Scope of Services, Review Process and Terms & Conditions:

Inspection and Review Process

Upon scheduling in the booking, we will require inspection, property and access details which can be provided in the booking form. Access is to be organised by the client.

Following the scheduled inspection, Structural Review Reports can typically be issued within 24-36 hrs. If your review is time-critical, please get in touch prior to booking.

Scope:

The following items are included for this service:

• General on-site structural inspection and condition report of one (1) residential dwelling, limited to readily visible and accessible areas

• Visual observation and review of the overall structural condition of the dwelling which may include:

• visible beams, columns, walls, slabs, footings, and framing

• accessible subfloor and roof cavity areas where safe access is available

• visible structural alterations or modifications

• cracking, distortion, or signs of movement

• retaining walls, where visible and accessible

• Structural engineering commentary explaining what the observed structural conditions may mean and how significant they may be

Inspection commentary may include, where relevant:

• classification of observed issues as structural or non-structural (aesthetic)

• discussion of cracking, deformation, or visible distress

• commentary on specific structural elements such as slabs, footings, stumps, piers, columns, beams, lintels, or framing

• discussion of observed or apparent indications of movement or settlement

• general commentary on the apparent severity and relative priority of observed issues

Please note:
In some isolated cases, the inspection may identify the need for more detailed structural assessment or intrusive investigation. These services are not included in this scope; however, where identified, they will be outlined in the report as recommendations (for example, concealed conditions, complex subsidence, or movement-related issues).

Deliverable

The inspection will be provided to the client as a structural condition engineering report, which typically includes:

• brief description of the building’s primary structural systems

• summary of observed structural conditions across accessible areas

• classification of issues as structural or non-structural, where appropriate

• general commentary on the apparent significance and priority of observed issues

• photographic documentation of relevant observations

• suggested next steps, which may include monitoring, rectification, or no action where issues are assessed as non-structural or of low significance (excluding design details)

• identification of circumstances where further investigation or a more detailed or complex structural assessment may be required

Typical Inspection (Inspection Limits)

This service is intended to provide a general structural condition report of a typical residential property and generally includes:

• inspection of one (1) residential dwelling

• one (1) main residential dwelling (generally up to 325 m² of internal floor area), and

• up to two (2) general auxiliary structures (for example, a carport or small shed, and a pergola)

• inspection limited to areas that are readily visible and safely accessible at the time of inspection

• inspection within subfloor or roof cavity areas where safe access is available

• dwellings of a size and complexity generally consistent with standard residential construction

• this service is limited to structural engineering matters only

Please note this inspection and review rely on the conditions observed and the level of accessibility available at the time of the site visit.

While most inspections fall within the typical scope outlined above, some properties or conditions may require a more detailed or complex assessment, or intrusive investigation. Where this is identified, it will be noted as a recommendation within the report. If you have any questions beforehand, please feel free to get in touch.

Exclusions

The following items are specifically excluded from this service:

• intrusive or destructive investigations

• retaining walls exceeding 2.5 m in height or involving multiple locations or situations.

• inspection of concealed structural elements not accessible at the time of inspection

• detailed measurements, long-term monitoring, or testing

• assessment of compliance with current building codes or standards

• structural capacity checks or load calculations

• structural design, rectification detailing, or construction documentation

• geotechnical or soil investigations

• contractor cost estimates or repair pricing

• complex structural assessments requiring detailed analysis, calculations, specialist testing, or intrusive investigation beyond a visual inspection

• certification, approvals, or sign-off

• dilapidation surveys or condition schedules

• assessment of non-structural building elements and review of other engineering disciplines

• ongoing engineering advice or assistance beyond the issued deliverable

Additional Terms & Conditions

• Nature of service: Structural inspection of the entire dwelling as outlined in the scope and limits sections. Inspection is visual and limited to areas that are readily visible and safely accessible at the time of the visit.

• Service area: This service is offered within our general servicing areas. Bookings outside these areas may be cancelled with a full refund.

• Access, attendance & site conditions: The client must arrange safe and timely access to the property. Williams Structural does not collect keys, manage access, or liaise with agents, tenants, or owners. If access is unavailable at the scheduled time (including no-shows), additional fees may apply for wasted time, travel, or rescheduling. Observations are limited to areas that are safely and reasonably accessible at the time of inspection.

• Incidental disturbance or damage: While reasonable care is taken, Williams Structural is not responsible for minor or incidental disturbance or damage that may occur as a result of reasonable inspection activities (including access to subfloors, roof spaces, or confined areas).

• Intended use: For information purposes only. Not for construction, rectification, design, certification, approvals, insurance, or legal purposes.

• No certification or compliance: This service does not constitute a Form 15/16, certification, or confirmation of compliance with current codes or standards.

• Information reliance: The review is based on conditions observed at the time of inspection and any information provided. Williams Structural is not responsible for concealed conditions, inaccessible areas, or conditions that change after the inspection.

• Professional opinion only: All commentary is an engineering opinion based on limited available information and observed conditions. Hidden or latent defects may exist.

• Timeframes: Report turnaround times (e.g. 24–36 hours) are indicative only and not guaranteed.

• Cancellation & refunds: Full refund if cancelled before work commences. If cancelled after work has commenced or where access is unavailable at the scheduled time, fees may be charged for work completed plus a 30% administration and overhead fee.

• Intellectual property & use: All reports remain the intellectual property of Williams Structural. The client may use the report for personal informational purposes only; it may not be reused, modified, or relied upon by third parties without written consent.

• Variations: Any request outside the stated scope (including additional issues, expanded inspection areas, or follow-up assessments) will be treated as a variation and may incur additional fees. No additional work will proceed without prior agreement.

• Service refusal or cancellation: Williams Structural may refuse or cancel this service at its discretion prior to delivery. A full refund applies if cancelled before work commences. If cancelled after work has commenced, fees may be charged for work completed.

• Non-payment: Williams Structural may suspend or withhold delivery if payment is not received, reversed, or disputed.

• No purchase advice: This service does not advise whether a client should or should not proceed with a purchase or otherwise.

• Limitation of liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, liability is limited to the fee paid for the service.

• Third-party reliance: No third party may rely on this review without written consent.

• Severability: If any part of these terms is invalid, the remainder will continue to apply.

• No waiver: Failure to enforce a right does not waive that right.

• Entire agreement: These terms and the published service description form the entire agreement for this service.

• Governing law: These terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

Note: If you’d like assistance outside the scope outlined above, we’re happy to discuss this with you and provide a separate fee proposal if required.