Building and pest inspections in apartments and units
A pre-purchase building and pest inspection is essential regardless of whether you’re buying an apartment, unit or house.
It allows you to make an informed decision about the property, gives you peace of mind, and can save you from costly repairs that may have otherwise gone unseen.
Why getting a building and pest inspection in apartment and units is so important
Apartments and units aren't immune to building defects and timber pest problems. Building defects can occur in any type of building – new or old, apartment or house. Likewise, termites don’t discriminate between building types and will invade any property if the conditions are right.
Some of the common defects we’ve found in apartments and units include:
- Structural damage – cracks in brickwork, concrete and internal walls and ceilings
- Unsafe conditions – inadequate tread on stairs, incorrect balustrade and stair rail heights
- Termite damage and termite infestations
- Cracked and drummy tiles causing water damage from water leaking onto the tile(s)
- Leaking showers and air conditioners
- And much more
Don't go into your purchase blind! Make sure you are fully aware of the condition of the property and aren't caught out by hidden repairs.
What is checked during a building and pest inspection in apartment and unit?
The inspector will check the following areas during a building and pest inspection in an apartment or unit:
- The interior – including bathrooms, walls, floors, ceiling, windows, doors, laundry, kitchen and cupboards.
- The exterior – balcony and/or patio, car parking space
- The inspector will also use a thermal imaging camera and moisture meter
Due to legal requirements, communal areas owned by the body corporate cannot be inspected during a building and pest inspection. Only areas that belong to the title deed that you’re purchasing will be checked such as the internal apartment and any other items included in the purchase like a car parking space.
Inspections of the body corporate areas come under a different classification in Australian Standards. These are also known as Strata Inspections. We suggest obtaining a strata inspection report from body corporate which outlines details about their termite management plan and any issues across the whole building.
Body corporate: how it effects you as the buyer
The main point of difference between buying an apartment or unit over a house is body corporate.
When you buy a home, the responsibility for repairs and maintenance is on you. However, when you buy an apartment, you are only responsible for repairs and maintenance in the apartment itself - not the common areas.
The common areas of the building like foyers, elevators, stairwells, building exterior, gyms, garden, courtyard and any other common rooms fall under the responsibility of body corporate.
Body corporate represents the collected interest of all the owners in an apartment building, unit or gated complex.
It’s role is to ‘administer common property and body corporate assets for the benefit of all the owners, and to undertake functions required body corporate legislation’ (Queensland Government, 2022).
Essentially, it’s function is to manage and maintain the common areas of a building or complex.
Generally, owning an apartment automatically makes you a member of the body corporate. This gives you input into the rules, regulations, and meetings of the body corporate.
Buy with confidence with Local Building and Pest Inspections
All of our inspectors have over 30 years of experience and are fully licensed and qualified. With us, you can trust that you're getting a quality building and pest inspection.