1. What does a pre-purchase inspection include?
A pre-purchase inspection includes a mobile inspection, a digital report that includes road tests, photos and a CarFacts history report for Vehicles.
For property the inspection includes visitation to the site, a digital inspection report that may contain water tests, structural evaluation, photos and recommendations on what was found on the day of the visual inspection.
2. How long does the inspection take?
Inspections can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on the type, size, age and condition of the vehicle/Property.
3.a What is checked in the inspection? (Vehicles)
Interior: seats, seat belts, other trims, radio, rear window demister, air-conditioning, heater demister, washer/wipers, horn, doors, locks, hinges, window operation, warning lights and gauges, dash, and all other lights.
Exterior: rust, body repairs, glass/mirrors, sunroof, aerial, convertible (if applicable), frames and members, under body parts, front suspension, rear suspension, steering components, auto/manual transmission, exhaust, differential, and drive shafts.
Engine Bay: engine noise, fluid level, fluid leaks, mountings, hoses/pipes, water pump/fan, ignition system, fuel system, battery, radiator/cap, drive belt/pulleys, brake booster, and master cylinder/ABS.
Tires, Wheels and Brakes: tires, wheel rims, spare tire/rim, brake hose callipers/pipes, brake pads, brake discs, brake linings, wheel cylinders, brakes and drums, park brake, and wheel bearings.
Road Test: ease of starting idle, engine noise, engine performance, exhaust smoke/emissions, gearbox auto/manual, differential, steering/suspension, brake operation, speedo, cruise control, 4WD (if applicable), camshaft/drive belt, and owner’s manual.
The inspection of any vehicle undertaken is visual only; no removal of parts or components is undertaken during the inspection process. Please refer to the terms & conditions for more information.
3.b What is checked in the inspection? (Property)
Inspection of buildingsfor Timber Pests and Building inspections. Visual inspection is limited to those areas and sections of the property to which reasonable access was both available and permitted on the date of Inspection. The inspection DOES NOT include breaking apart, dismantling, removing or moving objects including, but not limited to, foliage, mouldings, roof insulation/sisalation, floor or wall coverings, sidings, ceilings, floors, furnishings, appliances or personal possessions. The inspector CANNOT see inside walls, between floors, inside skillion roofing, inside the eaves, behind stored goods in cupboards, in other areas that are concealed or obstructed. The inspector DID NOT dig, gouge, force or perform any other invasive procedures. An invasive inspection will not be performed unless a separate contract is entered into. In an occupied property it must be understood that furnishings or household items may be concealing evidence of Timber Pests and Building issues which may only be revealed when the items are moved or removed. In the case of Strata type properties only the interior of the unit is inspected.
4. What is not checked in the inspection? (Vehicles)
Brake function and lining material, brake drums, limited to what is immediately visible
Evidence of brake fluid contamination/hydraulic fluid
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) mechanics
Meters indicating oil and fuel consumption or the degree of oil and fuel consumption
Reason for oil leaks
Oil pump strainer to assess sludge build up
Wheel cylinders
Vehicle electrics and electronics
Transmission mechanics
Engine cylinder compression
Engine mountings
Water pump/fan
Body water leaks or reason for leaks
Odometer and camshaft belt, drive belt and timing belt;
Estimated expiry of exhaust system, clutch, dual mass flywheels
Standard to which repairs or service history have been completed
Functionality of audio-visual or entertainment system including CD, Cassette, TV, DVD, iPod connectivity, sensors, alarm/security devices, satellite navigation systems/GPS
Degree of gas emissions
Catalytic converters
Additional accessories included as a result of owner’s modifications
Mechanical switching of wipers and lights
LPG systems
Air conditioning efficiency
Status of habitation areas of motorhomes or caravans
Vehicle’s computer systems, such as trip meter computers, cruise control and any other computer systems
Technical systems
5. Does the inspector go to the vehicle/property owner’s house to conduct the inspection?
Yes, you will need to confirm this when talking to your nominated inspector. Your Inspector is in most cases a mobile inspection service. Inspectors will conduct the inspection at a home, work place or car dealership. When booking the inspection, you’ll need to specify the location, by submitting this location you confirm that the seller/Real-estate agent or owner has consented to you providing their details to the inspection firm to Inspect for the purposes of being contacted by an inspector to conduct an inspection of the item being sold.
6. Do I need to be at the inspection?
It is not necessary for you to be present during the inspection; however, you are welcome to attend.
7. Once I book the inspection online, how quickly is the inspection complete?
The inspection is aimed to be complete within 48 hours of the booking, however this is subject to change depending on the location of the property/Vehicle and the seller’s availability. The inspection report will be delivered within 24 hours of the inspection being completed. For more information please refer to the terms & conditions.
8. What qualifications do the inspectors who Inspect have?
All inspectors are fully qualified Licensed and insured with specialist experience conducting vehicle/property inspections. All inspector’s companies have been vetted by Inspection Helper to ensure they are professional and are capable of carrying out inspection reports to a high quality