If you’re looking to buy a home, sell one, or even renovate, you’ve probably been told you need to inspect the house first — but what does that actually mean? More specifically, what does it mean to carry out a structural inspection?
Whether you’re in Perth, Rockingham or somewhere in the South West, understanding the process behind a structural inspection could be the difference between a confident investment and a very costly mistake.
Let’s walk through what’s really involved when you structurally inspect the house — and why it matters more than you might think.
Why You Should Inspect the House Before You Buy
In Perth, the building landscape varies dramatically — from new builds in Cockburn to heritage homes in Fremantle. And while many properties might look fine on the surface, what’s happening underneath — in the foundation, walls, roof frame or subfloor — is what tells the real story.
When you inspect the house, you’re doing more than just ticking a box. You’re uncovering whether the structure is sound, safe, and up to code. It’s not just about peace of mind; it’s about protecting your future self from nasty surprises like the house sinking, cracking, poor drainage, or hidden termite damage.
In fact, REIWA recommenda that buyers obtain a pre-purchase building inspection, which should include a structural component, before signing on the dotted line.
What Exactly Is a Structural Inspection?
A structural inspection focuses solely on the bones of the building — the parts of the house that literally hold everything up. This is quite different from a general building inspection, which also includes things like plumbing, electrics, finishes, and minor defects.
Here’s what’s typically assessed during a structural inspection:
Foundations and Footings: Movement, cracking or sinking
Walls and Load-Bearing Structures: Signs of cracking, bulging, dampness or bowing
Roof Frames and Ceiling Structures: Integrity, proper bracing, water damage or sagging
Subfloors (if applicable): Rot, ventilation, or pest-related damage
Retaining Walls and External Structures: If they pose structural risk
This inspection is carried out by a qualified inspector — in Western Australia, they should ideally be a registered builder, which ensures they have the expertise to identify not just what’s wrong, but why it’s wrong and what it means going forward.
The Difference Between a Structural and General Building Inspection
It’s worth clarifying something here. A lot of people assume that a general building inspection covers everything. But that’s not always the case.
A structural inspection is more narrowly focused but critical — especially when you’re buying an older property or something built before major regulatory changes like the introduction of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
If you’re looking at a more comprehensive inspection (which includes cosmetic issues, safety hazards, roofing, plumbing and so on), that’s where a Building + Inspection or a Comprehensive + Inspection from Broad Building Inspection comes in — both of which are commonly offered as part of pre-purchase inspection packages in Perth (see Broad Building Inspections’ service options here).
What’s Involved When Inspectors Structurally Inspect the House?
When inspectors inspect the house for structural integrity, it’s more than just a quick walk-through with a clipboard.
Here’s what happens during a typical structural inspection in Perth:
Site and Structure Evaluation The inspector assesses how the building sits on its site. Are there signs of movement? Are retaining walls leaning or cracking? Does the home show signs of earthworks done incorrectly?
Foundation and Slab Checks Using tools like a laser level and moisture meters, inspectors evaluate whether the slab is level and dry. They look for signs of movement such as hairline cracks or corner lifting.
Internal and External Wall Review Inspectors check both the visible and structural elements of walls for signs of stress or load failure. Cracks wider than 5mm, for example, can indicate significant issues.
- Roof Space Assessment This includes looking for water damage, sagging trusses, insufficient tie-downs or insulation problems.
Subfloor (If Applicable) For homes with raised floors, the subfloor is assessed for moisture, pests, wood rot or poor ventilation.
Photos and Reporting All findings are documented, usually with high-resolution photos. A good inspection report — like those provided within 24 hours by Broad Building Inspections — is clear, visual and easy to interpret.
You can read more about what goes into this process in our Construction Inspections page, especially for new builds.
Why Structural Inspections Are So Critical in Perth
Perth has unique geological challenges. Much of our housing is built on reactive clay soils, which are prone to movement when they absorb water and shrink in dry conditions. This movement can cause serious cracking in slabs, walls and other structural elements if not addressed properly at build time or during renovation.
Add to that our bushfire zones, high UV exposure and termite activity, and it’s easy to see why it’s essential to inspect the house thoroughly — not just visually, but structurally.
If you’re buying in an area like Baldivis, Atwell, or Aubin Grove, a structural inspection is an absolute must. These newer suburbs have seen rapid development, and while many homes are newly built, build quality can still vary greatly — especially under tight project timelines.
What If the Inspection Reveals Issues?
It’s not uncommon for a structural inspection to uncover concerns. But that doesn’t mean the house is a write-off.
You might find:
Minor cracks that are cosmetic
Past repairs that need monitoring
Drainage issues affecting subfloors
Termite damage limited to non-structural areas
The goal of a structural inspection isn’t to scare you — it’s to give you facts. This way, you can negotiate a better price, request repairs, or even walk away if needed.
Getting an independent (not aligned with real estate agents or builders), like Broad Building Inspections is critical to ensure that you are getting the honest truth.
When Should You Structurally Inspect the House?
Here are key times when it’s wise to structurally inspect the house:
Before Purchase: Especially for older homes or if you notice signs of wear
Before Renovations: To check load-bearing structures before knocking down walls
Before Handover of New Builds: To ensure your builder has met structural requirements
If You Notice New Cracks or Movement: Often due to seasonal soil shifts or leaking plumbing
You can explore Practical Completion Inspections if you’re nearing the end of a build.
Conclusion: Inspect the House Before It’s Too Late
When you inspect the house, especially through a proper structural inspection, you’re giving yourself the tools to make smart, safe decisions. You’re not just buying four walls and a roof — you’re investing in your family’s future security, safety, and financial wellbeing.
Whether you’re in Perth’s CBD, out in the suburbs, or building from scratch, a structural inspection is one of the most valuable tools in your homeowner’s toolkit. Contact Broad Building Inspections for a Structural Inspection today.
If you’re ready for clarity, peace of mind, and an expert eye you can trust, Broad Building Inspections is here to help. Our registered inspectors are Perth locals who know what to look for and deliver detailed reports within 24 hours. Book your inspection today — and know exactly what you’re getting into.
👉 Book an Inspection Now or call us directly to chat through your needs.