Building and Pest Inspections

Building and Pest Inspections

 

Sometimes referred to as a Pre-Purchase inspection, a building and pest inspection is the number one priority when purchasing a home. You want to make sure you don’t have to spend a lot of money repairing damage on your dream home caused by termites, rodents and other pests, faulty wiring, building compliance issues and water damage. A building and pest inspection by reputable inspectors will provide you all this and much more. In short, a building and pest inspection will save you money.

 

A building and pest inspection report is also useful to help you negotiate for a lower price for the property with the seller. This is worth considering when the pre purchase report reveals there is some minor work that will need doing.

 

What Is Included In The Building And Pest Report?

 

A licenced building inspector can provide an invasive building inspection report. This, somewhat aggressive title includes a detailed floor plan and estimate of  cost towards the hidden defects or an older property. This type of inspection is mainly to identify concealed termite and water damage. Two of the most costly repairs to a home, so iti is highly recommended that when you are doing your research for building and pest inspectors that your building inspector offers this service.

Termite-damage-in-a-bathroom-discovered-during-a-pest-inspection

In order to provide a thorough report a building inspector would be expected to inspect the following:

  • Site perimeter (within 30m of house)
  • Exterior finishes
  • Interior finishes
  • Roof exterior
  • Roof void
  • Subfloor space
  • Renovation quality checks
  • Balconies, verandas, patios and decks
  • Question approved additions/extensions

A pest inspector will assess the home and garden for termites, borers, wood decay, drainage issues and any other conditions that may attract pests. A licenced and experienced pest inspector will use thermal imaging tools and moisture metres. They will lift the carpets to see if there is evidence of termites (a favourite place to live and eat).

Do You Have To Get a Building And Pest Inspection Before Purchasing a House?

No, it is not a requirement by law but it will save you money in the long run. A professional inspector can provide you with an approximate amount that you will need to invest to resolve the pest or building  problems so you know exactly how much money you are investing on a whole. It pays to be informed about what you are investing in. In Australia most, if not all, insurance companies will not cover termite damage. By not getting a pest and building inspection completed you are taking a big risk.

 

Ongoing Inspections

 

Every year almost 180,000 Australian homes are affected by termite damage and as a result, the annual cost of repairs amount to a huge sum of $1.3 billion. The mitigation of a termite infestation will cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 in structural repairs coupled with the treatment costs can incur you a loss of anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 depending on the location and size of your house. With this in mind it can be seen that regular pest inspections are important to keep your biggest asset safe. Don’t stop at the initial purchase inspection. Engage an experienced and licenced pest inspector to carry out annual pest inspections.