Introduction
Report Systems Australia (RSA) has developed handbooks and standardised inspection and reporting formats and associated paperwork relating to pre-purchase property inspections of existing residential buildings.
The aim of the handbook guidelines is to help consultants produce a uniform assessment of a property, thereby reducing the risk of errors or omissions in reports and associated consumer misunderstandings or complaints.
The inspection system has been verified for technical accuracy by Unisearch Ltd, the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Letters of verification are available on request.
The handbook system is accepted by all professional indemnity insurers.
Handbook – Standard Property Inspection Reports – Residential Buildings
The 3rd edition handbook and associated inspection reports have been updated to take into consideration the current Australian Standard AS 4349.1-2007. The RSA system facilitates the practical implementation of a pre-purchase property report.
Handbook – Standard Timber Pest Detection Reports
The 3rd edition handbook and associated reporting paperwork facilitates the practical implementation of a pre-purchase timber pest report carried out in accordance with AS 4349.3-2010.
Copyright Licence to Use the Handbook Methodology
The handbook system is subject to copyright. Therefore consultants can become licensed to use the handbook methodology by paying an annual licensing fee. Only one licence is required per company. The licence includes a CD containing a copy of the Version 2 inspection report(s) and associated documentation including a Standard Statement Library written in Microsoft Word.
Fee examples (current as of July 2013, but subject to change at RSA’s discretion):
- (a) Standard Property Inspection Work
A building consultant carrying out inspections in accordance with AS 4349.1 would pay an annual licensing fee of $440 which includes a complementary copy of the handbook Standard Property Inspection Reports – Residential Buildings. - (b) Timber Pest Work
A timber pest consultant carrying out inspections in accordance with AS 4349.3 would pay an annual licensing fee of $440 which includes a complementary copy of the handbook Standard Timber Pest Detection Reports. - (c) Combined Standard Property Inspection Work & Timber Pest Work
A building/timber pest consultant carrying out inspections in accordance with AS 4349.1 & AS 4349.3 would pay an annual licensing fee of $660 which includes a complementary copy of the handbooks Standard Property Inspection Reports – Residential buildings & Standard Timber Pest Detection Reports.
NOTE: The above examples are for sole traders. In the case of companies, each authorised inspector operating under the licence is required to have their own current copy of the handbook(s) pertaining to the licence. Additional Handbooks are available at $77 per copy (including postage / handling / GST).
If you would like to order any of the above options, please confirm your order in writing to P O Box 486 CESSNOCK NSW 2325, including payment (a cheque made payable to Report Systems Australia Pty Ltd). Alternatively, you can direct debit the Report Systems Australia Pty Ltd bank account: Westpac Manly NSW; BSB 032190; Account No 125192. If paying by direct debit please include your company name in the payment advice and email transaction details the RSA office (inspector@rsa.net.au). Please note a ‘paid’ Tax Invoice will be sent with the material ordered.
If you require further information, please email Steve Allen at inspector@rsa.net.au or phone (02) 4998 6919 or write to PO Box 486, CESSNOCK, NSW 2325.
