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In short: A pre-purchase structural inspection is a visual inspection by a structural engineer of the parts of a property that hold it up. It tells you whether cracking or movement is serious, what's likely causing it and what repairs might involve, before you commit to buying. It's not a pest inspection, and it goes deeper on the structure than a general building inspection.
Buying a home with cracks, sloping floors or big retaining walls is stressful when nobody can tell you how serious they are. A structural engineer can. We inspect properties across Greater Melbourne and Victoria before purchase and explain what we find in plain language.
What's included
Footings and signs of settlement or heave
Cracking in walls, brickwork and slabs
Subfloor framing and stumps, where accessible
Floors and walls out of level or out of plumb
Roof framing, where accessible
Retaining walls and drainage that affect the structure
Visible alterations, such as removed walls or extensions
Who this is for
Home buyers whose building and pest report recommends a structural engineer, buyers of older homes or homes on sloping blocks, and anyone who has spotted cracking or movement during an inspection.
When should you get a pre-purchase structural inspection?
When the property shows cracking, sloping floors or sticking doors; when a building and pest report recommends a structural engineer; for older homes, homes on sloping blocks or with large retaining walls; and where extensions or wall removals may have been done without permits.
Structural inspection or building and pest inspection?
A building and pest inspection looks broadly at a property's condition and checks for termites. A structural engineer focuses on the structure and gives an engineering opinion on the causes, how serious they are and what repairs are likely. If a building report flags structural concerns, that's the time to call an engineer. Many buyers get both.
Can it be done before settlement or auction?
Tell us your deadline when you book: auction date, cooling-off period or a contract condition. We'll confirm whether we can inspect and report in time before you commit, and arrange access with the agent if needed. If the timing is too tight for a proper inspection, we'll tell you before you book, not after.
Common mistakes to avoid
Treating every crack as serious, or every crack as cosmetic
Booking too close to auction day or the end of the cooling-off period
Assuming a building and pest report explains the cause of cracking
Ignoring retaining walls and drainage around the house
Getting started
What we need from you, and what you'll receive
What we need from you
The property address and the agent's contact for access
Your deadline: auction, cooling-off or contract date
Any building and pest report you already have
What concerns you, with photos if you have them
What you'll receive
An on-site inspection by a qualified structural engineer
A written report with photos and findings
The likely causes of any cracking or movement
Recommendations on repairs or monitoring, in plain language
Answers to your follow-up questions
How it works
From enquiry to finished documents in four steps
1
Book
Send the address, your deadline and any existing report.
2
Fixed-price quote
A firm price and report date before we start.
3
Inspection
A qualified structural engineer inspects the accessible structure.
4
Written report
Clear findings, likely causes and recommendations.
What affects the cost of a pre-purchase structural inspection?
Every inspection is quoted individually. The main factors are:
The size and type of property
Access to the subfloor and roof space
How many issues need to be assessed
The property's location
How soon you need the report
How quoting works
Send photos or plans through the form, or call us on 03 7048 4006. We reply within a few business hours (same business day, or the next business day at the latest) with a fixed price and a delivery date.
Fixed price before we start. What we quote is what you pay, with no variations appearing at invoice time.
10% price-match guarantee. Found a lower quote for the same scope? We'll match it and take 10% off.
No obligation. Ask a question or get a quote; you decide whether to go ahead.
Client reviews
What our clients say
We hold a 5.0 rating on Google. Here's a sample — you can read every review on our Google Business Profile.
★★★★★
“Had the pleasure of dealing with Sal and the wonderful team at Melbourne Structural Engineers. Always prompt, friendly and efficient in answering every question I had.”
VVince Google review
★★★★★
“It was a pleasure dealing with these guys, nothing was too much trouble and the job was completed quicker than I thought possible.”
Do I need a structural inspection if I have a building and pest report?
Not always. If the building report raises cracking, movement or other structural concerns, or recommends an engineer, a structural inspection tells you how serious they are and what fixing them is likely to involve.
Do you inspect for termites?
No. We inspect the structure. Termite and pest inspections are done by licensed pest inspectors.
Can you inspect before an auction?
Yes, if access can be arranged with the agent before auction day. Tell us the date when you book and we'll confirm whether we can report in time.
Is the inspection invasive?
No. It's a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property. If something needs further investigation, the report will say so.
How much does a pre-purchase structural inspection cost?
It depends on the property, access and what needs assessing. Send the address and your deadline and we'll reply with a fixed price, usually within a few business hours.
Will the report tell me what repairs will cost?
The report explains what repairs or further investigation are likely to involve. For repair costs you'd get quotes from builders based on our recommendations.
