Adelaide Independent Building Inspections AIBI

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Adelaide Independent Building Inspections AIBI . Our reports assist our clients in making a more informed decision about their acquisition.

AIBI provides independent residential and commercial building inspections for pre-purchased, newly built, stage construction and rental properties and engineering design review service. Our inspector is a registered master inspector, building consultant and chartered engineer with a strong background in engineering who is recognised in the industry as being highly capable of undertaking property inspections and issuing reports in accordance with Australian Standard AS4349.0 and AS4349.1. The inspection report our clients receive is based on our master inspector’s visual inspection of the property and is provided in a detailed and easy to understand format with accompanying photographs that enable our client to form a better understanding of the condition of the property. Our building consultant is highly qualified to offer engineering design review of new, extension and alteration of residential house that enable our client to understand if the design the client receive from their builder or design consultant is an optimum and cost effective solution for the build. AIBI and our inspector have no conflict of interest or is likely to have any interest, financial benefits, advantages or otherwise with any real estate companies, real estate agent, builders and building works contractors, thus, we always formulate and provide our clients with unbiased opinions when we undertake inspection, building consultancy and engineering design review.

22/10/2026

Steel Frame Inspection

Missing roof truss tie-down fixings identified during a steel frame inspection.

These connections are important for transferring wind uplift forces from the lightweight roof into the supporting structure as designed.

A bracket may look installed — but without the required fixings, the connection is incomplete.

Another example of why frame structure is best inspected while they remain visible and accessible.

AIBI | Adelaide Independent Building Inspections

21/10/2026

Window & Glazing Inspection — One Standards Mark Does Not Tell the Whole Story

During this inspection, several requirements were identified as missing from the window and glazing installation.

The complete window assemblies had no AS 2047 identification marking, the insulating glass units had no AS 4666 marking, and the large clear glazed panels had no visibility marking to help prevent accidental human impact.

Although an AS 2208 mark was present, this identifies the safety glazing only — it does not demonstrate that the other requirements for the glazing and complete window assembly have been satisfied.

Different Australian Standards address different parts of the window and glazing system. Seeing one Standards mark does not necessarily mean everything else has been addressed.

AIBI | Adelaide Independent Building Inspections

Understanding the Difference Between Building & Timber Pest InspectionsIn today’s market, it is common for building and ...
06/10/2026

Understanding the Difference Between Building & Timber Pest Inspections

In today’s market, it is common for building and timber pest inspections to be offered as a combined service. While this can be convenient, it is important for purchasers to understand who is carrying out each part of the inspection, their qualifications, and the limitations of the service being provided.

The difference can become particularly important when evidence of possible termite activity is identified.

Some inspectors offering combined building and timber pest inspections may identify signs of termite activity or damage and provide general recommendations, but they may not be licensed pest controllers through SA Health. Where further investigation or pest control work is required, the purchaser may then need to engage a separate pest control company.

South Australian Government guidance recommends engaging a pest controller to determine whether termite activity is present and, where necessary, undertake the appropriate course of action.

This can be particularly relevant when purchasing a property under a 2-business-day cooling-off period, where arranging an additional inspection can mean extra time and cost during an already time-sensitive decision.

SA Health separately administers licensing for pest control work in South Australia. However, the fact that an inspector does not hold a pest control licence does not, by itself, mean they cannot undertake a timber pest inspection. The important distinction is understanding what the inspector is qualified and licensed to do if a potential termite issue is identified.

Comparing inspection prices is reasonable, but price alone does not show the full scope, qualifications or limitations of the service.

When purchasing a property worth hundreds of thousands — and often millions — it is worth asking:

● Who is carrying out the building inspection?
● Who is carrying out the timber pest inspection?
● And if termite activity is suspected, what happens next?

Understanding those differences before engaging an inspector can help avoid unexpected referrals, additional inspections and delays when time matters most.

03/09/2026

A newly completed ensuite may look ready for handover, but closer inspection can tell a different story.

During this pre-handover inspection, several issues were identified within one ensuite, including:

• inadequate continuity between the waterstop and the waterproofing detail at the sliding door;
• inadequate floor gradient within the shower area; and
• a shower control installed approximately 2.1 metres above floor level, making normal operation difficult.

Some defects are not readily apparent during a general walkthrough. Appropriate inspection, measurement and assessment of the construction details can identify issues that should be addressed before handover.

02/09/2026

Defects don’t always stop at the property boundary.

During our inspections of two new townhouses within this development, gravel backfill associated with the new works was observed extending to the boundary and covering the termite inspection zone of the neighbouring property.

The condition not only obstructs visual inspection of the termite inspection zone, but may also provide a concealed pathway for termite entry and conceal evidence of termite activity.

This is particularly concerning where the neighbouring dwelling incorporates timber-framed construction.

A building inspection should not be limited to looking at individual components in isolation. Construction works can affect adjoining elements — and sometimes adjoining properties.

Sometimes, you need to look beyond the property you’re inspecting.

01/09/2026

A box gutter defect should not always be considered in isolation.

During this pre-handover inspection, the box gutter was observed without adequate sump and overflow provision. Further inspection of the adjoining external wall also identified concerns with the box gutter height and flashing arrangement.

At several locations, the weatherproofing detail relied heavily on silicone sealant rather than appropriate flashing construction. Sealants can deteriorate with age and should not be relied upon as the primary means of providing long-term weatherproofing where appropriate construction detailing is required.

Other sections were observed without adequate sealing at all — despite the property approaching handover.

The combination of inadequate box gutter overflow provision and deficient flashing can increase the potential consequences if the gutter becomes blocked or overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.

One construction defect can make another defect more significant.

08/08/2026

Site drainage is not something that only matters after landscaping is completed.

AS2870:2011 contains requirements for controlling surface drainage and runoff during construction, together with requirements relating to excavations, backfilling and fill around footing systems.

At this pre-handover inspection, observations included uncontrolled surface runoff, downpipe discharge onto natural ground adjacent to the building, inadequately backfilled areas and exposed fill/slope susceptible to erosion.

These conditions should not simply be dismissed as future landscaping works where they affect the moisture conditions and support around the footing system.

Independent inspections can identify issues that may otherwise remain at handover.

07/08/2026

An overhead shower head installed at approximately 1.8 m above the finished floor may technically operate, but its practical usability should also be considered.

With the average Australian male around 1.75 m tall, this installation leaves very little head clearance. Taller occupants may find the shower head positioned at or below head level.

A pre-handover inspection is not only about identifying major defects — it can also identify workmanship and installation issues that affect the practical use of the completed home.

02/08/2026

This tie-down anchor should have been fully supported by properly installed non-shrink grout. Instead, cracking has left part of the anchor exposed.

Identifying defects at the timber frame stage allows them to be assessed and rectified before they are concealed, helping to reduce costly rectification later.

31/07/2026

A bedroom window was observed with a sill height below 1.7 metres and an opening exceeding 125 mm.

The National Construction Code includes requirements intended to reduce the risk of young children falling from open windows in these situations. Where the observed construction does not follow the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions, the builder should demonstrate compliance with the NCC or arrange appropriate rectification.

This is the type of safety issue an independent pre-handover inspection is intended to identify before you move in.

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Adelaide, SA
5000

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 1pm
Sunday 8am - 1pm

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