So you’ve found a property you love — but it needs some work.
You’re already imagining the open-plan kitchen, polished timber floors, and outdoor entertaining space. The vision is there — but before you make an offer or commit to a sale, there’s something critical you need to do:
Understand what you’re actually buying — and whether your renovation ideas are realistic.
That’s where a pre-purchase property inspection tailored for renovation potential comes in. At Betterbuild Advisory, we help homebuyers in Wollongong and the Illawarra go beyond the standard building and pest check, and evaluate a property’s true potential, cost, and constraints.
🔍 What a Standard Building Inspection Doesn’t Cover
Most buyers organise a building and pest inspection — and that’s a good start. These reports check for:
- Termite damage
- Moisture and leaks
- Structural integrity
- Cracks, subsidence, or hazards
But they won’t tell you:
- Whether you can remove internal walls for an open plan
- If the house has old wiring or outdated plumbing
- Whether the layout supports a second bathroom, loft, or extension
- What council will allow if you plan to build up or out
- How much the renovation is likely to cost
And that’s where you can run into trouble if you plan to renovate.
🧱 What to Check If You’re Planning Renovations
Here’s what we look for in a renovation-focused property inspection:
1. Structural Flexibility
Can walls be moved or removed? Is the home brick veneer or full brick? What’s load bearing and what’s cosmetic?
2. Service Condition & Access
How old are the plumbing and electrical systems? Are sewer lines easily accessible? Will your upgrade require full rewiring?
3. Roof Space & Subfloor
Is there enough space to run new services or ducting? Any signs of rot, pests, or limited head height?
4. Layout Potential
Does the current layout allow for easy reconfiguration, or are there constraints that could add major costs?
5. Site Constraints
Is the block sloped? Is there good access for trades and materials? Any obvious stormwater or drainage issues?
6. Zoning & Council Restrictions
Are there heritage overlays? Bushfire zones? Setback or floor space ratio (FSR) limits?
💡 Real Advice for Real Projects
Case Study: A young couple in Thirroul were planning a major renovation on a post-war cottage. They loved the location and assumed they could add a second level — but a quick review of zoning controls revealed they’d need a full DA process and were already close to the FSR limit.
We helped them rework their plan to suit a complying development approach, saving months of approval time and thousands in fees — before they bought the property.
🛠️ How Betterbuild Advisory Helps
When you book a Pre-Purchase Renovation Inspection with Betterbuild Advisory, you get:
- ✔ Expert assessment of your renovation ideas
- ✔ Identification of hidden risks or costly design assumptions
- ✔ Realistic cost advice to inform your purchase budget
- ✔ Guidance on approvals, staging, and feasibility
- ✔ Confidence to buy — or walk away — with clarity
📍 Why It Matters in Wollongong and the Illawarra
The Illawarra property market is competitive — and older homes are everywhere. Many buyers are prepared to renovate, but few understand what that actually entails until it’s too late.
Don’t wait until after you’ve bought to find out your ideas won’t work — or that they’ll cost $100k more than expected.
✅ Get the Right Advice Before You Buy
Betterbuild Advisory exists to help homeowners and homebuyers make confident renovation decisions.
Whether you’re eyeing a 1950s fibro in Warrawong, a federation fixer-upper in Balgownie, or a brick veneer classic in Figtree — we’ll help you see the full picture.
📞 Book an Assess the Address Renovation Inspection Today
✔ Trusted, independent advice
✔ Tailored to your renovation goals
✔ Based right here in Wollongong
0406 022 602 | info@betterbuildadvisory.com.au
