Why I Filmed This Building Inspection in Perth

I’m Russell McCarthy, founder and lead inspector at WA Building Inspections Perth, and I filmed the video attached to this article because a buyer was about to rely on a building inspection report that completely missed the basics.

This property had already passed a building inspection.
On paper, everything looked acceptable.

On site, it was anything but.

“I’m gonna show you a few things that the other building inspector didn’t put in their report… the absolute basics were missed.”

If you’re arranging a building inspection in Perth, this article will show you exactly why inspector experience matters — and why not all inspections are equal.

If you want to understand what’s actually included in a proper inspection, start with our overview of building inspection costs and services in Perth.

Watch the Video: What the Original Building Inspection Missed

This inspection had already been completed before I arrived.
The buyer assumed they were protected.

They weren’t.

This is exactly why we approach pre-purchase building inspections in Perth differently. We don’t just tick boxes — we inspect how the building actually works.

If you’re buying a home, I strongly recommend understanding what a pre-purchase building and pest inspection in Perth should really cover before relying on any report.

Major Defect #1: Cracking in a Monolithic Slab System

This home was built on a monolithic slab system, meaning the garage and the internal slab are structurally connected.

That’s critical — because any modification affects the entire structure.

In this case:

• A section of slab had been added later

• It wasn’t integrated correctly

• Cracking had already formed through the slab face

“This is a monolithic system… and it’s already begun to crack.”

Any inspector carrying out a competent structural building inspection in Perth should immediately flag this and recommend further investigation.

This is exactly why we stress the importance of building construction stage inspections during new builds and major extensions.

Major Defect #2: Load-Bearing Walls Sitting on Window Packers

This is where the original inspection completely failed the buyer.

Large sections of this two-storey structure were resting on window packers.

“This entire two-storey building is resting on window packers.”

Window packers are:

• Temporary

• Non-structural

• Not designed for long-term load bearing

Even worse, there was no mechanical fixing from the bottom plate to the slab.

“So it’s essentially held down by gravity.”

This is a clear non-compliance and a serious structural risk — the type of issue we regularly uncover during building defect inspections in Perth, especially where corners have been cut.

Major Defect #3: No Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)

A damp proof membrane is mandatory under the NCC.

There is no grey area.

It was completely missing.

“There is no damp proof membrane which is a requirement. The NCC standards are pretty clear on that.”

Without a DPM, you’re opening the door to:

• Rising damp

• Moisture ingress

• Timber decay

• Long-term structural deterioration

This is something we actively assess during every building and pest inspection in Perth, because moisture problems rarely get cheaper over time.

Major Defect #4: Inadequate Slab Bearing (As Low as 10mm)

During my inspection, slab bearing measured as low as 10mm in some locations.

Minimum requirement?
➡ 15mm

“That means we’re only bearing onto the slab 10 mil… it’s like this everywhere.”

In several areas, metal packers had been used to compensate for poor construction tolerances — another red flag that should have been identified during the original inspection.

This type of issue is commonly missed when inspections are rushed or carried out by inspectors without real construction experience.

The Back Wall Had the Same Structural Failures

The rear wall of the property showed the same problems:

• Sitting on window packers

• No mechanical fixing

• Supporting a significant portion of the structure

“This is the entire back wall of the property… also not secured down at all.”

And yes — this property had already passed a building inspection.

This is why buyers need to be extremely careful about who they trust.

Rising Damp Protection Was Completely Inadequate

The slab face had not been properly parged or treated.

“How has the prior building inspector said yes, this has enough slab parged to prevent rising damp?”

It didn’t.
And it won’t.

We see this regularly during defect investigations across Perth, particularly in newer homes where speed has taken priority over workmanship.

Why Builder Experience Matters in a Building Inspection Perth Buyers Trust

I say this openly because buyers deserve honesty.

“If you’re gonna find a building inspector, find someone who’s potentially a registered builder.”

Checklists don’t find problems.
Experience does.

At WA Building Inspections Perth, we inspect from a builder’s perspective — not just a reporting perspective. If you want to know who we are and how we work, you can read more about us as independent building inspectors in Perth.

FAQs: Building Inspection Perth

What should a building inspection in Perth include?

A proper building inspection in Perth should assess structure, slab bearing, fixings, moisture protection, and compliance — not just cosmetic issues.

Can a building inspection miss serious defects?

Yes. As this video shows, inspectors without construction experience can miss major structural failures.

Is a damp proof membrane required in WA homes?

Yes. A DPM is mandatory under the NCC, and its absence is a serious defect.

Are window packers acceptable for structural support?

No. Window packers are temporary alignment tools and must never be relied on for load-bearing support.

How do I choose the right building inspector in Perth?

Look for construction experience, clear reporting, and a willingness to explain defects on site — not just tick boxes.