Why Builder Exprience Matters

Why Builder Experience Matters in a Building Inspection

Not all building inspections are the same.

While most inspections follow the same standard, the experience of the person carrying it out makes a huge difference to what gets identified — and what gets missed.

As an ex-builder and registered building inspector, I don’t just look at whether something exists. I look at how it was built, why it was built that way, and what’s likely to fail over time.

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The Difference Between a Checklist and Construction Knowledge

Many inspections follow a checklist approach:

Is there a deck? ✔

Are there windows? ✔

Is there a bathroom? ✔

That meets the standard — but it doesn’t always tell the full story.

Builder experience adds another layer:

Is the deck constructed correctly?

Are the fixings suitable for exposure?

Is water likely to get trapped?

Was something altered during a renovation?

Those questions only come from time spent actually building and repairing houses.

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Common Issues Builders Spot That Others Often Miss

Over the years, there are patterns I see again and again.

🧱 Poor Ground Clearances

Timber and cladding installed too close to the ground is a major cause of rot and moisture damage.

It often looks “fine” on the day — but failure is only a matter of time.

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🪚 Structural Alterations During Renovations

Cut or notched joists to fit plumbing

Removed walls without proper support

Improvised packers or props

These aren’t always obvious unless you know what should be there — not just what is.

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🚿 Waterproofing Shortcuts

Bathrooms and showers can look tidy while hiding serious problems:

Incorrect shower sealing

Trapped water behind liners

Inadequate falls or drainage

A builder understands how water behaves, not just whether a surface looks clean.

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🪜 Deck & Balustrade Issues

Some of the most common defects I find are:

Undersized deck framing

Rusted or incorrect fixings

Balustrades that don’t meet height or safety requirements

These are safety issues — not cosmetic ones.

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Why “Looks OK” Isn’t the Same as “Built Right”

One of the most common phrases buyers hear is:

> “It’s been like that for years.”

Unfortunately, many building failures:

Start small

Get worse slowly

Only become obvious once major damage has occurred

A builder looks at:

Load paths

Water paths

Ventilation

Material compatibility

This helps identify future risk, not just current condition.

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Understanding How Houses Fail Over Time

Buildings don’t usually fail suddenly — they fail due to:

Trapped moisture

Inadequate clearances

Poor detailing

Incompatible materials

Deferred maintenance

Builder experience allows an inspection to focus on:

What will likely go wrong next

How serious that risk is

Whether it’s manageable or a deal-breaker

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How This Helps You as a Buyer

A builder-led inspection helps you:

Make informed decisions

Avoid expensive surprises

Understand which issues matter most

Budget realistically for future work

Negotiate with confidence

It’s not about finding every tiny flaw — it’s about identifying meaningful risk.

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Final Thoughts

All inspections follow standards.

Not all inspectors bring construction experience.

When you’re spending hundreds of thousands — or millions — on a property, experience matters.

At Book a Builder, inspections are carried out with:

Builder knowledge

Practical understanding

Clear explanations

Plain-English reporting

So you can buy with confidence — not assumptions.