It's your purchase. It's your right to choose your own inspector.
Before you accept a building and pest inspector recommended by the selling agent, it's worth understanding why that recommendation may not be working in your favour.
Whose side is the agent on?
A selling agent works for the seller. That is their job, and there is nothing wrong with it. But it pays to be clear about what it means for you. The agent earns their commission from the seller when the sale settles. As the buyer, you are a customer of the agent, not their client. The inspector you pay for should answer to one person only: you.
So when an agent offers to recommend an inspector, or hands you a list of "approved" or "preferred" names, it is fair to ask one simple question: how did those inspectors qualify for the list? Were they chosen because they write the most thorough, honest report? Or because they are unlikely to put the sale at risk?
You are free to choose. Always.
You are never obligated to use an inspector the agent recommends. If an agent tells you that you cannot use the inspector of your choice, or insists you use one of their preferred names, treat it as a warning sign.
In Queensland you can raise concerns about an agent's conduct with the Office of Fair Trading. Agents are bound by professional conduct rules, and steering you away from an independent inspector may breach them.
Phrases worth noticing
To steer you away from an independent inspector
- "That inspector takes too long."
- "We've had trouble with that inspector before."
- "We don't allow that inspector on our listings."
- "That inspector is too expensive."
To push you toward a preferred one
- "We've had good results with this one."
- "This inspector has a very low fee."
- "We use this inspector all the time."
- "He's in and out in an hour and hands you the report on the spot."
A rushed, low-fee, one-hour inspection with a report handed over on the spot is rarely a thorough one.
The "approved list" trick
Some agents keep a list of three or more inspectors who have been screened to be agent friendly. The list is kept long enough to shield the agent from liability if you later question the inspection, while still pointing you toward names that suit the sale rather than the buyer.
Our advice: do your own due diligence
Arrange your own inspection, from an inspector you chose. The property inspection industry is largely unregulated, so standards vary widely. Protect yourself by choosing an inspector who:
- holds the relevant licences for the work,
- carries professional indemnity insurance, and
- inspects in line with the relevant Australian Standards.
What "independent" means at MEC
MEC Builders is owner-operated and answers to no agent, agency or builder. We are not on anyone's approved list, and we don't pay to be. Our only loyalty is to you and your family.
- Licensed builder (QBCC #1268733), 25+ years on the tools
- Dual-licensed for building and timber pest in a single visit
- Professional indemnity insured
- Inspections carried out to the relevant Australian Standards
- Honest reporting: real defects called clearly, never over-dramatised
Book an inspector who works for you
Speak directly with the inspector, get a fast quote, and have your report the same day. No agent in the middle.
Why Gold Coast families choose us
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what happens when you choose an inspector who actually cares.
"MEC Builders saved us from buying a money pit. The report found termite damage the selling agent had conveniently forgotten to mention. Worth every cent!"
"Same-day report as promised! We were able to negotiate $15k off the purchase price based on the defects the inspector identified. Highly recommend."
"Finally, a building inspector who explains things in plain English. The inspector walked me through every issue and what it actually means for the property."
"As first-home buyers we had no idea what to look for. MEC Builders gave us the confidence to make an informed decision. Truly grateful!"
"We got a pre-sale inspection before listing. Fixed a few issues the inspector found, and our house sold in 3 days for asking price. No dramas with the buyer's inspection!"
"Quick, professional, and thorough. The inspector identified two non-compliant areas with our pool fence that we were able to fix before settlement. Lifesaver!"
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