DIY Building Inspection Checklist for Perth Homes
Looking to buy a home in Perth or wondering if your current property has hidden issues lurking beneath the surface? You're not alone. After inspecting hundreds of homes across Perth's suburbs over the past decade, I've seen far too many buyers discover costly problems after settlement – problems that could have been spotted with the right knowledge.
Here's something that might surprise you: many Perth suburbs like Ellenbrook, Byford, and parts of Canning Vale sit on reactive clay soils. This means undetected structural movement, moisture ingress, and pest issues are more common than you might think.
That's exactly why I've put together this comprehensive, do-it-yourself building inspection checklist – specifically tailored to Perth's unique challenges. It won't replace a professional inspection, but it will give you the confidence to spot the red flags before you make one of life's biggest investments.
Who Should Use This Checklist?
This DIY building & pest inspection checklist is designed for everyday homeowners and buyers across Perth and surrounding suburbs. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a practical, visual guide to help identify red flags — before they become expensive surprises.
✅ Pre-Purchase Home Buyers -Use this checklist during open homes or private inspections to help you look beyond surface finishes and spot red flags before making an offer.
✅ Current Homeowners - Whether you’ve been in your home for years or just moved in, regular visual checks can catch early signs of movement, moisture, or timber pest activity — especially in older or clay-based soil areas.
✅ Landlords & Property Managers - Stay ahead of maintenance and protect your rental asset by using the checklist during tenant changeovers or routine inspections.
What's in the Perth Building Inspection Checklist
Exterior & Site - Check for wall cracks, rusty gutters, loose roof tiles, and proper water drainage. Pro tip: view properties after Perth rainfall to see how water drains away from the house.
Structural Movement - Look for sloping floors, sticking doors, and gaps between skirting boards and walls. Perth's clay soils make this especially important in newer developments around Baldivis and Ellenbrook.
Moisture & Drainage - Spot bubbling paint, musty smells, and water stains. Check that subfloor vents aren't blocked by garden beds - poor ventilation leads to moisture buildup and timber damage.
Timber Pest Risk - Listen for hollow-sounding wood, look for mud trails on walls, and check termite barriers. Properties near bushland (Roleystone, Kalamunda) need extra attention.
Interior Condition - Focus on sagging ceilings, major wall damage, window/door operation, and bathroom sealing. Test taps and check wet areas thoroughly.
Roof Space (If Safe) - Look for water stains, check insulation is dry, and ensure timber looks straight and pest-free.
How to Use the Checklist
When: Before buying, during open homes, or for seasonal maintenance checks.
What you need: Flashlight, phone for photos, and the checklist. No special tools required.
Time: 30-60 minutes for most homes.
Try to view properties at different times if possible - that weekend open home might not show you how the property handles Perth's storms.
When to Call the Professionals?
This DIY checklist covers what you can see, but some serious issues hide behind walls. Professional inspectors use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and pest detection tools that reveal problems invisible to the naked eye.
Our inspections follow Australian Standards AS 4349, covering structural, pest, and safety elements beyond any DIY checklist.
Call professionals immediately if you find:
Structural cracks over 2mm wide
Signs of active termites
Significant moisture problems
Unusual floor or wall movement
Trusted Inspectors by Locals
Based in Gosnells, we've been helping Perth families make informed property decisions for years.
Most of our clients tell us they wish they'd known what to look for earlier in their property journey. That's exactly why we've made this checklist available – to help you start that journey with your eyes wide open.
Whether you need a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection, annual pest monitoring, or specialist advice on a specific concern, we're here to help Perth homeowners protect their investments.