Building and Pest Reports
A building and pest report is a document that outlines the condition of a property with respect to building defects and timber pest infestations. It is typically required during the process of buying or selling property.
For buyers, it enables them to make an informed decision, negotiate with the seller and gives them peace of mind. For sellers, it helps speed up the sale process, set a realistic sale price and fix issues before the home goes on the market.
In order for building and pest report to be produced, a building and pest inspection must first take place.
What is a building and pest inspection?
A building and pest inspection is a visual appraisal of a property to assess its true condition. It is a combination of two inspections – a building inspection and a timber pest inspection.
The building inspection looks for major and minor defects affecting the property. Such as cracks in walls, cracked tile(s), general aging, obvious water leaks, cracked roof tiles, broken down pipes and so on. Under Australian Standards, major defects are classed as any item that may affect the safety or livability of the property. Whereas, minor defects refer to items that require maintenance.
The timber pest inspection is looking for any evidence of timber pests and timber pest damage at the property. The pest inspector will include a list of any conducive conditions to future termite infestations in the report. They will also check the home’s current termite management system to ensure its up to date.
Why do I need the home checked for termites?
Queensland homes are at a high risk of termites and timber borers as they love our climate. Frequent rain, plenty of bushlands, and warm weather are the perfect combination for termites.
In fact, termites cause more damage to homes than storms, fires and floods combined. To make matters worse, this damage is typically not covered under house insurance. That’s why it’s so important to include a timber pest inspection in the building and pest report process.
What's included in a building and pest report?
The building and pest inspection will check all accessible areas within 30 meters of the home. This includes roof, roof void, interior, exterior, subfloor, sheds, garages, fences, retaining walls and more. You can expect to have comments regarding these areas in the report. During the inspection, the home is also checked with a thermal imaging camera and moisture meter.
Under Australian Standards and Queensland Building and Construction Commission, inspectors can only check the subfloor, roof and roof void if it’s safe to do so.
Other items like the hot water system and any water tanks will also be visually checked. However, these items, other household appliances, electrical and plumbing are not tested as this is outside the inspector’s qualifications and scope to check. Notes will be made in the report in regard to the make of the hot water system and if there are any obvious signs of damage.
At Local Inspections, our building and pest reports include coloured photos and are easy to read. Recommendations for trades and repairs will be listed within the report, should building defects or timber pest issues exist. All our reports are sent within 24 hours.
Why do I need a building and pest report?
For buyers
Getting a building and pest report is important because it protects you as the buyer. It ensures you are fully aware of the condition of the property prior to purchasing and helps you make an informed decision. In addition, it also gives you the power to negotiate should major defects be found. For instance, if many major defects are found that are beyond your scope or budget to repair, you may decide to exit the purchase contract. Likewise, you may be able to negotiate a lower buying price or for the seller to fix the defects prior to settlement.
For sellers
For sellers, a building and pest report is important for several reasons. Firstly, it gives you an opportunity to identify and fix any issues prior to the house going on the market. You don’t want to wait until the potential buyer finds a problem to fix it as they are more likely to pull out of the purchase. Secondly, it helps speed up the sale process. In Queensland, most contracts of sale are subject to a building and pest inspection. If you have documentation ready for potential buyers to view, it helps increase their confidence. Lastly, it helps you set a realistic sale price. For example, if your home needs renovation or repair, you may need to adjust your sale price.
How much does a building and pest report cost?
The building and pest report cost varies depending on the size, location and condition of the property. Apartment and unit inspections start from $340 including GST. Houses start from $440 for a standard 2-bedroom home.
If the property is located on an island, is in serious disrepair, has additional living spaces, or a granny flat, there are sometimes additional costs. This is due to the extra time required to complete the inspection.
Have peace of mind with building and pest inspections from Local Inspections
With all our inspectors having over 30 years of experience, you can trust that you're getting a quality building and pest inspection.