In the high-stakes home construction game, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s money in the bank. Simon Guest’s “DIY Building Inspections” arrives at a crucial time when housing costs continue to soar and cutting corners has become an unfortunate industry standard. Having just completed a significant renovation on my investment property, I wish this book had been available six months earlier.
Guest presents a straightforward premise: with the right knowledge and tools, homeowners can conduct their own building inspections, potentially saving thousands while ensuring quality workmanship. The book delivers on this promise through a comprehensive set of inspection report templates that guide readers through each critical stage of construction.
What immediately struck me about Guest’s approach is his practical, no-frills writing style. Unlike many DIY guides that get bogged down in technical jargon, Guest explains complex building concepts in accessible language without talking down to the reader. The book is clearly organised around the sequence of a typical construction project, making it easy to navigate as your build progresses.
The templates provided are the real value here. Each is detailed enough to be thorough but streamlined enough to be usable by someone without industry experience. I particularly appreciated the waterproofing inspection checklist, which covers one of the most failure-prone aspects of modern construction. The section on handover inspections alone could save readers from accepting a property with significant defects that might take years to become apparent.
Guest’s expertise shines through in the practical tips scattered throughout the text. One can tell he’s been on countless building sites, and his advice reflects real-world experience rather than theoretical knowledge. For example, his suggestion to conduct inspections in different lighting conditions to spot surface imperfections is something I’ve found essential but rarely mentioned in other guides.
The book does have limitations. While it empowers homeowners to identify issues, it doesn’t always provide sufficient guidance on remediation options. In several instances, I found myself wanting more details on how to address identified problems. Additionally, while the inspection templates are comprehensive, some regional building code variations aren’t addressed, which could be problematic for readers outside major metropolitan centres.
I did find myself comparing Guest’s DIY approach with professional services I’ve used in the past. While I’ve had excellent experiences with Alert Building Inspections, which has branches in Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Auckland, and Northland, there’s undeniable value in conducting preliminary inspections yourself before bringing in professionals for critical stages. Guest acknowledges this balance, suggesting that when DIY inspection reaches its limits and professional services become necessary.
The section on recognising non-compliant building work is particularly valuable. Guest provides clear visual examples of common defects, making it easier for the untrained eye to spot potential issues before they’re covered up. The accompanying photographs are clear and well-annotated, though I would have appreciated more of them, especially in the structural sections.
The book’s practical value extends beyond the construction phase. Guest includes property maintenance schedules and checklists that will serve homeowners well for years after project completion. These ongoing maintenance protocols could prevent costly repairs down the line—something anyone who has owned property for more than a few years will recognise as invaluable.
What particularly resonated with me were Guest’s insights into the psychology of builder-client relationships. His advice on how to communicate issues professionally without antagonising your builder reflects an understanding of the human elements at play in construction projects. This diplomatic approach could be the difference between remedial work being done willingly and facing resistance from your construction team.
The book’s focus on documentation is another standpoint worthy of praise. Guest repeatedly emphasises the importance of thorough record-keeping—something I’ve found crucial in my own projects. The template for documenting conversations and agreements with builders has already proven helpful in my current project.
Is this book a replacement for professional building inspectors? Certainly not. But it does provide homeowners with the knowledge to have more informed conversations with builders and inspectors, potentially identifying issues before they become expensive problems. For the cost of the book, the potential savings in time, money, and stress make it an outstanding investment.
I recommend “DIY Building Inspections” to anyone embarking on a construction or renovation project, particularly first-time builders who might otherwise feel intimidated by the process. The guest has created a valuable resource that empowers homeowners to take control of what is likely their most significant investment. The book doesn’t eliminate the need for professionals, but it does make you a more informed consumer of their services—and that alone is worth the price of admission.
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