Unfortunately, these days self interest often gets in the way of ethical business practices and not all building inspection firms are what they appear. You could still end up with a lemon of a property if your choice of building inspector is made hastily, or for the wrong reasons.

There are restrictions on who can conduct pre-purchase inspections from the 1st of January 2001. Building inspectors must be licensed with the Building Services Authority and we recommend you ask to see your building inspector's licence. However, the fact that your inspector is licensed, is not a guarantee of an effective building inspection.

Consider the following:

	Some building inspectors are in business solely to generate repair and renovating work from buyers or owners of properties they find fault with. Your chances of getting an objective and independent report from these operators are greatly reduced.
	Some building inspectors generate most of their inspections through real estate agents in return for 'agent friendly' reports. Everyone wins except you, the buyer.
	Not all building inspectors carry professional indemnity insurance for their work. This could end up extremely costly if you needed to make a claim for damages or losses, resulting from an unsatisfactory building inspection.
	Not all building inspectors have the professional training and everyday experience that a specialist in the field has. An untrained eye can easily overlook an existing defect, or a potential maintenance problem.
	Part time or temporary building inspectors need not be concerned about the quality or accuracy of their reports, or the reputation they develop, because, most probably, they won't be in the same business for long enough.

You have too much at stake to entrust a building inspection to any of the above. So for your protection you should observe the following guidelines:

	Deal only with reputable, specialist building inspectors – not part timers
	Ensure that they are specifically trained in this area
	Ensure that they are independent of real estate agents so to avoid conflict of interest
	Check that they carry Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance cover
	Check that they are registered with the Queensland Building Services Authority, and are members of Master Builders Association and Housing Industry Association
	Ask if they are happy for you to meet them on site and discuss their findings
	Be wary of real estate agents arranging inspections on your behalf
	Don't let price be the major factor in your choice of building inspector. It is wise to pay a few dollars more for a totally thorough inspection, by a suitably qualified and experienced inspector.
	Always ask how long they will spend on site and make them aware you will be checking on them.