When you buy a house, it is easy to focus on what you can see: like the layout, location, and price. But some of the biggest problems are the ones that are not visible. A property inspection helps find those hidden issues, so you know what you are really getting before you decide. Yet, a question remains in the air: Is a building inspection worth the upfront cost? It’s a fair point, especially when money’s tight. Some skip it and hope for the best. Others want the peace of mind. But is it a real sense of peace of mind? Not always.
If you want to know how much a building inspection costs in Tasmania and how that compares to repair costs later on, this guide lays it all out.
How much does a building inspection cost in Tasmania, Australia?
A building inspection is a careful check of the home’s condition before you buy. The inspector looks at areas they can safely reach, like the roof space, under the house, inside rooms, outside walls, and around the property. After the check, you get a report that points out any problems or safety issues.
In Tasmania, a typical building inspection can cost anywhere between $670 + GST with Fearless Building Inspections or more, depending on a few important factors.
Factors that increase the building inspection cost:
- Size of the property: larger homes usually take more time to inspect, which can increase the cost.
- Location: Inspections in metro Hobart may be priced differently from those in regional or remote areas.
- Type of inspection: A general building inspection may cost less than a more specialised or detailed report.
For a typical three-bedroom home in Hobart, you can expect to pay around $670 plus GST, but prices can vary. Some inspection companies also include services like pest, plumbing, or electrical checks.
At Fearless Building Inspections, we only focus purely on the structure. But if anything stands out during our inspection that might need a closer look, we’ll point it out so you can follow up with the right licensed professional.
Common defects found in building inspections
During pre-purchase building inspections, we often come across problems that the average buyer wouldn’t spot on their own. These issues range from small things that are easy to fix to more serious concerns that could affect safety, liveability, or resale value. Here are some of the most common problems we find during building inspections across Hobart and southern Tasmania:
- Cracked foundations or signs of movement in footings
- Leaks in the roof, blocked gutters, or rusted flashing
- Moisture damage and mould, often caused by poor drainage or ventilation
- Movement in walls or sagging ceilings
- Damaged subfloor ventilation or timber rot
- Renovations that have not been approved or don’t follow the proper building rules
What do these repairs cost?
Skipping the inspection might seem like a way to save money, but if there are major problems, the repairs can end up costing a lot more.
Here are some common estimates for repairs:
- Foundation repairs: $5,000 to $80,000+
- Roof replacement: $10,000 to $50,000
- Mould treatment and waterproofing: $500 to $6,000+
- Deck rebuild (10m²): $3,500 to $5,500
- Balcony rebuild (15m²): $15,000 to $20,000
- Fixing unapproved structures: $5,000 to $25,000+
Now let’s look at two real examples to show how this plays out:
Example 1
Someone buys a house without getting a building inspection. Everything looks fine at first. But after a few months, water stains start to appear. Turns out there are roof leaks and rotting under the floor. Fixing it all ends up costing them $25,000.
Example 2
Another buyer gets a pre-purchase building inspection. The report shows roof rust and signs of poor drainage under the house. They negotiate $10,000 off the asking price and use part of that to fix the issues straight away.
In both cases, the difference came down to a few hundred dollars spent early. The cost of a building inspection is small compared to what repairs can end up costing you.
Thinking of buying a house? Book your inspection
If you’re planning to buy a place in Hobart or southern Tasmania, getting a building inspection is just a sensible step. It helps you see what shape the property’s really in so you can make a clear decision.
At Fearless Building Inspections, we send reports promptly. They are clear, straightforward, and easy to understand. If you want to avoid unexpected costs after moving in, booking an inspection now can help. Spending a few hundred today might save you thousands later.