Referral link disclosure: If you buy through links on our site to third parties, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A building and pest inspection is an assessment conducted a building and pest inspector to evaluate the condition of a property and identify any issues related to its structure and potential presence of pests, such as termites or rodents. This type of inspection is often commissioned by the purchaser of a property so they can be made aware of any issues prior to purchasing. Buyers may choose to include the words “subject to building and pest inspection” in the contract of sale, meaning that they have an opportunity to walk away from the sale if they are not satisfied with the result of the building and pest inspection.
What does a building and pest inspection typically involve?
A building and pest inspector will attend the property and perform a range of checks such as:
- Examination of the foundation, walls, ceilings and roof for any signs of damage, leaks or structural weakness.
- Identification of any signs of water damage, mould, or dampness.
- Inspection of electrical wiring, plumbing, and ventilation systems for functionality and safety.
- Searching for any signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, damaged wood, or termite nests.
- Checking for the presence of other pests, such as rodents, cockroaches, ants, or spiders.
- Identifying any conditions that may attract pests, such as poor drainage, excess moisture, or vegetation close to the building.
They will then prepare a report outlining the findings of both the building and pest inspections. This may include photos of any items identified during the inspection and recommendations for how to rectify them, or any further investigations that may be required. Urgent issues will likely be highlighted, and the report will typically cover aspects pertaining to the application of relevant building codes and safety standards.
Advice for sellers
- It is good to be upfront and transparent about any issues you’re aware of with your property before selling, and make your agent aware of these things. This will reduce the chances of any surprises coming up with a buyer commissions a building and pest inspection.
- If you’re aware of any building or pest issues with your property, it’s a good idea to have these rectified before selling as you will be more likely to find a buyer if they don’t have to deal with any problems after the sale.
Advice for buyers
- It’s a good idea to commission a building and pest inspection when purchasing property so you will be aware of any potential structural issues or the presence of pests prior to paying any money.
- Most houses will likely have some items raised on the building and pest inspection. Some items may be minor wear and tear that is easily repaired, while other items may require major work to rectify. Consider what you’re comfortable with accepting on the report and what you may wish to have rectified.
Getting started
If you’d like to commission a building and pest inspection, contact Brisbane-based building and pest inspection company, iSpect and quote referral code REQLD158 to let them know we sent you!