Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, yet most people don’t really know what a building inspection should include.

In this episode, I sit down with Laura, an accredited building certifier and Jim’s Building Inspections franchisee, to talk honestly about what buyers need to know before signing a contract.

We cover the real differences between a thorough inspection and a cheap box-tick report, why the industry is largely unregulated, and the red flags to watch for when choosing an inspector. Including the rise of rushed and AI-written reports that buyers often don’t realise they’re getting.

Laura also shares why she left certification due to burnout, how franchising gave her more balance, and why communication with clients matters just as much as the report itself. We also dive into pool safety compliance, common defects in houses and apartments, and when buyers should actually engage an inspector.

If you’re buying a home, investing in property, or just want to avoid expensive mistakes, this episode will give you clarity.

00:00 – Why talking to franchisees mattered most
01:05 – Welcome back. Laura returns from Sydney
02:10 – What Laura did before Jim’s
04:10 – Burnout in certification and why it happens
06:05 – The Bondi moment. Calling the franchisor
07:30 – Training experience and why it felt hands-on
09:45 – Divisional training. On-site inspections and reports
11:50 – Standards. Doing more than the minimum
13:20 – Value first. Marketing, selling, “givers gain”
15:10 – Support network and taking time off
16:40 – Women in building inspections and representation
19:10 – Being underestimated. Admin jokes and “hobbit” advantage
21:10 – Why diversity is a customer advantage
22:20 – Swimming pool compliance. Why it matters
24:30 – Drownings, real consequences, and gate non-compliances
27:10 – New pool owners and the first 3 to 4 months risk
29:20 – Property obsession and why inspections aren’t optional in practice
31:10 – When to book an inspection. Auction vs cooling off
32:50 – Communication standards and what good looks like
35:10 – Unregulated industry. How to vet an inspector
36:50 – Apartments, strata misconceptions, waterproofing defects
38:40 – More awareness. Builders, YouTube, and public trust
40:00 – Referrals and BNI. How she built consistent work
41:40 – AI written reports, prompts left in, and what to watch for
43:00 – Final advice. Sample report, time on site, tools used
43:40 – Wrap up and call to action

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