineer-signed written report within 10–12 business days.
A clear verdict on whether the structure is sound, and what the risks are if it is not
The issues that matter, separated from the ones that do not
Photographs of every defect recorded, with the engineer’s assessment of each
Indicative next steps, so you know what rectification would involve before you commit
A document you can put in front of a vendor, agent or conveyancer
What happens next
Three steps, and you can stop after any of them.
1. Call or send the form with the address and your deadline. We will tell you whether a verbal inspection or a full report suits your situation.
2. We attend, usually within 2–5 business days, and can prioritise urgent pre-auction jobs.
3. You get answers on site the same day, and your written report within 10–12 business days if you have requested one.
The engineer reports on what can be seen and reasonably assessed on the day. No visual inspection can rule out every defect in a building, and this report should not be read as a warranty or guarantee that the property is free of defects.
Anything behind linings, under floor coverings, beneath the ground, or within locked, unsafe or obstructed spaces is outside the scope. Nothing is opened up, removed or excavated.
Pest and termite activity, electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, glazing, energy compliance, finishes and fittings are not assessed.
The report gives an engineering opinion on structural condition. It does not value the property, and it does not certify that the building complies with the National Construction Code or the terms of any permit.
The findings describe the property as it was on the day of inspection. Movement, weather and further works can change the picture afterwards.
Pre-Purchase Inspections Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full building inspection?
Can I use this report to negotiate or pull out of a contract?
Do you cover regional properties?
What if I just want to talk to an engineer on-site?
That’s exactly what our Verbal Only inspection is for — on-the-spot answers without a written report.
How soon can you attend?
Most inspections can be scheduled within 2–5 business days. Urgent cases can often be prioritised.
Transparent Pricing
One flat fee. No upsells. No surprises. Just structural clarity.
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15-minute Phone Consultation FREE!!!
Book a free 15-minute call with a qualified structural engineer. Expert advice to help you figure out the right service for your situation.
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Pre-Purchase or Pre-Sale Structural Inspection – Verbal Only From $600 + GST
Verbal assessment during site visit — ideal for buyers or sellers needing a quick opinion before purchase or listing.
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Pre-Purchase or Pre-Sale Structural Inspection – Full Report From $1200 + GST
Includes site visit, engineer assessment, and full written report with structural findings and recommendations.
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