When people first ask us about a pre-purchase inspection, one of the first questions is almost always: "do I need the basic one, or the full one?" It's a fair question — the two options sound similar, and the difference isn't always obvious from the name alone. Here's how we'd explain it.
What they have in common
Both the Basic and Comprehensive pre-purchase inspection start from the same foundation: a close look at the structural essentials — footings, walls, and roof structure. If your main concern is simply "is this house structurally sound," either option will answer that question.
Where Basic stops
The Basic Pre-Purchase Structural inspection is a focused assessment of the property's foundations, walls and roof. It's built for buyers who mainly want reassurance on the structural bones of the property — a faster, narrower scope that answers the core question without going into every fitting and fixture in the house.
What Comprehensive adds
The Comprehensive inspection covers everything Basic does, then goes further into the property's overall condition — things like electrical fittings, plumbing fixtures, general maintenance items, and compliance-related issues. If you want the fullest possible picture before you commit to a purchase, not just structural peace of mind but a broader read on the property's day-to-day condition, this is the option that gets you there.
So which one should you choose?
It comes down to what you actually want out of the inspection. If your only real question is whether the structure is sound — say, you're already confident about the rest of the property, or it's a newer build with less to worry about on the fittings side — Basic will usually cover it. If you want the complete picture, including the smaller things that can add up to real cost down the line, Comprehensive is the safer bet.
Property age matters too. Older homes tend to have more going on beyond the structure — ageing wiring, older plumbing, general wear — so a Comprehensive inspection often earns its keep there. Newer properties may have less to flag outside the structural basics, which is where Basic can be the more proportionate choice.
Still not sure?
That's completely normal, and it's exactly the kind of thing we're happy to talk through before you book. Tell us a bit about the property and what's prompting the purchase, and we'll recommend the level that actually fits your situation — no pressure either way.