Frequently Asked Questions

• Are you registered with the Victorian Building Authority?

  We hold licenses as both registered builders and structural engineers from major national and local institutions, including VBA, BLA and Engineers Australia

• Do you offer discounts for multiple inspections?

  Certainly! We offer cost-effective packages for multiple inspections, enabling you to save several hundred dollars. To receive a free quote tailored to your specific needs, kindly submit your inquiry through our website.

• What are the payment terms?

  Our inspection services are subject to our standard Terms & Conditions, which apply to all the services we offer. As part of our inspection services, we provide a reasonable level of support, and any extra assistance needed may result in additional charges. Once you confirmed the quotation, we will send you a copy of the tax invoice via email on the same day, and payment is required before the inspection to confirm the reservation, as outlined in our standard terms. If payment is not made on time, the inspection will not be booked until the outstanding account has been settled.

• Are the inspection fees tax deductible?

  We provide you with a thorough payment invoice and receipt, so you can claim the costs back on tax.

• Are you insured for doing inspections?

  Rest assured, all of our services are backed by Professional Indemnity & Public Liability insurance, ensuring your protection and peace of mind

• How long will the Building & Timber Pest Inspection take?

  The duration of a standard combined building and pest inspection is typically one to two hours, depending on the size of the property, the number of defects identified, and the overall condition of the property.

• How long will the report take?

  Our detailed reports are always sent within 24 hours of completing the inspection, during normal business hours.

• How much notice do you need to book an inspection?

  Upon receiving an estimated inspection date, we recommend that you contact us promptly to schedule the inspection and provide us with ample notice to accommodate your request. To ensure sufficient notice from your builder/agent, we suggest that you notify them in writing of your intent to use our services and confirm the type of inspection you require.

• Who do I contact for any questions regarding the reports?

  We suggest you to speak with the building inspector who conducted your inspection. That way, you’re dealing with the person who has first-hand knowledge of the property you’re buying. They will talk you through any sections of the report you are unsure about. Once you have read the report in its entirety, please contact the building inspector and request for a call back. We will always endeavour to return your call as soon as possible, however the inspector might be halfway through an inspection and will call you as soon as practical.

• What equipment is used in inspections?

  Our inspectors are equipped with ladders, torch, Moisture Hygrometer, Thermal Imaging Camera, and Termatrac T3i Radar.

• When specific equipment will be used in inspections?

  The Moisture Hygrometer, Thermal Image Camera and Termatrac T3i Radar will only be utilized when visual evidence of moisture or pest activity is detected by your inspector.

• How do you get access to the sites or properties?

  We will require access from your builder or agent once the site or property is locked. Access can mean leaving the site open at the inspection time, leaving a key for the inspector, or the site supervisor or real estate agent meeting us to open the site.

• Do I need to attend the inspection?

  Owners and buyers are most welcome to be present at the time of inspection, although we ask that you leave the inspector to carry out their inspection and wait to ask your questions at the end. This allows the inspector to concentrate solely on assessing the property to deliver a non-bias report. We also follow a specific routine which ensures no area of the property is missed. (THE CONDITIONS SURROUNDING ATTENDING INSPECTIONS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS)

• What stages should we inspect for a new construction?

  Prorox Inspections recommends you inspect all 5 main stages, to ensure peace of mind throughout your new build. Each stage is very important for different reasons. The main inspection stages are Pre-Slab Stage, Frame Stage, Lock up Stage, Fixing & Waterproofing Stage and Handover Stage.

• What documents do you require for new construction inspections?

  In order to provide you with a comprehensive report, we require a PDF copy of Architectural Drawings, Structural Drawings, Soil Report, Energy Efficiency Report, Contract with the Builder and Building Permit. All of these documents can be obtained directly from your builder.

• Do we need to pay the builder’s invoice?

  We cannot give you any advice in this regard, as this is a contractual matter. You should refer to your contract for payment schedule you agreed with. If you are not sure, your builder will be able to provide information about the contract you are entered into with them, or failing that, you could seek advice from the legal professional.

• My builder said we already have independent building inspector… is that true?

  Although the building surveyor has a regulatory role in the construction of your new home, they do not provide comments on the quality or compliance of your building contract or the various building codes and standards. In spite of every project having a building surveyor and many builders conducting their own quality inspections, we still uncover numerous defects. This raises concerns about what the builder may be concealing by discouraging you from seeking assistance with your build.

• Who can I speak with about the issues I am having with my builder?

  If you are having issues with your builder, we recommend that you contact them to formally discuss your concerns. You will be able to request to have your concerns escalated to the construction manager. If you are unsatisfied with the response from your builder and need more information on actions you can take, we would recommend that you speak with Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria. They can be contacted on 1300 557 559 or via their website at www.dbdrv.vic.gov.au

• Can the builder deny access to the property to conduct building inspection during new home construction?

  Provided that you hold a Domestic Building Contract with your builder, the builder cannot deny you access to your property to have an independent inspection conducted. Please note that if you give the builder more than two working days’ notice of your requirement to enter the home, the builder MUST open the dwelling under the “Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995”, part 2 section 19 (Victoria). You can lodge a complaint with the DBDRV if they refuse. In other words, if the builder has been notified, then he or she must open the dwelling. Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 Act No. 91/1995 Part 2—Provisions that Apply to all Domestic Building Contracts Access to building site (1) A builder must permit the building owner (or a person authorised by the building owner) to have reasonable access to the building site and to view any part of the building works. Penalty: 20 penalty units.

• What if the builder doesn’t fix the defects?

  Our comprehensive reports identify defects that are non-compliant with the Building Code of Australia, relevant Australian Standards & Tolerances, manufacturer's instructions, and your contract documents. If identified defects are not rectified, we suggest that you reach out to your builder to address your concerns. You may request that your concerns be escalated to the construction or building manager. In the event that you remain dissatisfied with the response from your builder and require further information on your options, we recommend contacting Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria. They can be reached at 1300 557 559 or via their website at www.dbdrv.vic.gov.au.