TERMS AND CONDITIONS
POLICIES
1. Introduction
These Terms & Conditions govern the provision of building inspection services by Barnes Building Inspections in Victoria, Australia.
By requesting a quote, booking an inspection, making payment, or allowing access to a property or building site for an inspection, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
2. Definitions
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Client: The individual or company requesting and/or paying for the inspection.
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Inspection: A visual, non-invasive inspection of the property or building stage specified in the booking or quote.
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Report: The written inspection report provided following the inspection.
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Inspector: The person engaged by Barnes Building Inspections to carry out the inspection.'
3. Services
Barnes Building Inspections provides independent visual building inspections at agreed stages of construction, including:
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Pre-Slab Inspection
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Slab & Frame Inspection
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Pre-Plaster Inspection
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Fixing & Waterproofing Inspection
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Pre-Handover / PCI Inspection
The specific inspection scope will be confirmed in the relevant quote or booking.
Unless specifically agreed otherwise, inspections are visual and non-invasive and do not include destructive testing, specialist testing or opening up concealed areas.
4. Booking & Payment
4.1 Booking Confirmation
An inspection is confirmed once the client has received written confirmation from Barnes Building Inspections and payment has been received, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
4.2 Payment Terms
Payment must be made in accordance with the payment terms provided in the relevant quote or booking confirmation.
4.3 Quotes
Unless otherwise stated, quotes are valid for 30 days.
Quoted fees may vary where additional services, travel, access requirements or other circumstances arise that were not included in the original quote.
Any additional costs will be discussed with the client where reasonably possible before they are incurred.
5. Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellations and refunds are handled in accordance with our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
The Refund & Cancellation Policy forms part of these Terms & Conditions.
6. Site Access & Safety
6.1 Access
The client is responsible for ensuring that the property or building site can be safely and legally accessed at the scheduled inspection time.
If reasonable access cannot be provided, the inspection may need to be rescheduled and additional fees may apply where permitted under our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
6.2 Safety
The Inspector may refuse to enter or may stop an inspection if site conditions are considered unsafe.
This may include, but is not limited to:
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Unsafe construction conditions
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Restricted or obstructed access
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Unsecured areas
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Dangerous materials or equipment
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Other hazards that may place the Inspector at risk
Where possible, the inspection will be rescheduled once safe access is available.
7. Inspection Limitations
7.1 Visual & Non-Invasive Inspections
Our inspections are visual and non-invasive unless otherwise specifically stated in the quote.
We do not generally undertake destructive testing, dismantling, excavation, specialist testing or other invasive investigation.
7.2 Concealed or Inaccessible Areas
An inspection cannot identify defects or conditions that are concealed, inaccessible or not reasonably observable at the time of inspection.
This may include areas behind walls, ceilings, finishes, fixtures, coverings, stored materials or other obstructions.
7.3 Future Defects
An inspection provides an assessment of the condition that was reasonably observable at the time of inspection.
The report does not guarantee that future defects, deterioration or building issues will not occur.
7.4 Specialist Issues
Where an issue appears to require specialist assessment, the client may be advised to obtain further assessment from an appropriately qualified specialist.
8. Reports
Inspection reports are prepared based on the conditions reasonably observable at the time of the inspection.
Reports are intended to assist the client in identifying visible defects, incomplete work and areas requiring attention.
The report should be read in conjunction with the scope of the inspection and any limitations identified within the report.
9. Reliance on Reports
The report is prepared for the client who engaged Barnes Building Inspections and should not be relied upon by another person without our prior written consent.
The report is not a substitute for specialist advice, engineering advice, architectural advice, legal advice or other professional services where those services are required.
10. Liability
To the extent permitted by law, Barnes Building Inspections' liability arising from the provision of inspection services will be limited in accordance with applicable legislation.
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.
11. Privacy
We collect and handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and protect personal information.
12. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia.
Any dispute will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable laws and jurisdiction of Victoria.
13. Changes to Terms
Barnes Building Inspections may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.
The current version will be published on our website and will apply to services booked after the updated version takes effect.