Most people have never done this before
We explain every finding in language you actually understand.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
On site within 48 hours · Report same day.
Most people have never done this before
We explain every finding in language you actually understand.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
On site within 48 hours · Report same day.
We hear this every day
"I've never done this before."
"Is this normal, or should I be concerned?"
"What happens if the house has issues?"
Nobody expects you to know this stuff. Most people buy two or three homes in a lifetime — we've inspected more than a thousand. Ask us anything, however basic it sounds.
Knowing what's there matters.
Knowing the meaning matters more.
Your report records everything we find and classifies it to the Australian Standards. That part isn't negotiable — and on its own, it's only half of what you need.
The other half is the conversation. What each item actually means for this house, and when you'd be dealing with it. We break that into three.
What needs attention now
Items that shouldn't be left — active water leaks, failing foundations, anything affecting safety, anything actively causing damage, anything that gets worse the longer it sits.
We'll flag it, what's likely driving it, and guidance on the next steps to resolve it. Better to know before you commit, not after.
What to plan and budget for
Things that aren't causing trouble today but have limited life left — roof tiles, stumps or an aging bathroom.
These are the ones that catch first home buyers out. Nobody mentions the roof at the open home, five years later you get a leak fixed and find out you need a five-figure roof replacement. We'll tell you what's coming and roughly when, so it's a plan rather than a shock.
Ongoing upkeep
The maintenance any home of the age and construction needs — the seasonal, the routine, the keep-an-eye-on.
Knowing which items sit here is just as useful as the rest, because it tells you where your money and attention actually need to go.
By the end of that call you'll know what this house needs and whether that's something you want to take on.
That's the point of an inspection. Not a document — a decision.
A report is only worth having if it changes what you do next.
Most first home buyers don't realise a building and pest report gives them options. Depending on where you are in the process, you've usually got four.
Buy it, and stop second-guessing
Nothing significant, or nothing you're not comfortable with. You go ahead knowing what you're taking on instead of hoping for the best. This is the most common outcome, and it's worth every cent.
Adjust what you're willing to pay
If the report turns up work that needs doing, that's a number. Numbers can negotiable. Plenty of our clients have used a report to adjust their offer to what the property is actually worth in its current condition.
Ask for it to be sorted first
Sometimes the better route is asking for specific items to be repaired before settlement, rather than taking money off.
Walk away
Occasionally the right answer is no. Better to find out now than after settlement, when it's yours and the cost is yours too. Nobody enjoys this outcome — but everyone who's had it has been glad they knew.
There's no bad result here.
A clean report means you can bid or sign without second-guessing. A difficult one means you found out while you still had choices. Either way you're in a better position than you were an hour ago.
What's available to you depends on where you are in the process and the terms of your contract — your conveyancer or solicitor will guide you on that.
How to book a building and pest inspection
The process
Every inspection follows a proven four-step process designed to keep you informed, supported, and confident at every stage of the inspection.
Initial chat
5 minute call
We'll ask a few questions about the place, if you have any concerns, whether you're at auction or already under contract. If there's something specific playing on your mind, tell us. We'll make sure it gets looked at properly.
If you're not sure what to ask, that's fine. Most people aren't. We'll cover it.
We arrange everything Usually onsite in 48 hours
We contact the selling agent directly, arrange access and lock in a time that works. You don't have to chase anyone or explain anything.
If you'd like to be there on the day, let us know your availability and we'll build in extra time to walk you through the property in person. It's worth doing if you can — you'll learn more in 15 minutes on site than from any report.
Inspection
Same day reports
We carry out a thorough building and timber pest inspection, assessing the property for both visible defects and potential risks.
With 100s of checks throughout the property, key areas we assess include:
Moisture issues – signs of leaks, water ingress, and dampness in wet areas
Structural concerns – cracking, movement, settlement, and general structural integrity
Timber pest activity – evidence of termites, borers, fungal decay, and conditions that lead to pest activity
No waiting for your report, all reports are submitted on the same day as inspection.
We talk you through it
The most important part
If you're on site we'll walk you through the main findings there and then. Otherwise we'll call, have a chat about the inspection and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
Our service doesn't end when the phone hangs up, clients call us back days later with follow-up questions, or before contracts go unconditional, or years afterwards about a different property entirely. We're happy to help.
Hundreds of checks. Here's what we're really looking for.
Structure and movement — cracking, settlement, and if what we're seeing is normal seasonal movement, or something that needs a closer look.
Moisture and water — leaks, water ingress, damp in wet areas and subfloors. The most common source of unexpected cost in older western suburbs homes.
Timber pests — evidence of termites, borers and fungal decay, plus the conditions around the property that make future activity more likely.
Many Others — roof, drainage, decks, safety items, and the general standard of past work.
Research from CSIRO, Standards Australia, the Building Plumbing Commission and Heritage Victoria utilised in every report — so what you're told reflects the evidence, not just an opinion.
TESTIMONIALS
From people who were exactly where you are
"As first home buyers we weren't sure what to expect."
Lucas from Build & Pest West was absolutely incredible. He was able to come out on short notice and performed a very thorough inspection. He was detailed, articulate, and happy to answer all of our questions. As first home buyers we weren't sure what to expect from an inspection but can definitely say Lucas has set the bar very high for the future!
— Jack, first home buyer
"I left the inspection feeling much more informed and confident."
As a first-home buyer, I had plenty of questions and concerns, and he was incredibly patient, honest, and thorough in explaining everything he found… What stood out most was that Lucas took the time to explain not just what the issues were, but also what they might mean in the long term. I left the inspection feeling much more informed and confident about the decision I needed to make.
— Natalia, first home buyer
"He helped us understand what was urgent and what wasn't."
Lucas was fantastic! So detailed and a quick turnaround. He talked me through all his findings and recommendations. We bought a house that does need some work and he helped us understand what was urgent and what wasn't. I highly recommend him for your building and pest inspection.
— Soph, first home buyer
Some perspective on the cost
Building and pest inspection
$499 - $999
depending on the size and type of property
Restumping
$25,000 - $50,000
pricing may vary
Most homes don't have anything on that scale. But if this one does, it's better to know while you still have a choice.
That's the whole case for an inspection.
Not fear — arithmetic.
MEET YOUR INSPECTOR
Hey, I'm Lucas!
I'm a registered builder with 14 years in the trade, and I've inspected more than a thousand homes across Melbourne's west. Most of the people I inspect for have never done this before — so ask me anything, however basic it sounds. That's the job.
Registered builder · DB-U 75473
Onsite in 48 hours, generally
Same day reports
FAQs
How long will it take to get my inspection completed?
We fulfill most inspections, with reports delivered, 48 hours from initial enquiry.
I need an inspection urgently, what should I do?
Call us now on 0407 251 572. We will let you know if we can do your inspection at short notice.
What are your qualifications?
We hold the highest level qualification for domestic builders (Domestic Builder Unlimited, DB-U). We maintain a current registration with the Victorian Building Authority.
What happens if major defects are found?
If major defects are found we will explain how it impacts your home and provide some suggestions on how it can be fixed or investigated further. With a better understanding of the defect you can the make an informed decision how you'd like to proceed.
Should I attend the inspection?
We recommend it wherever you can. If you're on site, we'll walk you through the findings in person once we've finished — by far the easiest way to understand what we've found and what it actually means for the property. If you can't make it, we'll call you after the inspection and talk you through the key items before the report is issued.
How much of the house do you actually access?
Everything that can be safely and reasonably accessed on the day. That includes the roof exterior, roof void, subfloor, all interior rooms, wet areas and the grounds, wherever access allows. Where something can't be reached — a sealed subfloor or a roof that isn't safe to walk — we say so plainly in the report rather than leaving it unmentioned, and we tell you what that means for the picture you're getting.
Do you inspect newly built homes too?
Yes. New builds get a Project Completion Inspection instead, which looks at standard of finish, workmanship and whether the work aligns with building standards — useful before you make the final claim at handover. If you're buying an established home, the Building & Pest Inspection is the one you want.