Frequently asked questions
- What checks will be included in the inspection?
- When should I have my inspection?
- How much will I pay for my report?
- How quickly can I have my report?
- Will the inspector explain the main issues to me?
- How do I obtain a quote and arrange an inspection?
- How and when do I pay for my report?
- Do you service outlying suburbs?
- Do you check appliances?
- Who is the Inspector?
- Will the inspector be available if I have further questions?
HOUSEwise specializes in building inspections during construction for structural defects in buildings.
at HOUSEwise we...
- are completely independent of builders and also of any product/service on-selling,
- are very well experienced, licensed, and credentialled,
- are reliable,
- use proprietary systems to ensure maximum completeness and efficiency (within the constraints of the construction environment),
- offer many different stage inspections and reporting designed to suit your needs,
(see New Build Inspection - Fee Schedule) - can oversee the process from your initial inquiry (even dealing with builders and/or supervisors to organize access) through ’til when you are satisfied that you understand not only what structural defects have been discovered but also how they could impact on you and your house,
- summarize the report information to you on site in clear, plain English,
- fully support our report information by being available to field telephone (or e-mail) questions subsequent to the report presentation,
- accept telephone queries directly from builders and/or sub-contractors on your behalf (providing that you have arranged this with us in advance).
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find more detail to specific issues in the following ‘frequently asked questions’:
What checks will be included in the inspection?
The issues addressed by our inspections will depend upon which stage, or issue, you choose to have inspected. [pricelist link]
We offer a range of stage checks for homes under construction from pre-contract advice through footings, frame, and external claddings, to practical completion.
When should I have my inspection?
We are routinely called to inspect prior to stage payments and also when owners notice irregularities or are in dispute with the builder.
In fact, as soon as you become aware of either the date of completion of a stage or of an issue which is not being resolved satisfactorily, we recommend that you call 0413 27 2020, between 08:30 and 17:30 to discuss availability (or outside those hours to leave a message) and secure an appointment.
How much will I pay for my report?
We offer very many opportunities of inspection and report designed to satisfy a range of purchaser requirements.
New Build Inspection - Fee Schedule
How quickly can I have my report?
We are at pains to inspect and deliver information in a timely fashion so as to not unnecessarily delay your project.
We prefer to brief you on site, from our completed worksheets, at the conclusion of the inspection so that you can understand where any defects are, why their rectification is important, and what the correction should look like.
The inspector will then return to the office to transpose the report from those worksheets, and two copies of this detailed list of requirements for the builder are normally available to you within a day or two..
Will the inspector explain the main issues to me?
Yes, we prefer to brief you on site, from our completed worksheets, at the conclusion of the inspection so that you can understand where any defects are, why their rectification is important, and what the correction should look like.
The inspector will then return to the office to transpose the report from those worksheets, and two copies of this detailed list of requirements for the builder are normally available within a day or two.
How do I obtain a quote and arrange an inspection?
For an obligation free quote, please contact our inquiry line on 08 8346 2020 or 0413 27 2020, between 08:30 and 1730 to discuss availability (or outside those hours to leave a message) and secure an appointment.
We view a copy of the floor plan, explain options, and present a firm quote.
How and when do I pay for my report?
If paying by electronic funds transfer, payment and receipt for payment, are required prior to the inspection.
If paying by cheque, cash or money order, payment is required at the conclusion of the inspection (usually on site).
Sorry, we cannot accept payment by any form of card.
Do you service outlying suburbs?
Yes, and we can also service country regions.
A surcharge for travel time applies for sites over 35 kilometres from our office (a little west of the g.p.o.) with a firm price determined during the quoting process.
Do you check appliances?
No, the testing of appliances is excluded from our reports.
We encourage you to ask for a demonstration of their functionality from the agent or owner prior to purchase.
Who is the Inspector?
Our primary inspector is Kym Buckley. He is a licensed builder and registered building works supervisor, with building experience from 1978 and building inspection experience continuous from 1991.
He has been a member of the Housing Industry Association since 1990 and a member (and past president) of the Association of Building Consultants since 1998. He was also a member of the Timber Development Association from 2001 until its dissolution in 2009.
Will the inspector be available if I have further questions?
For any stage, questions at the on-site briefing will be addressed and subsequent questions can be attended to by phone or e-mail, to help you with your understanding and decision-making.
You will have access to the inspector, by phone or e-mail, at no extra charge, while you are our customer, for general support.