Does Link Estimating replace a building inspector?
No.
A building inspector's role is to identify and report on defects and potential issues with the property. Link Building Estimating's role is to help you understand the potential cost of addressing those defects.
We recommend always obtaining an appropriate building and pest inspection before purchasing a property.
What types of defects can you estimate?
Depending on the information provided in your inspection report, we can assess a wide range of potential repair and rectification items, including building, structural, plumbing, electrical, landscaping and general maintenance issues.
Some specialist defects may require further investigation by an appropriately qualified professional.
What happens after I receive my estimate?
Once you receive your estimate, you can use the information to help assess the property's overall value and potential repair costs.
You may choose to use the information when negotiating with the selling agent or vendor, discuss the defects with relevant tradespeople, or simply use it to decide whether you want to proceed with the purchase.
What if I decide not to buy the property?
That's completely fine.
In fact, knowing the likely cost of significant defects before purchasing a property can help you avoid buying a property that may require more money to repair than you're comfortable with.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Click any "Get Your Estimate" button on our site, upload your building inspection report and we take it from there!
Is Link Estimating available across Australia?
Yes. Link Building Estimating is designed to assist property buyers across Australia.
Is my building inspection report kept confidential?
Your inspection report is used solely for the purpose of preparing your estimate and is treated as confidential.
What information do you use to provide an estimate?
Our estimates are based on a combination of information available about the property to provide the most accurate assessment possible.
This may include:
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The building inspection report and the defects identified within it
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Property listing photos and other publicly available property images
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Floor plans and property layout information
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Historical photographs of the property where available
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Satellite imagery and property data
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Any additional photos and measurements supplied by the property owner or buyer
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Other relevant information available to our estimating team that may assist in assessing the scope of the required works
Can I use the estimate to negotiate the purchase price?
Yes! One of the main purposes of Link Building Estimating is to give buyers a better understanding of potential repair costs before committing to a property. Your estimate can help you understand the potential financial impact of the defects and provide crucial information when negotiating with the selling agent or vendor.
Can Link Estimating save me money?
Yes! If a property has defects, understanding the likely repair costs may help you negotiate a lower purchase price or decide that the property isn't right for you. Even minor defects can be costly to repair, don't get stuck with unexpected and expensive repairs post purchase.
How much does an estimate cost?
Our professional building estimating service starts at $279. This single investment can potentially save you thousands in future repairs and property negotiation savings.
Can you estimate every defect in my building inspection report?
We can estimate many common building, maintenance and rectification items identified in pre-purchase inspection reports. However, some defects may require further investigation by a qualified specialist before an accurate repair cost can be determined. Where this is the case, we'll identify it rather than provide a misleading estimate and provide an indicative cost subject to further investigation.
Do I need to have a building inspection report first?
Yes. Link Building Estimating works from the findings contained within your existing building inspection report. We don't replace the role of your building inspector. Instead, we use the information in their report to help establish the likely cost of addressing the defects they've identified.
Do you physically inspect the property?
No. Link Building Estimating is an estimating service based on the information contained within your building inspection report. In some cases where a defect requires physical inspection, testing or specialist investigation before an accurate repair cost can be determined, we'll identify this in our assessment and provide an indicative cost subject to further investigationÂ
Are your estimates quotes?
No. Our estimates are not fixed-price trade quotes. They are indicative estimates of the likely cost of repairing or rectifying defects based on the information available in your building inspection report. The actual cost of repairs can vary depending on site conditions, access, materials, labour rates and the final scope of work.
Are your estimates a guarantee of repair costs?
Our estimates are based on industry standards and market rates. While absolute precision requires a physical site visit, our expert-led visual analysis provides the most accurate preliminary cost clarity available for planning and negotiation.
Who prepares the estimates?
Our expert building estimators and trades team assesses the defects identified in your inspection report and draws on extensive building and trade knowledge to determine the likely scope and cost of the required work. Our expert team has decades of industry experience.Â
What if my inspection report doesn't contain enough information?
If the information provided isn't sufficient to reasonably estimate a particular defect, we'll identify this rather than make assumptions that could produce an unreliable figure.Â
In some circumstances, we may ask for additional information or photos if possible. If you can provide any additional information and photos when initially submitting your report, please do so as it helps our team provide an even more accurate estimate
What additional photos and measurements should I include?
Where possible, please provide clear, well-lit photos of the defects or areas identified in your building inspection report. Photos should show the location and extent of the issue from a few different angles and, where practical, include a wider photo showing where the defect is located within the property.
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If measurements are available, please provide the approximate dimensions of the affected area, such as length, width, height, depth or quantity. For example, measurements of a damaged retaining wall, cracked concrete area, leaking roof section or damaged decking can help us prepare a more accurate cost estimate.
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Don't worry if you don't have any additional photos or measurements. We can still provide an estimate using the information available in your inspection report. If additional information is required to estimate a particular item, we may contact you to request further details.
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The more relevant information you can provide, the more accurately we can assess the likely cost of the required rectification works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Link Building Estimating?
Link Building Estimating provides repair estimtes based on defects identified in your pre-purchase building inspection report.
We help property buyers understand what the defects identified in their pre-purchase building inspection report will cost to repair, giving you greater confidence when deciding whether to proceed with a property purchase, and what price you should be prepared to pay.
Why do I need a repair cost estimate?
While a building inspection report can identify defects, crucialy, it doesn't tell you what those defects will cost to fix. Knowing the likely cost of repairs will help you make a more informed purchasing decision and gives you valuable negotiating power.
Why is it important to get an estimate?
Unfortunately, agents will often underplay the significance of defects and use pressure tactics to get the deal done, leaving the buyer with unexpected additional costs post purchase.
A clear cost estimate gives you clarity and negotiation power, potentially saving you thousands!
How does Link Estimating work?
It's simple:
1. Get your building & pest inspection completed.
Have a qualified building inspector inspect the property and provide your report.
2. Upload your report to Link Building Estimating.
Upload your bulding inspection report via our secure online portal.
3. We assess the defects.
Our estimating and trades team reviews the information in your inspection report and determines the likely scope and cost of work required.
4. Receive your estimate.
We'll provide you with an estimate of the likely repair or rectification costs.
How long does it take to receive the estimate?
We understand that time is of the essence in property negotiations. Our expert team will deliver your comprehensive repair cost report within 48 hours of submission. We also offer a 24hr rush service for an additional fee, simply select this option on the submission form.
What is included in the final report?
Your report includes a detailed breakdown of estimated costs for interior and exterior defects identified in your inspection. We provide trade-based insights into the likely causes and the required rectification steps.
What documents do I need to provide?
We simply require a copy of your pre-purchase building inspection report. You can upload this securely through our portal along with any specific concerns or additional photos or measurements you might have.