GOOD QUESTIONS, FULL ANSWERS
House inspection
questions, answered.
Everything people ask us about defect inspections in Penang — cost, coverage, the defect liability period, ponding tests and more. Something else on your mind? We're a message away.
Ask us on WhatsAppHow much does a house defect inspection cost in Penang?
Pricing is by written quotation, based on the property type, floor area and agreed inspection scope. Send the development name, property type, approximate size and preferred date on WhatsApp (016-470 5915), and the scope and total fee are confirmed before booking. Items such as ponding tests, reinspection visits and developer submission should be confirmed explicitly — our pricing guide lists what to check.
How long does a house inspection take?
It depends on the property's size, condition, access and the agreed scope. A typical residential unit takes a few hours; larger or landed properties take longer. Confirm the expected visit length when booking — and you are welcome to attend.
Can I book several units together for a group inspection?
Yes. Buyers coordinating multiple units in the same development can request group pricing. Send the development name, number of units, their sizes and proposed dates for a tailored quotation. Each unit receives its own inspection and report.
Which areas does The Inspect Guys serve?
We're based in Penang and serve Penang Island and Seberang Perai — including George Town, Bayan Lepas, Tanjung Tokong, Sungai Ara, Butterworth, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam and Nibong Tebal. Other states can be arranged; send your location and timeline to check availability.
What languages do you support?
English, Mandarin Chinese (中文) and Bahasa Melayu. Contact us in whichever language you prefer.
02 / THE INSPECTION
What we check —
and what we don't.
Visual, accessible areas.
Limits flagged clearly.
What does a house defect inspection cover?
The inspection is a visual assessment of accessible areas: walls, plastering, ceilings, floor tiles and finishes, paint, windows, doors, balconies, staircases, bathrooms and kitchen wet areas, plumbing and sanitary fixtures, signs of moisture or water ingress, and accessible electrical distribution boards and fixtures. Findings are documented with photographs and descriptions. The exact scope for your property is confirmed before booking.
Do you check structural integrity?
We look for visible cracking, settlement, water ingress and other apparent concerns. We do not perform engineering load calculations or invasive structural testing. Any concern needing a professional engineer or specialist is flagged in the report for further assessment.
What is a ponding test?
A ponding test checks waterproofing by retaining water on a floor area — usually in bathrooms or on balconies — and observing whether leakage appears below or around it over a period of time. It needs water supply, access and often building-management permission. Read our ponding test guide, and confirm whether it is included or charged separately in your quotation.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes, you are welcome to attend. Many clients find it helpful to see findings in person and ask questions on the spot. If you cannot attend, the photographic report records each finding with its location so you can review everything afterwards.
When will I receive my inspection report?
The report delivery timeframe is confirmed with your quotation. Findings are documented in a photographic report, with each finding tied to a location and observation. Our report guide shows how to read a finding.
03 / HANDOVER & DEFECT LIABILITY
New home?
Know your window.
Your defect period has a deadline.
Use it well.
What is the defect liability period for a new house in Malaysia?
For new residential properties bought from a developer under the standard sale and purchase agreements prescribed under Malaysia's Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act, the defect liability period is commonly 24 months from the date you receive vacant possession. During this period you can report defects to the developer for rectification. Always check your own sale and purchase agreement for the exact period, deadlines and submission procedure — see our full guide.
When should I book a defect inspection after collecting my keys?
As early as practical after vacant possession, while the full defect liability period is still ahead of you. Inspecting early — before renovation or moving in — makes it easier to distinguish original construction defects from later damage, and gives you time to submit findings to the developer and follow up. Our VP handover checklist walks through the steps.
How do I submit defects to my developer?
Developers typically provide a defect report form or online portal, and your sale and purchase agreement sets out the procedure and deadlines. The inspection report gives you a photographic record of each defect and its location to support your submission. Whether submission assistance is included or separately quoted is an item to confirm in your quotation.
Do I need an inspection for a subsale property?
A pre-purchase inspection is especially useful for subsale homes, where the condition reflects years of use and there is no developer defect liability period. Documenting visible defects before you commit helps you ask informed questions, negotiate, or budget for repairs — see our subsale inspection guide.