What does a building and pest inspection cover?

Pre-purchase building and pest inspections are typically two, different types of inspections. You have the option to get them separately; or you can find a company that offers a combined inspection. In any case, here’s what you need to know about what building and pest inspectors look for.

What is the difference?

A building inspection only involves a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property – identifying minor defects, major structural issues, maintenance problems, and safety hazards.

A building inspection also identifies visual damage caused by pests, but it does not verify if pests are still present. A separate pest inspection will be needed to make a conclusive determination of any infestation and the actual extent of the damage. This is especially important if the property you are planning to buy is located in an area where pests, such as termites, are a common problem.

What do building and pest inspectors look for?

• An exterior inspection will look for structural problems in retaining walls, gutters, sheds, and fences. These problems include cracking, rising damp, leaks, and differential/unequal ground settlement.
• The interior inspection is usually more extensive, checking the walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, fittings, and finishes of every room for cracks, uneven or springy boards, dampness, and leaks. It also includes the plumbing, insulation and framing issues in roof spaces, and sub-floor damp, rot, or leaks.
• Pest inspectors look for signs of existing infestations, which include rodents, termites, wood borers, fungi, mould, and wood decay. A licensed inspector will check both the interior and exterior of the property for small cracks, holes, and other spaces where pests could enter; nests, droppings, termite tubes, and dry rot and other tell-tale signs of destruction will also be tracked down.

What else can you expect from a building and pest inspection?

A thorough building and pest inspection, conducted by competent and licensed professionals, will not only identify existing and potential problems, but also provide expert recommendations on how to resolve these issues and an estimate of the repair costs.

The inspector/s will provide a building and pest inspection report that will detail the major issues found at the time of the inspection. It would be best to for you to also be present during the inspection itself so you can immediately get answers and clarifications directly from the inspector/s, should you need any. You should also verify with the inspector/s all the specific areas they will look at. If there are other areas you want included, and specific issues you want them to look for that are not included in a basic inspection, you may need to request a “special-purpose property report.”

Why should you get a pre-purchase building and pest inspection?

The extra cost of a pre-purchase building and pest inspection will save you a lot of money on unexpected repairs that you could have, otherwise, required the seller to cover. With a pre-purchase building and pest inspection, you will be properly forewarned and forearmed.

A building and pest inspection is a critical check you need to arrange before you finalise buying a house in QLD. Here I explain why you need it and how it helps.

A building and pest inspection is completed after signing the contract (and your offer has been accepted).

The inspection can be done by one expert, or this can be two separate experts:

• The building specialist will check the structure of the roof, walls, floors, fences and any adjoining buildings, look for things such as cracks, faults, asbestos and movement.
• The pest expert will check for termites, white ants, borers and other pests.

The inspector is working for you, and it can be really useful to attend the inspection so you can ask questions to see exactly what they are talking about.

Why do I need a building and pest inspection?

It’s likely your home is going to be one of the biggest investments you make in your life.

Unexpected building problems can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. By getting a building inspection, you’ll have a really good idea of the property’s condition before buying.

If there are issues it will allow you to get quotes for the repairs and you may choose to negotiate with the seller if they are significant.

Book in your building and pest inspection as soon as you can – find one on google, ask a friend or your Mortgage Broker for a reputable inspector.

How much does  building and pest inspection cost?

It varies depending on the size and location of the property.

As a guide, for most units, townhouses and houses in metropolitan areas, the cost varies between $500 to $750.

You will need to pay for this yourself and it can’t be included in the loan.

When you are buying a house, it’s important to keep perspective. It’s likely that every property will have issues. Some small, some big. This is even more true when a home is older.

The aim of getting a thorough building and pest report is so that you know exactly what the issues are and you make sure they’re manageable in the future.

We recommend using a building and pest inspector who will take the time to explain what is been identified and to put into terms you can understand.

The information contained within this page is general in nature. It serves as a guide only and does not take into account your personal financial needs. Before you act on this information you should seek independent legal and financial advice. Copyright Blackk Finance 2021.

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