Pre-Purchase Property Inspections
Brisbane, Gold Coast & Ipswich
Specialist inspections for waterproofing failures, concrete cancer, structural cracks and rising damp.
Service Details
Buying or selling a property, hidden defects can turn a straightforward transaction into a costly problem. Our pre-purchase and pre-sale inspections go beyond a standard building report, focusing on the issues that matter most in Queensland’s climate: waterproofing failures, concrete cancer, structural cracking and rising damp.
Using specialist equipment and years of hands-on remedial experience, we identify problems that general inspectors often miss — from failed shower waterproofing and spalling concrete to early signs of moisture ingress that can lead to expensive repairs down the track. You’ll receive a clear, easy-to-understand report outlining exactly what we found, the severity of any issues, and what it could cost to fix.
What Our Pre-Purchase Property Inspection Covers
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. A defect missed today can cost tens of thousands to fix tomorrow — and once you’ve settled, it’s yours to deal with. Our pre-purchase inspections give you the real picture before you sign, so you can negotiate with confidence, request repairs from the vendor, or walk away knowing exactly what you’d be taking on.
1. Commercial and Residential Waterproofing Inspection
Wet areas, bathrooms, balconies, roof decks, and below-ground waterproofing — assessed against AS 3740 / AS 4654.1 & .2.
2. Rising Damp Inspection
Moisture-meter mapped assessment to confirm presence, cause, and severity of rising or salt damp.
3. Concrete Cancer Inspection
Spalling, rust staining, and reinforcement corrosion in slabs, balconies, and structural concrete.
4. Structural & Below-Ground Assessment
Cracking, movement, and water-related deterioration across foundations, retaining walls, and basements.
Our Pre-Purchase Inspection Process
Book Your Inspection
Schedule your inspection during your cooling-off or due-diligence period. We coordinate directly with agents or vendors for seamless property access.
On-Site Forensic Testing
Comprehensive Digital Report
Expert Consultation
Why Choose S&S Remedial for Your Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Standard building inspectors often scratch the surface. As waterproofing and structural remedial specialists, our team brings advanced diagnostics to every inspection.
Specialist Focus, Not a Generic Checklist: We are experts in identifying complex building pathologies, including chronic moisture ingress, rising damp, concrete spalling (cancer), subfloor rot, and foundation cracking.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We utilize non-destructive technology such as thermal imaging cameras and high-precision moisture meters to detect hidden leaks behind walls and beneath wet areas before they show surface symptoms.
QBCC-Licensed Expertise: As a fully QBCC-licensed specialist, our assessments are backed by real trade experience, not just a visual walkthrough. We know what’s behind the wall, under the tiles, and in the foundations — because we’re the ones who fix these issues every day.
Actionable Negotiation Power: Our detailed reports outline defect severity, estimated repair scopes, and safety hazards, giving you the leverage to renegotiate the purchase price or walk away from a bad investment.
Protect Your Investment from the Ground Up
Don’t let hidden moisture become your problem after settlement. Secure a residential waterroofing inspection with Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s remedial experts.
07 2812 2774
COMPLIANCES
As an experienced Brisbane and Gold Coast pre-purchase property inspection specialist, compliance isn’t a checkbox—it’s the backbone of every report we deliver. As a fully QBCC-licensed specialist, we assess waterproofing, structural elements and damp-related defects against Australian Standards AS 3740 and AS 4654, so you know exactly where a property stands before you buy. We don’t just flag problems; we deliver certified, evidence-based reports that protect your investment, support your negotiations, and give you genuine peace of mind before you sign.
Signs Your Property May Have Rising Damp
Rising Damp Inspections
- Damp, discoloured patches on lower walls, often with a “tide mark”
- Peeling, bubbling or flaking paint and wallpaper near the base of walls
- A persistent musty or earthy smell, especially in enclosed rooms
- Salt deposits (white, powdery residue) on brickwork or plaster
Residential and Commercial Waterproofing Inspections
- Water stains or discolouration on ceilings below bathrooms or balconies
- Soft, spongy or lifting tiles in wet areas
- Mould or mildew around showers, grout lines or window frames
- Musty smells in bathrooms, laundries or near external decks
Concrete Cancer Inspections
Rust stains bleeding through concrete surfaces
Cracking or spalling (chunks of concrete breaking away)
Bulging or “bubbling” patches on concrete surfaces
Structural Crack Inspections
- Cracks wider than 5mm, or that run diagonally
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Cracks that reappear after patching
- Gaps forming between walls and ceilings or skirting boards
Brand We Trust
If our inspection uncovers waterproofing failures or concrete cancer, you don’t need to start searching for a separate contractor — we can fix what we find. From the initial inspection through to certified remediation, S&S Remedial gives you a single point of contact — so problems get fixed properly, not just documented.
Secure Your Investment with Confidence
Don’t leave your property transaction to chance. Whether you’re buying or selling, uncover the true condition of the building before the keys change hands.
CALL 07 2812 2774
Request a free quote, S&S Remedial Services Pty Ltd | QBCC License 15438819 | ABN 31 669 060 753
Testimonials
Excellent service from start to finish. The inspector was thorough and picked up several issues we would never have noticed ourselves. The pre-purchase residential waterproofing inspection gave us confidence before making our final decision
James Wilson
We’re so glad we arranged a basement waterproofing inspection before buying. A few hidden problems were identified that could have resulted in expensive repairs later. The report was detailed, clear, and easy to understand.
Sarah Mitchell
As a first-home buyer, I had no idea what to look for when inspecting a property. Everything was explained in plain English, and I felt much more confident knowing the condition of the home before making an offer.
Daniell Roberts
Very professional and reliable service. The bathroom waterproofing inspection was incredibly detailed, and the report clearly outlined the areas that needed attention. It made our property-buying decision so much easier.
Emily Thompson
We needed a pre-purchase house inspection completed quickly, and the service was fantastic. Everything was organised promptly, and we received a comprehensive report without any unnecessary delays. Highly recommended.
Michael Harris
Knowledgeable, professional, and easy to deal with. The residential waterproofing inspector answered all our questions and clearly explained which issues needed attention. It was well worth doing before committing to the property.
Andrew Collins
Project Gallery
Residential Epoxy Crack Injection
Residential rising damp on exterior wall
Commercial polyurethane crack injection
Commercial concrete crack injection
Membrane waterproofing
Residential retaining wall waterproofing
Commercial salt damp repairs
Concrete Rooftop Membrane Waterproofing
Frequently Asked Question
What does a residential waterproofing inspection check for?
What areas in Queensland do you serve?
Brisbane
- Teneriffe
- New Farm
- Ascot
- Hamilton
- Chandler
- Bulimba
- Hawthorne
- Highgate Hill
- West End
- Paddington
- Chelmer
- Fig Tree Pocket
- St Lucia
- Indooroopilly
- Wilston
- Clayfield
- Bardon
- Norman Park
- Kangaroo Point
- Auchenflower
Gold Coast
- Surfers Paradise
- Mermaid Beach
- Clear Island Waters
- Broadbeach Waters
- Tallebudgera Valley
- Bundall
- Mermaid Waters
- Paradise Point
- Guanaba
- Isle of Capri
- Paradise Waters
- Cronin Island
- Sanctuary Cove
- Hope Island
- Main Beach
- Southport
- Robina
- Tugun
- Arundel
- Burleigh Heads
Ipswich
- Brookwater
- Karalee
- Pine Mountain
- Springfield Lakes
- Augustine Heights
- South Ripley
- Ripley
- Bellbird Park
- Tivoli
- Thagoona
- Bundamba
- Redbank Plains
- Amberley
- Basin Pocket
- Richlands
- Lockyer Waters
- Wulkuraka
- Springfield
- Deebing Heights
What Are the Risks of Ignoring Rising Damp Over Time?
If rising damp is left unrepaired for a long time, it doesn’t just stay a cosmetic issue—it progressively damages both the building fabric and indoor environment. The effects tend to compound over time:
1. Structural deterioration
- Moisture continuously travels up through masonry via capillary action.
- This weakens mortar joints, causes plaster to crumble, and can lead to brick or block degradation.
- Timber elements (floor joists, skirting boards, door frames) can rot, especially in contact zones.
2. Salt contamination (efflorescence and subflorescence)
- Groundwater carries salts into the wall.
- These salts crystallize as moisture evaporates, leading to:
- White powder deposits (efflorescence)
- Internal crystal growth that breaks down plaster and masonry (subflorescence)
Even if the wall dries later, salts can keep attracting moisture, prolonging the problem.
3. Persistent mold and mildew growth
- Damp walls create ideal conditions for mold.
- This affects indoor air quality and can trigger respiratory health issues, allergies, and asthma.
- Untreated allergies leads to daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced productivity.
4. Damage to finishes and interiors
Peeling paint, bubbling plaster, staining, and warped finishes.
Floor coverings (wood, vinyl, carpet) may lift or decay.
Furniture placed near affected walls can also be damaged.
5. Reduced thermal performance
- Wet walls conduct heat more efficiently than dry ones.
- This means higher energy costs for cooling (especially relevant in humid climates like Brisbane).
6. Increased repair cost over time
Early-stage rising damp might only require localized treatment.
Long-term neglect often means:
Full replastering
Timber replacement
More invasive damp-proofing systems
7. Potential pest infestation issues
Damp environments attract termites and other pests that thrive in moist wood.