Menu
Contact Barrenjoey Inspections:
Contact Barrenjoey Inspections:
Professional Building Inspection Services Across All Sydney Regions
Buying property in Sydney is fast-moving and high-stakes. A thorough building and pest inspection gives you an accurate picture of the property’s condition before you sign. It can be the difference between a sound investment and an expensive problem discovered too late.
At Barrenjoey Inspections, we provide comprehensive combined building and pest inspections across the Northern Beaches and North Shore. Led by licensed builder Marc Hanley, our inspections go beyond surface-level checklists — we identify risks, explain real implications, and give you clarity before contracts are signed.
Â
✔ Licensed builder with 30+ years experience
✔ AS4349 compliant building inspections
✔ Detailed photographic reports delivered within 24 hours
A combined building and pest inspection brings two essential assessments into a single appointment. Rather than booking and paying for each separately, you get a full picture of the property’s structural condition and timber pest status in one visit, with one clear report.
The two assessments are:
Â
1. A thorough visual structural building inspection
Â
2. A timber pest inspection covering termites, timber decay, and wood borers
Together, these give you a complete understanding of the property’s visible condition before exchange or auction.
During the structural inspection, Marc examines all safely accessible areas of the property. Every element that can be seen, entered, or reached without causing damage is assessed and documented.
Â
All inspections are conducted in line with Australian Standard AS4349.
The Northern Beaches sits in one of Sydney’s highest risk zones for termite activity.
Coastal humidity, proximity to bushland, and the prevalence of older timber-framed housing stock all contribute to elevated risk. Timber pest damage is often not visible to the eye and is frequently missed in a standard building inspection alone.
Â
Our timber pest inspection covers:
Â
We use thermal imaging and moisture detection equipment as part of the inspection process. These tools allow us to identify signs of moisture and pest activity that would not be visible on the surface.
Early detection can prevent serious structural damage and significant repair costs. On the Northern Beaches, a timber pest inspection is not optional — it is essential.
We keep the process simple and straightforward from first contact to report delivery. Here is what to expect.
Â
Step 1 — Book Your Inspection Contact us by phone or through the online quote form. We will confirm the property address, inspection type, and your preferred date. We liaise directly with the real estate agent to arrange access so you do not have to.
Â
Step 2 — On-Site Inspection Marc arrives at the property and carries out a thorough visual inspection of all safely accessible areas. Most inspections take between one and three hours depending on the property size and age.
Â
Step 3 — Report Delivered Within 24 Hours Your detailed photographic report is delivered to your inbox within 24 hours of the inspection. The report documents all findings clearly with photographs, plain English descriptions, and a clear indication of the severity of each issue.
Â
Step 4 — Follow-Up Phone Call Marc is available for a follow-up call to walk you through the key findings, answer your questions, and help you understand what the report means for your decision.
Every report from Barrenjoey Inspections is designed to be read and understood by the buyer, not just a building professional. No technical jargon. No vague conclusions.
Summary of the property’s overall condition
Clear breakdown of major defects requiring urgent attention
Minor defects and general maintenance items
Timber pest findings including evidence of termite activity, timber decay, or wood borers
Moisture readings for high risk areas
Photographic evidence for every significant finding
Practical explanations outlining what each issue means
Notes on areas that were not accessible at the time of inspection
The report is compliant with Australian Standard AS4349 and is delivered as a digital document you can share with your solicitor, buyers agent, or use directly in purchase negotiations.
Coastal properties come with specific risk factors that differ from properties further inland.
After inspecting hundreds of properties across Manly, Mona Vale, Avalon, Dee Why, Newport, Narrabeen, Collaroy, and surrounding suburbs, these are the issues we find most frequently.
Â
Rising damp and moisture ingress: Coastal humidity accelerates moisture movement through brick and concrete. Rising damp in subfloor areas and lower walls is extremely common in older properties on the Northern Beaches.
Salt-air corrosion: Metal fixings, roofing, guttering, and structural connectors deteriorate faster in salt-air environments. Properties close to the water require particular attention to corrosion of structural elements.
Termite activity: The Northern Beaches sits in a high-risk termite zone. Properties bordering bushland or with significant timber framing are at elevated risk. We find evidence of termite activity or conducive conditions in a significant proportion of older Northern Beaches properties.
Timber decay: Coastal humidity creates ideal conditions for timber decay in subfloor framing, stumps, and external timber elements. This is often not visible without a thorough inspection of accessible subfloor and roof void areas.
Roof and guttering deterioration:Â Older properties with terracotta or fibrous cement roofing show accelerated deterioration in coastal conditions. Guttering corrosion and poor drainage connections are also frequently identified.
Structural movement and cracking: Sandy coastal soils and moisture variation can contribute to foundation movement over time. We identify and assess cracking patterns that indicate active structural movement as distinct from normal cosmetic cracking.
We conduct building and pest inspections across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore. Our local knowledge of these areas and their specific building challenges is a genuine advantage for our clients.
Â
Northern Beaches
Manly, Dee Why, Collaroy, Mona Vale, Avalon, Newport, Narrabeen, Freshwater, Palm Beach, Warriewood, Brookvale, Seaforth, Balgowlah, Curl Curl, Fairlight, Beacon Hill, Cromer, Allambie Heights, Whale Beach
Â
North Shore
Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, North Sydney, Willoughby, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Crows Nest, Kirribilli
Not sure if we cover your suburb? Call Marc directly for a quick answer.
We provide comprehensive building and pest inspection Sydney services, including:
Pre purchase building inspection Sydney
Combined building and pest inspection
Pre sale building inspections
Property inspection services for houses, townhouses, and units
All inspections are completed by a licensed builder and follow Australian Standard AS4349.
Yes.
Your inspection is carried out by a licensed builder with over 30 years of experience in the building industry. This ensures structural issues are properly identified and explained — not just listed in a checklist.
A combined inspection includes:
Building Inspection:
Structural elements
Roof void and roof exterior
Subfloor (where accessible)
Internal and external walls
Major and minor defects
Safety hazards
Pest Inspection:
Active termites
Timber pest damage
Moisture detection
Conducive conditions
This provides a complete picture of the property’s condition before purchase.
Most inspections take between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the size and accessibility of the property.
Larger homes or properties with complex layouts may require additional time.
You will receive your detailed digital inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection.
The report includes clear explanations, photographs, and practical recommendations.
The cost of a building and pest inspection Sydney property owners book depends on:
Property size
Type of dwelling
Location
Accessibility
For accurate pricing, request a free building inspection quote online or call directly.
Yes.
Structural issues and termite damage are separate risks. A combined building and pest inspection ensures both are properly assessed before you commit to purchase.
We service the Northern Beaches and North Shore, including:
Manly
Dee Why
Mona Vale
Avalon
Newport
Palm Beach
Mosman
Neutral Bay
Cremorne
If you’re searching for a building inspection near me in these areas, we can assist.
Absolutely.
If you have questions about the findings, you can speak directly with the inspector to clarify any concerns and understand what the results mean for your purchase.
Yes.
A professional building and pest inspection Sydney report can provide clear evidence of structural defects, termite damage, or maintenance issues that may justify renegotiating the purchase price.
Buyers often use inspection findings to:
Request repairs before settlement
Negotiate a price reduction
Ask for further specialist assessments
Reconsider the purchase if major issues are identified
A detailed, independent report gives you clarity and strengthens your position during negotiations — especially in competitive Northern Beaches property markets.
