Bidding at Auction? Know What You’re Buying Before You Raise Your Number.
Once the hammer falls, there's no walking away. Inspect East Building Inspections gets an independent inspector to the property and a clear, photo-rich report back to you within 24 hours — so you bid with your eyes open, not on hope.
- 24-hour report turnaround
- No ties to agents or vendors
- Inspections 6 days a week
Why Inspect Before You Bid
Auction Day Is the Wrong Time to Find Out
Bidding on a property at auction means deciding, in the moment, whether it’s really worth the number you’re about to call out — with no chance to negotiate on anything you find later.
Your insurance won’t cover what was already wrong
Home and contents insurance only ever covers what happens after you own the place. Any damage, decay or termite activity that was already there before settlement — including a pre-existing pest infestation — is yours to pay for, not your insurer’s.
There’s no "subject to inspection" at auction
Once the hammer falls and your bid is accepted, the sale is unconditional. You won’t get the chance to walk away, renegotiate, or ask the vendor to fix anything you find afterwards — the time to know is before you raise your number, not after.
A small spend now beats a big surprise later
A pre-auction inspection costs a fraction of what an undetected structural problem, roof leak or termite infestation can cost you down the track. It’s cheap insurance for the biggest purchase most people make.
Our Process
24 Hours, Start to Finish
We know auction dates don’t move. Here’s how we get you a full report before you have to raise your hand.
- 01
Call Us, Any Day of the Week
We operate six days a week and know auctions move fast. Tell us the property address and your auction date — even if it’s only 48 hours away — and we’ll get an inspector out before you have to bid.
- 02
A Full On-Site Inspection
One of our inspectors attends the property and assesses every accessible area — roof space, subfloor, structure, moisture, drainage and more — the same way we would for any pre-purchase inspection, just on a tighter clock.
- 03
Your Report Within 24 Hours
You get a clear, photo-rich report in plain English — what we found, what it means, and what it could cost to fix — in time to walk into the auction knowing exactly what you’re bidding on.
What We Check
What a Pre-Auction Inspection Covers
Every inspection is carried out in accordance with the appropriate Australian Standards — here’s what we’re looking at before you bid.
Structural & Building Condition
Roof, walls, subfloor, drainage and moisture — every accessible area checked and reported in accordance with the appropriate Australian Standards, the same rigour as our full pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-Purchase Building InspectionPest & Termite Activity
Termites don’t show up on a real estate listing. We check for live activity, past damage and the conditions that invite it — book it alongside your pre-auction inspection as a Building & Pest combo.
Building & Timber Pest CombinedAsbestos & Other Hazards
Older Melbourne homes can still contain asbestos in sheeting, eaves or flooring. If the property warrants it, we’ll flag it and can arrange a dedicated asbestos inspection ahead of your bid.
Asbestos InspectionsSee What You Get
A Report You Can Actually Walk Into Auction With
No jargon, no vague ratings — just clear findings, photographs, and what each issue could mean for your bid. Ask us for a sample report so you know exactly what you’ll be working with.
Somewhere Else in the Buying Process?
Not Buying at Auction? We’ve Got You Covered Too
Whatever stage of buying or selling you’re at, there’s an Inspect East service built for it.
Pre-Purchase Building Inspection
Buying off-market or through a private sale instead of at auction? Same thorough, AS 4349.1-compliant inspection, on your timeline.
Learn moreBuilding & Timber Pest Combined
One visit, two reports — a full building inspection plus a dedicated timber pest and termite assessment.
Learn morePre-Sales Building Inspections
Selling instead of buying? Get ahead of any surprises before your own property goes under the hammer.
Learn moreWhere We Work
We Cover Auctions Across Melbourne’s East and South-East
From Blackburn to Camberwell, Doncaster to Glen Waverley and Ringwood — wherever the auction is, we can get an inspector there in time.
- Balwyn
- Balwyn North
- Blackburn
- Box Hill
- Bulleen
- Camberwell
- Canterbury
- Croydon
- Doncaster
- Doncaster East
- Donvale
- Eltham
- Forest Hill
- Glen Iris
- Glen Waverley
- Hawthorn
- Heathmont
- Kew
- Knoxfield
- Lilydale
- Mitcham
- Mont Albert
- Mooroolbark
- Mount Waverley
- Mulgrave
- Nunawading
- Ringwood
- Rowville
- Surrey Hills
- Templestowe
- Vermont
- Wantirna
- Warrandyte
- Wheelers Hill
- … and surrounds
FAQ
Common questions about pre-auction inspections.
Can’t see your question? Call us on (03) 8657 0007.
The auction is only two days away — can you really turn a report around that fast?
Will my home and contents insurance cover any faults found after I buy?
Can’t I just make my bid conditional on a building inspection?
Do you have any relationship with the agent, builder or vendor?
Can a pre-auction inspection cover pest and termite as well as the building?
What if I’m not happy with the inspection or report?
Book Your Inspection
Buy with confidence. Sleep at night.
Whether your auction is this weekend or your inspection clause expires Friday, Brett can usually be on-site within 24–48 hours and have your report in your inbox the next morning.
Request your free, fast quote
Reply within the hour, 7 days a week.