- Geelong , Ballarat and Melbourne Metropolitan Suburbs
Builder’s Warranty Insurance (also known as Home Warranty Insurance or Domestic Building Insurance) is a legal requirement for builders before starting any residential construction or renovation in Victoria. This insurance protects homeowners against financial loss from incomplete or defective building work caused by builder negligence or insolvency.
In Victoria, the warranty period for non-structural and minor defects usually lasts two years from the date of practical completion. For structural and major defects, this period extends up to six years. Some states even offer coverage of up to ten years for major structural issues. Scheduling your builder warranty inspection well before your warranty expires is important so that your builder is still obligated to carry out any necessary repairs.
Warranties generally cover defects in workmanship and materials, but do not include general wear and tear or damage caused by the homeowner. If you’re unsure whether a defect is covered by your warranty, our experienced building inspectors can assess the issue and provide a clear, detailed report explaining what your builder is responsible for.
Keep in mind that builder warranty insurance coverage varies across states. It is typically divided into two categories: shorter coverage for non-structural and minor defects, and longer coverage for structural and major defects. Owner-builders should be aware that their obligations may differ from those of licensed builders. Our inspector is happy to explain how these warranty periods apply to your specific situation.
Your builder’s warranty period has an expiry date. Once it passes, every defect becomes your problem and your cost. A building warranty inspection before that deadline is a crucial step to protect yourself.
Your builder is legally obligated to fix defects, but only while the warranty is active. Our qualified inspectors in the Geelong and Melbourne metropolitan area identify every outstanding defect your builder must address. The comprehensive report includes photographic evidence of major, minor, and structural defects, as well as safety hazards, everything you need to hold your builder accountable.
Hidden problems are common in new builds. An independent builder warranty inspection can reveal defects caused by rushed construction, poor workmanship, or missed building code compliance. Water damage, incomplete building work and non-compliance with Australian standards are among the most common defects we find during warranty inspections. Addressing these before your warranty period expires saves you from paying for repairs out of pocket.
You get a report you can actually use. Our building inspectors have deep knowledge of the building codes and the Building Act. They carry out a thorough inspection of every accessible area of your property. The warranty report you receive is a very detailed report covering structural defects, non-structural issues and safety hazards. You can use this report to communicate defect issues directly to your builder or to support warranty claims.
Defects identified during warranty inspections can impact property value and safety. This makes timely builder warranty inspections a crucial step for all property owners.
Your builder’s warranty report is a tool you can use at every stage of the process.
Contact our friendly team for a free quote. We provide transparent, fixed-fee pricing with no hidden charges. We cover Geelong, Melbourne metropolitan suburbs, and regional Victoria. We can also coordinate with your real estate agent or conveyancer to schedule the inspection at a time that works for everyone.
Once booked, our building inspectors are on site within days. The inspection typically takes one to two hours, depending on the size of the property. Your inspector examines every accessible area, including the interior, exterior, sub-floor, roof space and all outbuildings. We use professional-grade equipment throughout the inspection to detect hidden defects and accurately document every finding.
After the warranty inspection, you receive a phone call summarising the key findings. Your detailed report follows the same day or the next business day. Our turnaround time is one of the fastest in the industry. If you need your report urgently, ask about our same-day reporting option.
We are builders who became inspectors. Our building inspectors are registered building practitioners with years of experience on construction sites. They know where builders cut corners because they have seen it firsthand. Every builder warranty inspection is carried out by a qualified inspector in accordance with Australian standards and the Building Act.
We work for you, not the builder. Ripple Building Inspections is a fully independent inspection service with no ties to builders, real estate agents, or developers. That means our builder’s warranty report tells you exactly what we find. No softening, no omissions, no conflicts of interest.
Thousands of inspections. One standard. We have completed thousands of building inspections across Geelong and Melbourne. Our inspection reports are known for their great detail, great communication, and professional presentation. We deliver a user friendly builders warranty report that makes it easy for you to understand the condition of your property and take action.
Fast, flexible, and easy to deal with. Our friendly service and fast turnaround time make the process stress-free. We are available at short notice and can accommodate urgent bookings. Whether you need a builder warranty inspection, a building and pest inspection, or a pest inspection, our friendly team is here to help. The professional inspection you receive from us is greatly appreciated by homeowners and real estate agents across Victoria.
Ripple Building Inspections provides builder warranty inspections and building inspections across the following areas.
The cost of a builder warranty inspection varies depending on factors such as property size, location, and the complexity of the building work completed. For detailed pricing information, please contact Ripple Building Inspections directly. We offer fixed-fee pricing with no hidden charges and provide a professional service that includes same-day or next-business-day reporting.
They cover different things. A builder’s warranty inspection focuses specifically on defective building work and whether the builder has met the required Australian standards during construction. It is about holding your builder accountable. A building and pest inspection is a broader property assessment that includes a pest inspection for termites and other timber pests. It is about understanding the property’s overall condition. Both warranty inspections and building and pest inspections produce separate inspection reports. If you want the full picture, you can book them together for complete peace of mind about your property’s condition.
Yes, and it is not optional. In Victoria, owner-builders who completed building work within the past 6.5 years must provide a Section 137B inspection report to prospective buyers before signing the contract. Without it, the sale cannot proceed. The builder’s warranty report documents any defects or incomplete items related to the owner-builder works. Owner-builders may also need home indemnity insurance or Domestic Building Insurance, depending on the scope and value of the works. If you are unsure what applies to your situation, our building inspectors can guide owner-builders through the full process from inspection to settlement.
Fast. You will receive your builder’s warranty report on the same day or the next business day after the warranty inspection. Our inspector will also call you to discuss the key findings before the written report arrives, so you are not left guessing. If you need your report urgently, ask about our same-day priority reporting. Our turnaround time is one of the fastest in the industry and is greatly appreciated by our clients and their real estate agents.
Ripple Building Inspections is a premier building and pest inspection company proudly servicing Victoria.
0468 480 066
