Terms of Engagement
Important Information
Form Completion
The Pre-Engagement Inspection Agreement must be completed and returned before any inspection can take place. Failure to return this form may result in delays or cancellation at the sole discretion of Insight Property Inspections Pty Ltd. Please note that non-submission of this form does not constitute cancellation of the inspection.
Cancellations
Written notice of at least 48 hours is required if the inspection is no longer needed. A cancellation fee of $200 will be charged for any cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled inspection time. This fee is necessary to cover administration and opportunity costs incurred due to short-notice cancellation.
Payment Terms
All clients are required to pay the inspection fee as invoiced. The inspection report will be withheld until full payment has been received.
Scope of Inspection
All inspections and reports are conducted in accordance with AS 4349.1-2007 where applicable. For strata title properties, inspections follow Appendix B of the Standard, while all other properties follow Appendix C with focus on accessible areas of the building and site. The inspection is strictly a visual, non-invasive assessment based on conditions observed at the time of inspection. All findings in the report specifically relate to the condition of the property at the date of inspection.
If more than 30 days have elapsed since the inspection, or if construction work has occurred, a re-inspection is strongly recommended. The report should not be relied upon under such circumstances without further assessment.
1. Special Conditions
The Building Consultant reserves the right to refuse or decline any request for inspection at their sole and absolute discretion. In such instances, any fees, deposits, or other monies paid by the Client will be refunded in full.
The Building Consultant shall not be liable for any delay or failure in the performance of its obligations where such delay or failure is caused by matters beyond the Consultant's reasonable control, including but not limited to inclement weather, transport issues, industrial actions, illness, or failure to gain reasonable access to the site.
2. Minimum Requirements for Inspection
All inspections are carried out in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4349.1-2007 – Inspection of Buildings, Part 1: Pre-Purchase Inspections – Residential Buildings.
The inspection comprises a visual assessment only of those areas of the property that are readily and safely accessible at the time of inspection. The Consultant will compare the subject property to buildings of similar age and type that have been reasonably maintained.
3. Report Delivery
We aim to deliver inspection reports within 24 hours of completion. Reports are provided in digital format via email.
4. Payment Terms
Payment is required prior to the release of the inspection report. We accept various payment methods including credit card and bank transfer.
5. Limitations and Exclusions
The scope of our inspection services has specific limitations. Without prior written agreement, our reports do not cover individual minor defects or provide cost estimates for repairs. We do not perform structural design assessments or pest inspections, including termites and borers. Our inspection excludes fireplaces, chimneys, and all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas systems.
The inspection does not include pools, spas, or their associated equipment. We do not assess household appliances or evaluate environmental health risks such as asbestos, mould, or lead. Safety compliance matters, including glazing, stairs, and balustrades, are outside our scope.
Our services do not verify compliance with local laws, zoning regulations, or land use restrictions. We do not assess site conditions, fill, drainage, or geotechnical stability. For strata or community title properties, common areas and associated records are not included in the standard inspection scope.
4. Cancellation Policy
24 hours notice is required for cancellation. Late cancellations may incur a fee.
5. Insurance Coverage and Licensing
We maintain professional indemnity insurance and all required licenses (BLD278366).
6. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If you have any concerns about the inspection or report, written notice must be given to Insight Property Inspections Pty Ltd promptly, and an opportunity must be provided to revisit the property and address the concerns in writing.
If the matter is not resolved within twenty-one (21) days of the complaint, either party may initiate mediation, with costs shared equally unless otherwise agreed. If mediation does not resolve the matter, either party may refer it to arbitration by the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators of Australia, whose decision shall be final and binding.
7. Disclaimers
Asbestos Disclaimer
This inspection does not include an assessment for asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. Buildings constructed before 1990 may contain asbestos in various building elements. The Client should engage a licensed asbestos specialist if concerned.
Mould Disclaimer
No inspection for mould or mildew is carried out. If mould is observed, it may be noted, but the inspector does not test or verify its type or health risks.
Estimating Disclaimer
Where estimates are included, they are general opinions only and should not be interpreted as fixed quotes or professional pricing. The Client is strongly advised to obtain multiple written quotations.
8. Intellectual Property
The inspection report and any photographs or media captured during the inspection remain the intellectual property of Insight Property Inspections Pty Ltd. The report is provided for the Client's personal use only and may not be reproduced, distributed, or shared without express written consent.