Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is GoInspect?

GoInspect Pty Ltd is an independent building inspection company specialising in new home inspections, pre-handover inspections, Practical Completion Inspections (PCI), construction stage inspections and defect inspections.

We work with homeowners, buyers agents, property investors, builders and developers across South East Queensland and Sydney, as well as on multi-residential projects Australia-wide.

Who are the inspectors at GoInspect?

GoInspect is led by experienced builders and building inspectors Daniel Jurekie and Andrew Jurekic.

Both have extensive hands-on experience in residential construction, workmanship, defect identification and building quality assurance.

Daniel also holds a Queensland QBCC Builder – Open licence.

Our team combines practical building experience with specialist knowledge in identifying defects, incomplete work and workmanship issues in newly constructed homes.

How experienced is GoInspect?

Our inspectors have inspected over 10,000 homes.

This experience ranges from individual houses and townhouses through to apartments, high-rise buildings and major multi-residential developments.

We also undertake large-scale quality assurance and handover inspection programs for builders and developers.

What areas and property types do you inspect?

We provide residential building inspections throughout:

  • Brisbane

  • Gold Coast

  • Logan

  • Ipswich

  • Redlands

  • Surrounding areas of South East Queensland

  • Sydney

We inspect houses, townhouses, duplexes, granny flats, apartments, high-rise apartments and multi-residential developments.

For builders and developers, we undertake multi-residential inspection projects Australia-wide.

Are you insured?

Yes.

GoInspect holds Public Liability insurance for our building inspection activities.

If your builder requires evidence of insurance before allowing site access, we can provide our current Certificate of Currency.

About Our Inspections

What types of inspections do you provide?

We specialise in new construction and defect inspections, including:

  • Pre-handover inspections

  • Practical Completion Inspections (PCI)

  • New home defect inspections

  • Construction stage inspections

  • Pre-settlement inspections

  • Apartment inspections

  • Townhouse inspections

  • High-rise apartment inspections

  • Builder quality assurance inspections

  • Developer defect inspections

  • Re-inspections

Our primary focus is newly constructed residential property.

What is a pre-handover inspection?

A pre-handover inspection is an independent inspection of a newly constructed property before the owner takes possession.

We inspect accessible areas for defects, incomplete work, damage, poor workmanship and items that do not meet applicable standards or tolerances.

The defects identified are documented in a detailed photographic report that can be provided to the builder for rectification.

What is a Practical Completion Inspection?

A Practical Completion Inspection, commonly called a PCI, is carried out when construction is substantially complete and the property is approaching handover.

The purpose is to identify defects, incomplete items and workmanship issues before or around the time the property is handed over.

PCI, Practical Completion Inspection, pre-handover inspection and handover inspection are commonly used to describe similar types of inspections.

Why should I use an independent building inspector?

Builders and site supervisors normally carry out their own quality checks, but an independent inspection provides another experienced set of eyes.

Our role is to independently inspect the completed work and identify defects, incomplete items and workmanship issues that may otherwise have been missed.

Does a new home really need an inspection?

Yes.

New homes can still contain defects, incomplete work, damage and workmanship issues.

Building a home involves many different trades and subcontractors, and defects can occur even on well-managed projects.

An independent inspection provides a detailed record of the property’s condition and gives you an opportunity to raise defects with the builder.

Isn’t the building certifier already inspecting the house?

A building certifier and a defect inspector perform different roles.

Building certification focuses on prescribed regulatory requirements and mandatory stages of construction.

A defect inspection looks closely at the completed building work, including workmanship, finishes, incomplete items, standards and tolerances.

A property can receive its required certification and still contain defects that require rectification.

What do you inspect?

Depending on the property and inspection type, we inspect accessible areas including:

  • Walls and ceilings

  • Flooring and tiles

  • Doors and windows

  • Kitchens and cabinetry

  • Bathrooms and laundries

  • Plumbing fixtures

  • Electrical fixtures and fittings

  • Painting and plastering

  • Joinery and carpentry

  • Balconies

  • Garages

  • Brickwork

  • Concrete

  • External finishes

  • Fixtures and fittings

  • Other completed building work

We inspect for defects, damage, incomplete work, poor workmanship and items that do not meet applicable standards or tolerances.

What standards do you inspect against?

For Queensland residential inspections, our main reference is the QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide.

Where applicable, we also consider:

  • National Construction Code

  • Relevant Australian Standards

  • Manufacturer installation requirements

  • Approved plans and specifications

  • Other applicable building requirements

The relevant standard or tolerance depends on the particular building element and defect being assessed.

What types of defects do you identify?

We identify defects across all aspects of completed residential building work.

This can include painting, plastering, tiling, flooring, carpentry, cabinetry, doors and windows, brickwork, concrete, plumbing fixtures, external finishes, damage, incomplete work and items that fall outside applicable building standards and tolerances.

Defects can range from finishing and workmanship issues through to more significant building or compliance concerns.

Do you inspect the roof?

Roof inspections are not included as standard.

For health and safety reasons, our inspectors do not climb onto or walk on roof surfaces unless suitable edge protection and safe access have been provided.

If you would like the external roof inspected, we can provide a drone roof inspection for an additional fee.

Reports

Do I receive a written report?

Yes.

You will receive a detailed digital inspection report documenting the defects identified during the inspection.

Our reports are designed to be clear and easy for both homeowners and builders to understand.

Do you provide same-day reports?

Yes.

Same-day reports are provided for standard residential inspections.

Our inspection and reporting system allows defects to be recorded and photographed during the inspection so the completed report can be provided promptly.

Reporting arrangements for large builder or developer projects may vary depending on the scope of the project.

Does the report include photos?

Yes.

Every defect listed in our report includes a photo.

This allows the homeowner, builder, site supervisor and relevant trade to clearly see the issue and makes each defect easier to locate and rectify.

What information is included in the report?

A typical report includes:

  • Defect location

  • Clear defect description

  • Photograph of every defect

  • Responsible trade where applicable

  • Property and inspection information

  • Additional information or measurements where required

The report is designed to clearly communicate what needs to be rectified.

Does the report identify the responsible trade?

Yes.

Where appropriate, defects are allocated to the relevant trade, such as painting, plastering, tiling, carpentry, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electrical, glazing, bricklaying or concreting.

This makes it easier for builders and site supervisors to distribute defects to the appropriate subcontractors for rectification.

Can I send the report directly to my builder?

Yes.

We will usually send the completed report directly to your builder when their email address has been provided to us.

If we do not have the builder’s email address, the report will be sent to you and you can forward it directly to your builder or site supervisor.

Our reports are designed to make the rectification process straightforward, with every defect clearly identified by location, description and photograph.

Defects, Handover and Rectification

Is the builder responsible for fixing the defects?

Yes. Where building work is defective, incomplete or does not meet the applicable building standard or tolerance, it should be rectified by the builder.

In Queensland, the QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide is one of the main references used to determine whether completed work meets the required standard.

Depending on the item, the National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards, manufacturer installation requirements, approved plans and specifications may also apply.

Your inspection report should be provided to the builder so they have the opportunity to rectify the identified defects.

What if the builder doesn’t fix the defects?

The first step is to provide the builder with the defects in writing and give them a reasonable opportunity to rectify them.

Your inspection report provides a clear record of each defect, its location and photographic evidence.

If the builder does not rectify the defects or you cannot reach an agreement, you can lodge a defective work complaint with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

The QBCC can assess disputed building work and may require the responsible contractor to rectify defective work where appropriate.

It is important not to leave unresolved defects too long, as complaint and warranty time limits may apply.

Can I still hand over if defects haven’t been fixed?

Yes, provided the home has reached Practical Completion and the outstanding items do not prevent Practical Completion.

It is common for some defects and incomplete minor items to remain at handover. These should be clearly documented so there is a written record of what is still outstanding.

In Queensland, QBCC Form 6 – Defects Document can be used with the builder to record defects and omissions identified around Practical Completion and handover.

The document can record:

  • Agreed defects and omissions

  • Items the owner considers defective but the builder disputes

  • Agreed timeframes for rectification

We recommend retaining your inspection report together with the completed Form 6 so you have both a written and photographic record of the outstanding defects.

Should I hold back some of the final payment if substantial defects haven’t been fixed?

Potentially, but this should be handled carefully.

Your right to withhold any part of the final payment depends on your building contract and whether the property has actually reached Practical Completion.

If substantial defects remain, you may be able to negotiate with the builder for an agreed amount to be retained until specified defects are rectified.

However, simply withholding money without a contractual or legal basis could place you in breach of your building contract.

If significant defects remain or there is a disagreement about Practical Completion, we recommend discussing the situation with the builder and obtaining advice from a construction solicitor before withholding payment.

Attendance and Builder Access

Do I need to attend the inspection?

No.

You do not need to attend the inspection.

Most clients allow us to complete the inspection independently and receive the report afterwards.

If you would like to attend, this can usually be arranged where permitted by the builder and site conditions.

Can you arrange access with my builder?

Yes.

We can communicate directly with your builder or site supervisor to coordinate inspection access where required.

You can either provide us with your builder’s contact details or give your builder our contact details.

What contact details should I give my builder?

Your builder, site supervisor or construction manager can contact us directly regarding inspection access, dates or site requirements.

GoInspect Pty Ltd
Phone: (07) 3063 0793
Email: contact@goinspect.com.au
Website: www.goinspect.com.au

Can a builder refuse access to an independent inspector?

While a property remains a construction site, the builder generally controls access.

Most builders regularly deal with independent inspectors and will arrange access subject to their site safety and access requirements.

If your builder requires our insurance, licence or other business information before granting access, we can provide it.

Builders, Developers and Property Professionals

Who uses GoInspect?

Our clients include:

  • Homeowners

  • First-home buyers

  • Buyers agents

  • Property investors

  • Apartment purchasers

  • Builders

  • Property developers

  • Construction managers

  • Other property professionals

Our inspection and reporting system can be used for everything from a single new home to a major multi-residential development.

Do you work with buyers agents?

Yes.

We regularly work with buyers agents who require independent building inspections on behalf of their clients.

We can coordinate directly with the buyers agent, builder or site contact and provide a detailed photographic report for the purchaser.

This is particularly useful for interstate investors, clients who cannot attend the inspection themselves and buyers purchasing newly constructed houses or apartments.

Multi-Residential Projects

Do you undertake multi-residential projects?

Yes.

We undertake multi-residential inspection projects Australia-wide for builders, developers and construction teams.

This includes apartment developments, high-rise residential buildings, townhouse projects and other large residential developments.

Depending on the project scope, we can inspect:

  • Individual apartments and dwellings

  • Common areas

  • Corridors and lobbies

  • Car parks

  • External areas

  • Streetscapes

  • Other project areas

Our inspection and reporting system is specifically designed to manage large volumes of defects across major residential projects.

How are your multi-residential reports organised?

Our multi-residential reporting system is designed around the way builders, developers and construction teams actually manage defect rectification.

Inspection data can be organised and separated by:

  • Individual unit or apartment

  • Building level

  • Responsible trade

  • Common area

  • Project area

  • Defect totals and statistics

This allows different members of the project team to view the information most relevant to them.

A site manager may need to review defects by unit or level, while a subcontractor may only need to see the defects allocated to their particular trade.

Can defects be separated into individual trade reports?

Yes.

Defects can be allocated to the responsible trade and grouped into dedicated trade reports.

For example, separate reports can be produced for painting, plastering, tiling, carpentry, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electrical, glazing, brickwork, concreting and other project-specific trades.

This allows the builder to issue each subcontractor with a clear list of the items they are responsible for rectifying instead of requiring them to work through the entire project defect list.

Can reports be separated by unit and level?

Yes.

Defects can be organised by individual apartment, dwelling, level or project area.

This allows site supervisors and construction managers to review an individual unit, track defects across a particular level or manage rectification progressively through the development.

Do your multi-residential reports include defect statistics?

Yes.

Our reporting system provides project defect totals and statistics that can help builders and developers understand the overall condition and progress of the project.

Defect information can be reviewed across units, levels, trades and project areas.

This helps construction teams see where defects are concentrated, which trades have the greatest number of outstanding items and where rectification resources may need to be focused.

Why are your reports suited to large residential developments?

A large residential project can generate hundreds or thousands of individual defects, so identifying the defects is only part of the job.

The information also needs to be organised in a way that makes rectification manageable.

Our reporting system allows defects to be separated by trade, unit, level and project area, while also providing project totals and statistics.

Every defect includes a clear description and photograph.

This gives builders, developers, site managers and subcontractors a structured defect management system rather than simply one large inspection report.

Re-Inspections

Do you conduct re-inspections?

Yes.

For an additional fee, we can return after the builder has completed rectification work and check whether the previously reported defects have been adequately fixed.

During the re-inspection we can also identify and report new defects or damage that may have occurred since the original inspection.

The re-inspection provides an updated record of which items have been rectified, which remain outstanding and whether any new issues have appeared.

What happens after defects are found?

The defects are documented in your inspection report and can then be provided to the builder.

The builder will normally arrange for the relevant trades to rectify the outstanding work.

If required, we can return afterwards to independently check the rectification work.

Can you inspect a property after handover?

Yes.

Although inspecting before handover is generally preferable, we can also inspect newly constructed properties after handover.

Contact us with the details of the property and we can advise which inspection is most appropriate.

Booking and Pricing

How much does a GoInspect inspection cost?

You can get an instant price through our online quote calculator.

Simply enter the:

  • Property type

  • Property size

  • Property area/location

The calculator will automatically display the price for your inspection, so there is no need to wait for us to manually prepare a quote.

For larger multi-residential, builder or developer projects, contact us directly for project-specific pricing.

When should I book my pre-handover inspection?

We recommend contacting us as soon as your builder gives you an approximate Practical Completion or handover date.

The exact inspection date can then be confirmed once the builder advises that the property will be ready and access is available.

How long does an inspection take?

There is no set inspection time.

The time required depends on the size and condition of the property and the number of defects present.

As a general guide:

  • A small one-bedroom apartment may take approximately 45 minutes

  • A standard four-bedroom house will usually take around 1.5 hours

Some properties take longer.

We do not rush an inspection to meet a predetermined time limit. We continue inspecting until we are confident we have thoroughly inspected the property and identified the defects within the agreed scope.

How do I book an inspection?

You can get an instant quote and request an inspection through goinspect.com.au.

Enter your property type, size and location into our quote calculator to see your price automatically.

You can also email contact@goinspect.com.au or call (07) 3063 0793 if you need assistance.

For multi-residential projects anywhere in Australia, builders and developers can contact us directly to discuss the project scope and inspection program.

Why Choose GoInspect?

What makes GoInspect different?

We specialise in new construction and defect inspections.

Our service combines extensive practical building experience, detailed photographic reporting, trade allocation, same-day residential reports and purpose-built inspection software.

For large residential developments, our reporting system can organise defects by trade, unit, level and project area while providing useful defect totals and statistics for the project team.

Our focus is simple: identify defects clearly, document them properly and make it easier for homeowners, builders and trades to get them rectified.