Don't Miss a Step: Your Pre-Settlement Inspection Checklist

You’ve got one shot to get it right. The pre-settlement inspection is often the final safeguard before ownership changes hands. For building inspectors, it’s where your attention to detail protects buyers, prevents disputes, and maintains your reputation for thoroughness.

But on-site, distractions happen. A missed defect or overlooked fixture can lead to costly callbacks or even legal headaches. This underscores the urgency of having a clear, consistent pre-settlement checklist.

Let’s walk through exactly what to check before settlement, and how to make the process faster, more accurate, and fully compliant.

Why the Pre-Settlement Inspection Matters

A pre-settlement inspection isn’t just a final walk-through. It’s the client’s last chance to ensure the property matches the condition, inclusions, and agreed repairs before settlement day.

For inspectors, this is where your professional eye can:

• Confirm that you meet contractual obligations.
  
  
• Identify outstanding repairs or maintenance issues.
  
  
• Document the property’s final condition for the record.
  
  
• Provide peace of mind to both buyer and seller.
  
  

A well-documented inspection can also prevent “he said, she said” disputes, especially when paired with dated photos, location data, and signed acknowledgements.

The Ultimate Pre-Settlement Checklist for Building Inspectors

When you’re out in the field, this list will help you cover every base.

1. Structural Elements

• Check for any new cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors since the initial inspection.
  
  
• Inspect load-bearing walls and beams for visible defects.
  
  
• Look for signs of water ingress, especially in ceilings and around windows.
  
  

2. Doors and Windows

• Open and close every door and window to ensure smooth operation.
  
  
• Test locks, handles, and catches for security.
  
  
• Check seals and weatherstripping for damage or gaps.
  
  

3. Electrical Systems

• Test all light fixtures and power points.
  
  
• Confirm appliances included in the contract are installed and operational.
  
  
• Check safety switches (RCDs) and ensure no exposed wiring.
  
  

4. Plumbing and Fixtures

• Run taps in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries - check for leaks, drainage, and water pressure.
  
  
• Flush toilets and inspect for leaks or slow refilling.
  
  
• Tests included appliances like dishwashers or water heaters.
  
  

5. Flooring and Surfaces

• Check for scratches, stains, or damage to floors, benchtops, and tiles.
  
  
• Inspect carpet edges and transitions for fraying or lifting.
  
  

6. Paintwork and Finishes

• Look for missed paint patches, drips, or overpainting on fixtures.
  
  
• Inspect skirting boards, architraves, and trims.
  
  

7. Outdoor Areas

• Inspect fencing, gates, and retaining walls.
  
  
• Check outdoor lighting, taps, and drainage.
  
  
• Verify that landscaping is complete as per the contract.
  
  

8. Repairs and Special Conditions

• Cross-reference any agreed repairs with the original report.
  
  
• Confirm all defects have been addressed to the agreed standard.

The Challenge: Staying Consistent and Compliant in the Field

The problem with paper checklists and ad-hoc notes?

• They get lost or damaged on-site.
  
  
• Photos end up in separate apps or devices.
  
  
• Somebody can skip essential items under time pressure.
  
  
• Reports take hours to compile back at the office.
  
  

For busy inspectors, this isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a risk to your professionalism and compliance.

How the Building Inspection App Streamlines Pre-Settlement Checks

With Formitize’s Building Inspection App, your entire pre-settlement process lives in one secure, mobile-friendly platform:

• Custom Smart Forms: Tailor your pre-settlement checklist to different property types or client requirements.
  
  
• Mandatory Fields & Logic: Ensure you skip no section and address every compliance item.
  
  
• On-Site Photos & Signatures: Capture evidence directly into the report, no file transfers needed.
  
  
• Instant Reports: Generate and send professional reports before you leave the site.
  
  
• Offline Capability: Work in remote areas with no reception; data syncs automatically later.
  
  

The result? Less admin, faster turnaround, and bulletproof records that protect you and your clients.

Don’t Leave the Last Step to Chance

A pre-settlement inspection is your opportunity to deliver final peace of mind. With a digital pre-settlement checklist, you’ll never miss a step - and your clients will see the difference in your efficiency and attention to detail.

Start a free trial today and see how the Building Inspection App makes every inspection faster, smarter, and fully compliant.

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