Two new home inspection quotes can look similar while covering different work. Before choosing an inspector in Brisbane, compare the inspection scope, report, access arrangements and total price. This checklist helps you ask useful questions without assuming the cheapest or most expensive quote is the best fit.
For GoInspect’s current price, enter your property details in the online quote form. Our Brisbane inspection cost guide explains the factors that affect the total.
1. Are both quotes for the same inspection?
Check whether the quote is for a new home handover, a construction stage, a maintenance inspection or a return visit. A building and pest inspection for an established home may have a different purpose and scope from a workmanship inspection before handover.
Give each provider the same property type, floor area and address. Mention separate dwellings, detached structures and shared areas so the quote reflects the work required.
2. What is included in the total?
| Ask the provider | What to check |
|---|---|
| Is GST included? | Compare the total payable, rather than an advertised figure that excludes tax. |
| Does this address attract travel charges? | Confirm the exact location, especially for outer or regional areas. |
| Which areas and services are included? | Clarify external works, roof access, specialist testing and optional services. |
| Is the report included? | Ask about photographs, defect locations and delivery timing. |
| Is a follow-up included? | Find out whether rectification checks require a separate booking and fee. |
3. Can you see a sample report?
A useful report should help you and the builder locate and understand each reported item. Look for clear photographs, specific locations and descriptions that explain the concern. Trade allocation, where applicable, can help the builder organise rectification.
Page count alone is a poor comparison. A long report with repeated general advice can be harder to use than a concise report with clear findings. See the sample in our handover inspections guide.
4. What can the inspector actually assess?
Ask what will be visible and safely accessible at the time of the visit. Once linings, tiles or other finishes conceal work, a visual inspection cannot establish the condition of everything underneath.
Do not assume that a standard handover inspection includes appliance testing, engineering certification, specialist electrical or plumbing testing, or every external roof surface. If you need a particular investigation, describe it before booking and obtain a confirmed scope.
5. Who will inspect, and what are their credentials?
Ask about the person attending, their relevant qualifications, licence and insurance, and experience with your property type. Verify relevant Queensland licence details through the QBCC. Price alone does not establish licence status, competence or the evidentiary value of a report.
6. Will the report arrive when you need it?
Explain your builder’s walkthrough and handover dates when booking. Ask the provider to confirm their reporting timeframe. GoInspect’s standard residential reports are generally issued the same day; confirm arrangements for your booking.
Agree on access with the builder and provide site contact details. Let the inspector know about incomplete work, disconnected services or areas that may be unavailable.
7. What happens after the inspection?
Use the report to discuss reported items with your builder and keep a written record of the agreed action. A follow-up inspection can be arranged separately to check rectification. The original inspection fee should not be assumed to cover unlimited return visits.
A report records findings within its scope. It does not guarantee that every defect has been identified or automatically determine whether final payment can be withheld. The QBCC practical completion guide explains the builder walkthrough and defects list.
A short checklist before you book
- Same property, floor area and inspection stage on each quote.
- Total price including GST, travel and selected options.
- Written scope and access limitations.
- Sample report and confirmed reporting timeframe.
- Relevant credentials and insurance.
- Separate follow-up cost and arrangements, if required.