Building Inspection Checklist for Australian Properties

Regular building inspections are essential for maintaining property value, ensuring resident safety, and meeting compliance requirements in Australia. This comprehensive checklist will help you conduct thorough inspections every time.

Why Regular Building Inspections Matter

Building inspections aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about:

• Safety: Identifying hazards before they cause injuries
• Compliance: Meeting strata and body corporate requirements
• Cost savings: Catching small issues before they become expensive repairs
• Resident satisfaction: Showing residents you care about their living environment

Complete Building Inspection Checklist

Fire Safety Systems

Fire safety should always be your first priority. Check:

• Fire extinguishers are present, accessible, and within service dates
• Fire hose reels are operational and unobstructed
• Emergency exit signs are illuminated and visible
• Fire doors close properly and aren’t propped open
• Smoke detectors are functional (test if possible)
• Fire hydrant boosters are accessible
• Emergency evacuation plans are posted and current
• Fire stairs are clear of obstructions

Common Areas

Walk through all common areas with a critical eye:

• Lighting is adequate and all bulbs are working
• Flooring is in good condition (no trip hazards)
• Handrails are secure
• Doors and locks are functioning
• Paintwork condition
• Signage is clear and legible
• Rubbish bins are emptied regularly
• Notice boards are tidy and current

Car Park

The car park is often overlooked but needs regular attention:

• Lighting levels are adequate for safety
• Line markings are visible
• Speed humps and signage are in good condition
• Drainage is functioning (no pooling water)
• Ventilation systems are operational
• Fire equipment is accessible
• Boom gates and access systems are working
• No unauthorised vehicles or abandoned items

Lifts and Stairs

Vertical transportation needs careful monitoring:

• Lift certificates are current and displayed
• Emergency phones in lifts are working
• Lift doors operate smoothly
• Stairwell lighting is adequate
• Handrails are secure
• No obstructions in stairwells
• Non-slip surfaces are in good condition

External Areas

Don’t forget the building’s exterior:

• Gardens and landscaping are maintained
• Pathways are safe and well-lit
• Fencing is secure
• External lighting is working
• Gutters and downpipes are clear
• Building facade has no visible damage
• Pool area (if applicable) meets safety requirements
• BBQ areas are clean and functional

Plant Rooms and Services

These areas are critical but often hard to access:

• HVAC systems are operational
• Water pumps are functioning
• Electrical switchboards are accessible and labelled
• Hot water systems are working
• No water leaks visible
• Ventilation is adequate
• Areas are clean and organised

Inspection Frequency Recommendations

Tips for Effective Inspections

1. Use a Digital System

Paper checklists get lost and are hard to track over time. Use building management software like ComtyLink to:

• Complete inspections on your phone
• Attach photos directly to issues
• Track inspection history
• Generate reports automatically

2. Inspect at Different Times

Some issues only appear at certain times:

• Night inspections reveal lighting problems
• Wet weather shows drainage issues
• Peak times expose lift capacity problems

3. Document Everything

Take photos of both issues AND things in good condition. This creates a baseline for future comparison and evidence if disputes arise.

4. Follow Up on Issues

An inspection is only valuable if issues get fixed. Create maintenance requests immediately for any problems found and track them to completion.

Common Issues Found During Inspections

Based on our experience with Australian buildings, these are the most frequently found issues:

1. Fire door problems - Doors propped open or not closing properly
2. Lighting failures - Particularly in car parks and stairwells
3. Trip hazards - Damaged flooring, lifted tiles, uneven surfaces
4. Blocked fire equipment - Storage in front of extinguishers or hydrants
5. Drainage issues - Especially in car parks during wet weather

Making Inspections Easier with Technology

Modern building managers use software to streamline inspections. With ComtyLink’s inspection feature, you can:

• Create custom inspection templates
• Complete inspections on your mobile device
• Work offline in areas with no signal (like basements)
• Automatically create maintenance requests from issues
• Generate professional reports for committees

Conclusion

Regular, thorough inspections are the foundation of good building management. By following this checklist and using the right tools, you’ll keep your building safe, compliant, and well-maintained.

Need help managing your building inspections? Try ComtyLink free for 3 months and see how easy inspections can be.