We get asked these questions every week. Here are honest answers from Laura Vella, owner of Jim’s Building Inspections, Dee Why. This article covers 8 of the most common questions about building inspections.
Watch the video above, or keep reading for the full Q&A.
What is your background?
Laura’s background is as an accredited private certifier with 13 years in the industry.
She describes the move into building inspections as a great transition because it lets her help people through a major life decision. Most clients want a clear read on risk, not a confusing technical document.
Her focus stays practical: explain what matters, what it means, and what to do next.
What services and reports do you provide?
Laura provides pre-purchase building and pest inspections.
She also completes dilapidation reports prior to people building, plus new construction inspections for people building their own home and wanting progress inspections along the way.
On top of that, she offers asbestos inspections, tax depreciation reports, and other services depending on what the client needs.
For a clear reference point on what “thorough” looks like, see this.
What common building problems do you find?
Laura says the big ticket items are major structural defects, including cracking, moisture damage, leaking showers, termite damage, and settlement and subsidence.
She frames these as money problems, not just building problems. They can cost a lot of money to rectify or cause financial hardship down the track when buyers take possession of the property.
If Laura flags cracking, moisture damage, leaking showers, termite damage, settlement, or subsidence, she treats it as a risk and cost conversation straight away. Those defects can be expensive to fix and can turn into financial hardship after settlement. That’s why buyers need clear answers early, while they still have options.
For a buyer-focused explanation of why inspections matter before you commit, read this.
What’s the difference between Jim’s and other Building Inspectors?
Laura says the difference is accountability with Jim’s Group, because franchisees own what they do and become the face of the brand.
In practical terms, she links that accountability to the standard of service delivered to customers. The goal is not only to identify defects, but to make sure clients understand what they are looking at and where they stand with the property.
How is the franchising system?
Laura says the franchise has been great because it lets franchisees work independently while still having support around marketing, IT, and building the business.
She also points to the value of the network. Seeing people who have been doing this for 12 years shows what long-term progression can look like, and it helps newer franchisees build with guidance instead of guessing.
If someone wants to understand the entry steps and what to organise first, this page helps.
What’s the process of calling a Building Inspector?
Laura says clients typically engage a building inspector during the cooling-off period prior to that period expiring.
That timing matters because it allows clients to be as informed as possible for their property purchase while they still have room to act on what they learn. She still recommends booking as early as possible, but cooling off is usually the most common window.
The simple takeaway: the earlier the inspection happens, the more control the buyer keeps.
What level is your service?
Laura says the service level is different because Jim’s Building Inspections prioritises one-on-one contact with the client, including a phone call after the report is sent.
She explains that she talks clients through complex matters in layman’s terms, so they understand where they stand with the property. She also describes the reports as clearly set out, easy to understand, and written without jargon.
Laura also welcomes clients who want to attend the inspection. She says she has never said no to someone who wants to be there, and she contrasts that with inspectors who may avoid it because they are not on-site long enough to spot the defects that matter.
Swimming pool inspections
Laura says Jim’s Group is launching into swimming pool certification, covering properties being sold or leased in New South Wales that have a swimming pool.
She explains that certification can be done by council or a registered inspector, and that Jim’s Group has inspectors who can provide that service. She also notes the turnaround is usually 24 hours when sellers or landlords need a certificate quickly.
She positions this as a practical summer safety move: keep pools compliant, safe, and ready for the warmer months.
To book an inspection, call 131 546 or make an enquiry at jims.net.