Inspection Done, Report in Hand: Here’s What to Do Next
Anyone who has walked through an open home knows the feeling: everything looks perfect and you think this might be ‘the one’. Fresh paint, styled furniture, a tidy lawn. The agent is friendly, the light is flattering, and it’s easy to picture yourself living there.
But a good presentation isn’t the same as a good building. Cosmetic touches can cover cracks, damp, movement and poor workmanship, and when a sale is on the line, there’s little incentive for anyone involved to point out the flaws. Expect the best foot forward, and, most importantly -plan on checking for yourself.
That’s where an independent building inspection earns its keep. If a Building Masters inspector has already been through your prospective property, you should now have a Defect Report sitting in your inbox. Here’s how to turn it into a better buying decision.
Follow our step by step guide for how to use a building defect report…
Step 1: Decide whether the property is still the one for you
A building inspection can help identify any defects or damages to the structure or systems within the home. Similarly, building and pest inspections can detect any termite infestations or other pest issues that could cause significant problems. Hiring an experienced and professional building inspector can provide peace of mind for buyers who want assurance about their investment.
A Building Masters Inspection’s defect report is a clear, practical building inspection report written for real people — not lawyers or insurers. It explains what we found, why it matters, and how it may affect you as a buyer, without unnecessary volume or defensive language. We then talk you through the findings, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
The result is clarity without confusion, and confidence without pressure.
The report lays out every fault and defect found during the inspection, explains in plain English how serious each one is, and gives practical advice on what to do about it. Your inspector also estimates the likely repair costs and points out any improvement opportunities.
Use it to answer some key questions:
How does the building stack up for its age and type?
Are there major defects, and will they be costly to fix?
Is anything hidden now likely to surface soon?
What will rectification cost, and how does that change the true price of the property?
Sometimes the answers will send you running. Other times, they’ll leave you with a more interesting choice.
Step 2: Walk away, or turn the defects into leverage
Now that you know what the property is really like, you can either call it off or stay in the game – you may even see an opportunity to negotiate a better price.
If you’re still keen, the report is your strongest bargaining chip. It puts a dollar figure on the repairs, so your request for a lower price rests on evidence rather than a feeling.
Of course, negotiating can be daunting, especially against agents who do it every day. We know the process well, which is why we offer to handle it for you.
Step 3: Let us do the negotiating (no gain, no fee)
If the house has problems but you can’t let it go, bring us back in. Our Property Negotiation Service takes the hard work off your plate, and if we don’t secure you a better deal, you pay nothing.
You won’t need to go back and forth with the agent, work out which findings carry the most weight, or guess the right moment to close. One of our experienced team members takes over, backed by the know-how to push for the best result available.
Step 4: Use the report to plan your repairs and budget
Once the keys are yours (hopefully at a reduced price), the report keeps working. Its itemised defect list and photos show you which tradespeople to call. Our inspectors are here to help you understand what work should be done, and in order of priority.
Work through the list, and you’ll end up with a home that’s sound, safe and ready to enjoy. That peace of mind is the real payoff of the whole process.