Property Buying Assistant
Walk through every critical area of a property with expert guidance. Enter the address below to begin.
Enter a property address to start your inspection
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How it works: Enter the property address above to begin. We'll guide you through roofing, cladding, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows, and gutters — with expert questions to ask the agent at each step.
What does this inspection checklist cover?
Hometrics guides you through a systematic inspection of 7 critical areas of any Australian property. For each area, you'll identify the specific material, get a quality rating, work through a targeted checklist, and see the expert questions to ask your real estate agent.
Roofing
Identify roof material (terracotta, Colorbond, concrete tiles) and check for storm damage, leaks, cracked tiles, and ridge capping.
Cladding
Determine wall cladding type (brick veneer, double brick, fibre-cement) and assess for water damage, paint condition, and fire safety compliance.
Foundations
Identify foundation type and look for structural cracking, past restumping, drainage issues, and signs of subsidence or soil movement.
Plumbing
Check the hot water system age, look for leaks, assess water pressure, and ask about blocked drain history and recent plumbing work.
Electrical
Assess switchboard type, check for safety switches (RCDs), and identify any outdated wiring that may not meet current Australian standards.
Windows
Check window frames, seals, and operation. Look for leaks, failed double-glazing, and security screen condition.
Gutters
Inspect guttering condition, downpipes, drainage away from the foundation. Assess fire risk from leaf accumulation in bushfire zones.
Why use a property inspection checklist when buying a house?
A pre-purchase property inspection checklist helps you avoid costly surprises after settlement. In Australia, properties are sold "as-is" unless specific defects are disclosed, so it's the buyer's responsibility to identify issues before signing.
This tool walks you through each area systematically so nothing gets missed in the excitement of an open home. The expert agent questions are drawn from common due diligence practices recommended by buyers' advocates and building inspectors across Australia.
Use this checklist alongside (not instead of) a professional building and pest inspection from a licensed inspector.
Common questions to ask at a property inspection
What questions should I ask about the roof when buying a house?
Ask when the roof was last replaced, whether there have been any leaks or storm damage, and whether any insurance claims have been made. Also ask if there are any active warranties on roofing materials or recent repair work.
What should I check for in the foundations of an Australian home?
Look for diagonal cracks from door and window corners, uneven floors, or doors that stick. Ask the agent if the property has ever been restumped (common in homes built before 1970s), underpinned, or assessed by a structural engineer.
What is cladding compliance and why does it matter?
Following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, Australian state governments identified combustible aluminium composite cladding on many apartment buildings. Buildings over a certain height are required to be audited and, if non-compliant cladding is found, rectified. This can involve significant strata levies for owners.
What electrical issues should I look for when buying an older Australian home?
Homes built before 1980 may have aluminium wiring or rubber-sheathed cables that pose fire risks. Older homes may also have ceramic fuse boxes rather than modern circuit breakers with safety switches (RCDs). Check if the switchboard has been upgraded and if RCDs are installed.