Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but before settlement is complete, one final step remains: the final inspection. This is your opportunity to ensure the property is in the condition agreed upon in the contract before ownership officially changes hands. While every contract is different, and some properties may be sold strictly ‘as is,’ most standard contracts include expectations around the property’s presentation and condition at settlement.

Why Your Final Inspection Matters

A final inspection is not a chance to renegotiate cosmetic issues or minor wear and tear that existed when you agreed to purchase the property. Instead, it is designed to confirm that:

• The property is in substantially the same condition as when the contract was signed
• Agreed inclusions remain at the property
• Any special conditions, repairs or maintenance items outlined in the contract have been completed
• No unexpected damage has occurred before settlement

Check Your Contract First

Your contract terms are critical. If the property was purchased on an ‘as is’ basis, your inspection rights may be more limited. Similarly, some contracts include specific clauses around repairs, cleaning, or the condition of fixtures and fittings. Most standard contracts will typically require that plumbing, gas and electrical systems are in good working order at settlement.

What To Check At Your Final Inspection

Fixtures and Fittings: Ensure all fixtures and fittings included in the sale are still present and functioning. This can include light fittings, oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher, air conditioning systems, built-in cabinetry, window treatments, ceiling fans and security systems.

Appliances: Test major appliances where possible. This can include the oven, stove, hot water systems, reticulation systems, air conditioning and heating.

Plumbing and Water: Check taps for leaks, toilets are flushing properly, showers and baths are draining correctly, hot water is working, as well as outdoor taps and irrigation systems.

Electrical Systems: Test light switches, power points, garage door motors and intercoms or security systems.

General Property Condition: It’s also important to inspect the property’s general condition, ensuring it remains the same as when the contract was signed with no unexpected damage or significant changes prior to settlement.

What’s Not Included

It’s important to keep expectations realistic during your final inspection. In most cases, the seller isn’t expected to present the home in showroom condition unless professional cleaning or specific presentation standards were agreed to in the contract. The goal is to ensure the property is handed over in the condition you purchased it, not necessarily in perfect or brand-new condition.