The Property Couch 595 | Building Inspections, Hidden Defects & A Risky Govt. Proposal (Buying a Home | Part 2) - Chat with Paul Baker & Myles Clark
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Apr 30, 2026 Paul Baker, an experienced building and pest inspector with Inside Out Property Inspections, explains inspection scope and what a proper report should (and should not) cover. Short, clear takes on spotting red flags in older homes. Concise guidance on defect grading, when to get specialist checks, and how a proposed Victorian rule for vendor-supplied reports could backfire for buyers.
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Reports Are Designed To Highlight Defects
- Inspectors primarily report defects, not positives, so reports can sound alarming when read alone.
- A post-report conversation adds context and calms buyers who might 'freak out' at stark wording.
Learn The Defect Categories Before You Panic
- Understand defect categories: safety issues, major defects, and minor defects to prioritise action.
- 'Major defect' ranges from urgent hazards to fixable problems like a disconnected downpipe that will cause long-term deterioration.
Budget For Inspections And Specialist Follow Ups
- Expect to pay roughly A$650–A$800 for a combined building and timber pest inspection.
- Factor extra specialist checks (electrical, plumbing) separately if the inspector flags concerns.
