The reports are issued the same day once full payment has been received.

With over 35 years’ experience our Inspectors are fully insured with Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance.   

While a Building Surveyor plays an important role in inspecting your project, their responsibilities are limited by the Building Act 1993. The Surveyor is primarily obligated to identify issues related to compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), which focuses mainly on structural and health-related elements.

Key points to consider:

• Building Surveyor's Scope: A Surveyor's role is governed by the Victorian Building Authority and the Building Act 1993, which limits their inspection to specific issues outlined in the NCC, such as structural integrity and health standards.
• EBI’s Broader Scope: At Elevate Building Inspections (EBI), we operate under both the Building Act 1993 and the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995. This broader framework covers a wider range of items that may not fall under the Surveyor’s remit. EBI’s role is to provide a second line of defense by checking areas that the Surveyor may have missed.
• Domestic Building Contracts Act: Section 8 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act requires builders to meet specific obligations that go beyond the Building Act. As such, EBI is tasked with ensuring these obligations are met, providing a thorough inspection that includes quality and compliance checks that may not be captured by the Surveyor.
• Why an Independent Inspection? The Surveyor's limited scope means that some issues may slip through the cracks. An independent inspection by EBI helps identify problems that the Surveyor might overlook, ensuring that your build meets all contractual, legal, and quality requirements.

Even if the Surveyor hasn't flagged anything, it's important to have a second opinion from a third-party expert. This is a safeguard

No, the builder cannot deny you access to your property to conduct an independent inspection, provided you have a Domestic Building Contract with them.

Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Victoria), specifically Part 2, Section 19, if you give the builder more than two working days’ notice of your intention to conduct an inspection, the builder must allow access to the property.

Key points to note:

• Notice Requirements: You must provide the builder with more than two working days' notice before requesting access.
• Obligation to Permit Access: Once notified, the builder is legally required to permit access to the building site for inspections. If the builder refuses, you can lodge a complaint with the DBDRV (Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria).
• Legal Penalty: Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act, a builder who fails to provide reasonable access can face a penalty of 20 penalty units.

In other words, as long as proper notice is given, the builder must allow you to carry out an independent inspection.

If the defects identified by Elevate Building Inspections are found to be non-compliant with the Building Act, Building Regulations, National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards, or Guidelines and Tolerances, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Contact Your Builder: Discuss your concerns directly with the builder and request that the defects be rectified.
2. Escalate the Issue: If the response is unsatisfactory, ask to have the issue escalated to the Construction Manager or Building Manager.
3. Seek Further Guidance: If the issue is still unresolved, we recommend contacting Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV). They provide advice and assistance in resolving building disputes.

You can contact DBDRV at 1300 557 559 or visit their website at www.dbdrv.vic.gov.au.

Once you have received an indicative date from your builder for when the inspection can take place, please inform our office as soon as possible. The more notice you can provide, the better, as it helps us accommodate your requested date and time.

While we always do our best to meet your scheduling preferences, providing ample notice increases the likelihood that we can schedule your inspection in a timely manner.

We also recommend notifying your builder in writing that you intend to use our services and specifying which inspections you would like to be carried out. This allows your builder to inform you when each inspection will be ready.

No, we do not require anyone to be onsite for any of the stage inspections. However, we do need access to the dwelling once it is locked, which typically occurs after the plaster is up and you are nearing the Fixing stage. Typically, the Site Supervisor will open up the site then leave.

While we can provide you with the necessary knowledge and guidance to ensure your build complies with Australian Building Codes, Standards, and industry regulations, all communication and directives must come directly from you as the contract holder.

Elevate Building Inspections (EBI) does not have the authority to instruct or direct the builder. This responsibility remains solely with you, the contract holder. However, if your builder contacts us directly to schedule an inspection, we are happy to liaise with them and will keep you informed of any arrangements.

Our services are provided in accordance with our standard terms and conditions. Upon contacting us, a tax invoice will be sent to you prior to the scheduled inspection. Please note that full payment is required before the release of the final report.