How much does a building consultant cost?

A standard pre-purchase building inspection costs $400–$700 in most of Australia, while detailed defect or dilapidation reports run $800–$3,500.

Typical price band

$600typical

$350 low$3,500 high

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Real-world examples

Pre-purchase building inspection$350 – $700

Combined building & pest inspection$450 – $900

Detailed defect or dilapidation report$800 – $3,500

— Report type & depth. A visual pre-purchase check costs far less than a forensic defect report prepared for a dispute.

— Property size. Larger homes, multiple storeys and granny flats add inspection time.

— Access. Restricted roof voids and subfloors limit what can be inspected or take longer to reach.

— Turnaround. Same-day or pre-auction reports usually attract a premium.

— Expert witness work. Reports for tribunals or court are charged at professional hourly rates and cost significantly more.

— Check the consultant carries professional indemnity insurance and ask what the report does and doesn't cover.

— Bundling building and pest inspections is almost always cheaper than booking them separately.

— For new builds, a handover inspection before final payment gives you leverage to get defects fixed.

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Indicative range only, not a quote. Get quotes from local tradies for an exact price. Last updated 13 July 2026.

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