Best Questions for House Inspection in Perth

A property can look well presented at an open home and still carry defects that are costly, disruptive or unsafe. The best questions for house inspection are the ones that move beyond “is anything wrong?” and give you a clear picture of the home’s condition, the likely consequences and what should happen next.

For buyers, this information can shape the price you offer, the conditions you negotiate or whether you proceed at all. For owners, landlords and tenants, the right questions help turn a report into practical action rather than another document filed away and forgotten.

Start by asking what matters most

A thorough building inspection report should identify visible defects, explain their significance and distinguish between maintenance items and concerns that need prompt attention. But every property is different. A 1970s brick-and-tile home, a newly completed build and a coastal investment property will each have different risk areas.

Before the inspection, tell the inspector what you know about the property and what concerns you. You may have noticed a crack near a window, a musty smell in a bedroom, fresh paint in one small area or an uneven floor. These observations do not prove there is a major fault, but they are useful starting points.

Ask: “Based on the age, construction and location of this home, where are the main risk areas?”

This directs attention to the issues most relevant to the building. In Perth and wider WA, those may include movement in reactive soils, roof condition after harsh summers, rising or penetrating damp, termite risk, poor site drainage, ageing plumbing or unapproved alterations.

Questions to ask about major defects

Not all defects carry the same weight. Minor cracking to paintwork or a sticking internal door may be routine maintenance. Movement-related cracking, water entry or structural deterioration can be a different matter entirely. Ask the inspector to be direct about the difference.

Is there evidence of structural movement?

Ask: “Are the cracks cosmetic, or do they suggest movement that needs further assessment?”

A good answer should consider the crack’s location, width, direction and surrounding signs. Cracks around doors and windows, stepped cracks in masonry, sloping floors and doors that no longer close properly can sometimes point to movement. Equally, a single fine crack may simply reflect normal settlement or ageing materials.

The key is not to assume either outcome. Ask what evidence supports the inspector’s view and whether a structural engineer, builder or other specialist should be engaged before settlement.

Is there moisture, and where is it coming from?

Water is one of the most common causes of hidden building damage. Ask: “Was moisture detected, what is the likely source, and has it caused damage?”

The source may be a leaking shower, failed waterproofing, roof leak, plumbing issue, overflowing gutters, poor drainage or moisture rising from the ground. The repair approach changes depending on the cause, so a report that simply notes “moisture present” is not enough.

Also ask whether the affected area can be properly assessed without invasive testing. An inspector can identify visible signs and moisture readings where accessible, but they cannot see behind every wall, beneath every floor covering or inside concealed pipework. Understanding these limitations helps you decide whether further investigation is worthwhile.

How sound is the roof space and roof exterior?

Ask: “Were the roof, roof void and drainage system accessible, and what condition are they in?”

Roof defects can be easy to miss from ground level. Damaged tiles, corroded metal sheeting, deteriorated flashings, blocked gutters and poor drainage can all allow water into the building. Inside the roof void, staining, mould, damaged timbers and inadequate ventilation can reveal past or ongoing issues.

If access was restricted by height, stored items, insulation or safety concerns, ask this plainly: “What could not be inspected, and what does that mean for my risk?” A clear inspection report should state its access limitations rather than creating false certainty.

Questions about pests and concealed damage

Termites can cause substantial damage without being obvious during an open home. In many cases, a combined building and pest inspection is a sensible choice, particularly where the home has timber framing, timber features, garden beds close to walls or a history of moisture problems.

Ask: “Is there evidence of current or previous termite activity, and are there conditions that increase the risk?”

Evidence of previous treatment does not automatically mean active termites are present. However, it does make the home’s history relevant. You should ask whether termite management records are available, whether physical barriers appear to have been compromised and whether regular pest inspections have been maintained.

It is also worth asking: “Could timber damage be confirmed as termite damage, moisture damage or rot?” These issues can look similar to an untrained eye but require different solutions.

Best questions for a house inspection report

The inspection itself is only part of the process. The report should give you enough detail to make a decision without forcing you to interpret technical language alone.

Ask the following questions once you have received it:

• Which defects are urgent, and which are routine maintenance?
• What items could affect safety, weatherproofing or structural performance?
• What repairs should be completed before settlement or before the property is occupied?
• Which findings need a licensed tradesperson or specialist assessment?
• Are there signs that repairs have been carried out without resolving the underlying cause?

A useful report does not need to turn every small imperfection into a crisis. Older properties will have wear and tear. The value lies in identifying defects that are material to your decision, explaining why they matter and helping you prioritise the next step.

Ask: “If this were your property decision, which three issues would you investigate first?” An independent inspector should be able to give practical context. This does not replace your own judgement, but it helps separate manageable maintenance from problems that could change the economics of the purchase.

Questions about safety and compliance

Some concerns are not immediately visible, but they can affect safety, insurance, future renovation plans and the cost of ownership. Ask whether the inspection identified visible concerns with balustrades, stairs, handrails, smoke alarms, electrical fittings, wet areas or external structures.

A building inspection is generally visual and non-invasive. It is not an electrical compliance certificate, plumbing inspection or engineering certification. Ask: “Are there any visible signs that warrant a separate electrical, plumbing, pool or engineering assessment?”

For homes built or renovated before the mid-1980s, asbestos may also be relevant. Ask: “Are there materials that may contain asbestos, and should sampling or testing be considered before renovation or disturbance?” Suspected asbestos should be treated carefully. Visual inspection can identify materials of concern, but laboratory testing is required to confirm its presence.

If there is a pool or spa, do not assume a general building inspection confirms barrier compliance. Pool safety requirements are specific, and a separate assessment may be needed.

Questions for new builds and practical completion inspections

A new home should not be assumed defect-free. Practical completion is the point where workmanship, finishes, incomplete items and visible defects should be assessed before final handover where possible.

Ask: “What defects or incomplete works should be rectified before final payment?” Also ask whether items are cosmetic, functional or likely to worsen over time. Poor paint finishes may be straightforward to correct; inadequate falls to drainage, roof defects or cracking can have wider consequences.

For a practical completion inspection, ask whether the inspector has assessed the work against visible workmanship expectations and whether the report clearly identifies each item’s location. Precision matters when you are presenting a defects list to a builder.

Turn answers into a property decision

The most useful inspection questions lead to clear actions. If the inspector recommends further investigation, find out whether it should occur before you remove a finance or building inspection condition. If repairs are needed, obtain quotes from appropriately licensed trades before assuming the cost is minor.

Do not focus only on the number of defects. Consider the property’s age, asking price, your renovation plans and your capacity to manage repairs. A well-maintained older home may still have a long maintenance list, while a newer property with water ingress or poor workmanship may need more urgent attention.

An experienced inspector should be available to talk through the findings in plain English. Rushe Building Inspections combines construction experience with independent reporting so clients can understand what has been found, what it may mean and where to seek further advice.

The right question is often the one that asks for clarity: what was found, how serious is it, what caused it, and what should happen next. That conversation can give you far more confidence than a clean-looking kitchen or freshly painted wall ever will.