Nitpik terms & scope
of service.

Nitpik is a cosmetic finish inspector. A Nitpik inspection is a visual, non-invasive inspection of finished surfaces that are readily visible and safely accessible on the day, such as paintwork; caulking and sealant joints; cornices, skirtings, architraves and shadowlines; tiling, grout and silicone; doors, cabinetry and hardware finish; wall, ceiling and floor finishes; and glazing, mirrors and splashbacks. We inspect by sight, from the normal viewing position. We do not carry out invasive or destructive testing.

The report records the cosmetic defects we observed, with photographs. It is our opinion of what we saw on site at that point in time, and it is for reference only. It does not certify anything. It is not a promise that the property is free of other defects, and it does not cover defects that were hidden, or that appear or get worse after the inspection. Defects are referenced to the Guide to Standards and Tolerances published by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC). The Guide is advisory; your building contract and the law take precedence. The report records what we saw; it does not direct the client or anyone else to carry out any work. Our reports reference the 2026 edition, which applies to contracts entered into, or work started, on or after 1 August 2026. The 2015 edition may apply to earlier contracts; ask us if you need 2015 references. Nitpik is independent and not affiliated with the BPC.

A Nitpik inspection is not a building inspection under the Building Act 1993 (Vic) and is not a substitute for one. We do not inspect or report on:

• any external areas — facades, cladding, render, roofs, gutters, driveways, fences, landscaping or common property (we inspect interior finishes only)
• structure, footings, framing or load-bearing elements
• compliance with building codes, Australian Standards, permits or planning
• waterproofing, moisture or leaks
• electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, solar or mechanical services
• safety matters, asbestos, mould, pests, termites or hazardous materials
• energy, acoustic or thermal performance
• boundaries, surveys, easements or title
• anything concealed, inaccessible, or that needs dismantling to view
• mandatory (stage) inspections, or pre-purchase, pre-sale or building-and-pest inspections

For structural, compliance or pre-purchase advice, please engage the relevant specialist.

What we can see depends on the conditions at the time, including lighting, weather, glare, dust, protective coverings, furniture and stored goods, scaffolding, work in progress and locked rooms. We do not move furniture or stored goods, lift floor coverings, enter roof spaces or subfloors, or go anywhere we cannot reach safely without specialist access equipment. We note significant limitations on the report.

You are responsible for arranging access, keys and any permission needed to attend, including the builder's permission before handover. Please have the power and lights on. If the site is unsafe, inaccessible or not ready when we arrive, we may stop or not start the inspection, and we will offer you another time at no extra charge.

Please give us accurate details (address, number of storeys, property type and, if you know it, your contract date), tell us about any hazards, arrange access, and read the report and contact us promptly with any questions or concerns.

Homeowner inspections are a flat AUD $450 for a single-storey property and AUD $750 for a double-storey property, unless otherwise agreed in writing. No GST is charged. Online bookings are paid when you book, to hold the time. Where we agree in writing that you will pay later, the full report is released once the fee is paid. Work for builders, developers, and partners is quoted in writing (inclusions, term, notice and payment terms). That written quote forms part of these terms and applies if it is inconsistent with them. Invoices are payable within the terms shown on the invoice.

Nitpik does not offer or carry out re-check visits after rectification. Our inspection records the visible cosmetic finish on the day of the inspection only.

You can reschedule online free of charge up to 48 hours before your booked time. Within 48 hours, call us on 0494 791 429 and we will try to move it at no charge, subject to availability. If you cancel more than 24 hours before your booked time, we refund the fee in full. If you cancel within 24 hours, we may keep up to 50% of the fee for the reserved time and refund the rest. If we need to cancel or reschedule (for example because of illness, unsafe weather or the site not being ready), you can choose a new time or a full refund.

The report is prepared for the client who engaged us, for the address and inspection date shown. You may share it with your builder, conveyancer, agent or lawyer to help get defects fixed, but we are not responsible to anyone else who relies on it. When a builder or developer engages us, the report belongs to them. We do not inspect the same home for the buyer or owner while engaged on it by the builder or developer, unless both parties are told in writing. The report is not prepared as an expert report for a court or tribunal; if you need one, tell us before booking.

We carry out our services with due care and skill. To the extent the law allows:

• (a) we are not responsible for defects that were concealed, not reasonably visible on the day, outside the scope in section 3, or that arose after the inspection;
• (b) where our services are not of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household use, our liability for a failure to comply with the Australian Consumer Law is limited to supplying the services again or paying the cost of having them supplied again; and
• (c) otherwise, our total liability for any claim relating to an inspection is limited to the fee paid for that inspection.

These limits do not apply to liability that cannot lawfully be limited, to fraud, or to death or personal injury caused by our negligence. Nitpik holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance; certificates of currency available on request.

We collect the information needed to book and deliver your inspection: name, contact details, property address, booking details and inspection photos. Reports and photos are stored securely and shared only with you and people you nominate. Your web report opens from a private link; anyone with the link can view it, so share it carefully. We do not use photos from your inspection in our marketing, case studies or social media unless you agree in writing, and we do not publish your address. Contact us to access or correct your information.

Website: we do not run Google Ads or any other advertising or tracking tags on this site, and we do not use advertising cookies. Our hosting provider keeps standard technical logs (such as IP address, browser type and pages requested) to keep the site secure and working. Your browser may store small settings on your device so the site works properly; these are not used to track you.

Full details are in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these terms.

If something is not right, please tell us first at hello@nitpik.com.au. We will respond within 10 business days and try to resolve it in good faith. This does not stop either of us seeking help from Consumer Affairs Victoria, Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria, VCAT or a court. These terms are governed by the law of Victoria, and the courts and tribunals of Victoria have jurisdiction.

We may update these terms for future bookings. The version you agreed to applies to your booking. Earlier versions are available on request.

Nitpik · ABN 72 269 116 028 · Melbourne, Victoria, Australia · hello@nitpik.com.au · 0494 791 429