Building Inspections: What Actually Happens on Site – Ben Black | Home Building Podcast

Ben Black, owner of Total Homes Inspections, dives into the world of building inspections and covers what’s important & what he’s seeing in the construction industry right now. From good; to bad; to ugly, Ben has seen it all and wants to help homeowners & builders alike to produce quality work.

Getting an independent building inspection might feel awkward, like you’re checking up on your builder. But in reality, it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make when building or renovating your home.

Chapters:
00:23 Why Building Inspections Matter
01:00 Ben’s Background
03:27 The Key Stages for Inspections
06:04 What Happens at Practical Completion
07:09 When Things Go Wrong Without Inspections
09:48 Do Inspections Upset Builders?
11:38 The Problem with Unqualified Inspectors
13:46 Over-Reporting vs. Real Issues
15:39 The Maintenance Period Debate (6 vs 12 Months)
17:41 Why Early Inspections Save You Later
20:14 Pre-Purchase Inspections & Common Non-Compliance Issues
23:24 The Wild Side of Inspections
24:40 Why Inspections Protect You if Builders Collapse
26:09 On-Site Shockers & Industry Standards
29:06 Quality Builders vs. Cowboys
31:13 Do Builders Lift Their Game When Inspected?
32:35 When Builders Ignore Defects
35:27 Inspectors as Mediators, Not Enemies
37:04 The $10,000 Question

About the Guest

Ben Black is a registered builder and building inspector with 30+ years of experience in the WA construction industry. As the founder of Total Homes Inspections, he’s completed over 6,000 inspections helping homeowners build with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Contact Total Home Inspection

Website: https://www.thinspect.com.au/

Socials: Facebook | LinkedIn

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