Association of Building Consultants - South Australia

06/10/2026

Granny flats are changing.

Once largely associated with providing somewhere for an ageing parent to live, today’s backyard builds can offer far more flexibility - from giving adult children some independence to creating rental income or helping several generations live close together without necessarily sharing the same roof.

Changes to South Australia’s planning rules have made granny flats more flexible too, including allowing self-contained accommodation and removing previous restrictions on renting them to people outside the family.

But a smaller home doesn’t necessarily mean a simpler build.

Our latest blog looks at the rise of the modern granny flat, why more Adelaide homeowners might be considering one - and the practical things to think about before turning that unused patch of lawn into a second home. Read the full blog at https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/132/are-granny-flats-sas-next-property-trend

14/09/2026

What if your next home is the one you're already living in? For many Australians, the traditional property journey of buying, upgrading and eventually downsizing is starting to look a little different.

With the costs of moving, strong connections to local neighbourhoods and changing family needs, more homeowners are choosing to renovate and adapt their existing property instead.

Our latest blog looks at why staying put can be an attractive option - and why understanding the condition of your existing home should come before making big renovation plans.
Because sometimes the perfect home doesn’t have to be somewhere else. It might just need to change with you. Read the full blog at https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/131/the-steady-rise-of-the-%E2%80%98forever-home%E2%80%99

07/09/2026

What do you notice in the first 30 seconds of walking into a home?

Maybe it's the natural light. A strange smell. A crack in the wall. A few maintenance jobs that look overdue, or simply that feeling that you could see yourself living there?

First impressions can be incredibly powerful when buying a property - but they don't always tell the whole story.

Our latest blog looks at the subtle details buyers notice during an open inspection, what those little clues might be telling you about a home, and why it's important to look beyond beautiful styling and fresh paint before making a decision.

While the first 30 seconds might tell you whether you like a house, a comprehensive building inspection can help you understand what you're actually buying. Read the full blog at https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/130/what-buyers-notice-in-the-first-30-seconds

25/08/2026

Open-plan living may not be disappearing, but it’s certainly evolving.

Once considered the must-have feature in every new or renovated home, open-plan living is now competing with something many households now value just as much - privacy.

Hybrid work arrangements, teenagers, video meetings, study, rising energy costs and changing family life are all reshaping what homeowners want from their floor plans.

Our latest blog explores why flexible living spaces are becoming just as important as open ones. Read the full article here: https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/129/is-open-plan-living-falling-out-of-favour

19/08/2026

When building or renovating, it's natural to look for ways to keep costs under control. But when it comes to building materials, the lowest price tag doesn't always deliver the best value.

Lower-cost products may require more maintenance, wear out sooner or contribute to issues such as moisture damage and premature deterioration - turning today's saving into tomorrow's repair bill.

In our latest blog, we explore why choosing building materials is about much more than price, and how making informed decisions can protect your home, your budget and your investment for years to come.

Before you compare the price - ask about the lifespan. Read the full article at https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/128/the-hidden-cost-of-cheap-building-materials

13/08/2026

Did you hear our media spokesperson, Chris Short, on ABC Radio National talking about the National Construction Code? Check out the link below

That's the question at the heart of a new debate around Australia's housing crisis.

22/07/2026

✨Gold tapware, designer lighting, marble benchtops ... and a roof that leaks.

It might sound far-fetched, but building consultants regularly inspect homes where huge money went into eye-catching upgrades while more important maintenance issues and upgrades were overlooked.

The truth is that the best renovations aren't always the most expensive. They're the ones that improve how a home functions, stand the test of time and add genuine long-term value.

In our latest blog, we explore the renovation decisions homeowners most commonly regret - from chasing design trends and over-capitalising, to poor DIY work, impractical layouts and choosing finishes that become a maintenance headache.

Read the full article here: https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/127/the-upgrades-homeowners-wish-they-never-did

16/07/2026

Brand new doesn't always mean defect-free – as this image of poorly fitted roof trusses shows from a new home recently under construction in South Australia.

Every year, independent building consultants identify workmanship issues in homes that are still under construction, or only weeks or months old. Some are cosmetic. Others, if left unnoticed, can become expensive problems down the track.

Our latest blog explores why newer homes can still fail building inspections, the most common defects found, and why an independent inspection during the build or before handover can provide valuable peace of mind.

Read the full article at https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/126/why-new-homes-can-fail-building-inspections

It's not uncommon for newly completed homes to have dozens of defects, ranging from minor cosmetic issues through to more significant workmanship and compliance concerns.

29/06/2026

When buying a home, most people focus on location, lifestyle and price. But an increasingly important focus is whether a property will be easy and affordable to insure in the years ahead.

Across South Australia, insurers are paying closer attention to flood exposure, bushfire risk, severe weather events, coastal impacts and even the condition of individual homes. As a result, some homeowners are seeing higher premiums, changing policy conditions and greater scrutiny of potential risks.

Whether you're considering a character home in Adelaide's inner suburbs, a lifestyle property in the Hills or a coastal retreat, understanding how insurance is evolving could have a significant impact on your long-term ownership costs.

Our latest blog explores:
▶️ Why insurance premiums are rising
▶️ How flood, bushfire and coastal risks are influencing insurers
▶️ Why building condition matters more than ever
▶️ The growing link between insurance, resilience and property value

Read the full article at https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/124/the-home-insurance-problems-nobody-talks-about

27/05/2026

Sustainable upgrades are no longer just about helping the environment - they’re increasingly becoming smart long-term property investments.

Today’s buyers are paying closer attention to comfort, energy efficiency and ongoing running costs, with features like insulation, efficient glazing, solar systems and water-saving improvements becoming more desirable.

The good news? Improving a home’s long-term performance doesn’t always require major renovations. Even smaller upgrades can make a meaningful difference over time.

We’ve explored how sustainable improvements can strengthen comfort, reduce costs and add long-term value to your home. Read more at https://buildinginspectors.org.au/article/123/how-sustainable-upgrades-add-long-term-value