How to read a pre-purchase inspection report
Severity codes, photo captions, the summary line, and the four numbers in every report that change a buy/walk decision. Read this before you read your report.
Your inspection report just landed in your inbox. It's 24 pages. You have 30 minutes to make a $35,000 decision. Here's how to read it like an inspector.
Start at the summary, not the photos
Every well-written report opens with a one-page summary. Read it twice before clicking any photo. You're looking for four things:
- 1.Overall recommendation (Buy / Negotiate / Walk Away)
- 2.Critical/Major defect count
- 3.Estimated 12-month repair budget
- 4.Inspector's free-text comments — the part the algorithm can't write
Severity codes — the colours that matter
| Code | What it means | Typical action |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Critical | Safety or roadworthy fail. | Walk or full pre-purchase repair. |
| 🟠 Major | ≥$500 fix needed within 12 months. | Get a quote, negotiate. |
| 🟡 Minor | Cosmetic or low-cost maintenance. | Note for budget. |
| 🔵 Advisory | Approaching service interval. | Plan 6-12 months ahead. |
The four numbers to find in every report
- Brake pad % or mm remaining (4 mm or less = replace soon)
- Tyre tread mm per corner (3 mm or less = replace)
- Battery state-of-health % (below 60 = on borrowed time)
- DPF soot/ash load % for diesels (above 60% = forced regen overdue)
Common questions
How long until I get my report?
Most modern inspectors deliver within 4 hours. Same-day is standard; next-day is unusual and worth questioning.
Can I get a verbal call before the report?
Yes — we phone every buyer within 15 minutes of completing the inspection with a verbal headline, then the written report follows. Most buyers find that's enough to decide.
Lock in your inspection
Book a mobile pre-purchase inspection at the seller's address. Same-day slots across Sydney from $249, with a money-back guarantee.
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