You’ve found your ideal property and it looks perfect at first glance.
It’s tempting to go all in – to tell the vendor “take my money, let’s go!”
But on closer inspection, what if there’s something not-so-ideal about the property? Something that only the trained eye can see?
We’re talking about a building and pest inspection – an important step when you’re purchasing a home to identify any structural issues or defects that might cause issues down the track.
So when it comes to building and pest inspections, what exactly do they look for?
What is a building and pest inspection?
Here’s something we can all agree on: buying a house isn’t cheap.
So, you want to make sure you intimately understand the condition of the house you’re buying and is worth the price you’re paying.
Enter…a building and pest inspector.
A building and pest inspector will take a close look at the property you’re interested in and provide a detailed report on its condition in relation to building and safety standards.
The result? You can make a more informed purchase decision.
Who can do a building and pest inspection?
A building and pest inspection should be done by a licensed professional (they know what’s up). This is usually a licensed builder, although sometimes they can be licensed architects or surveyors.
Advantages of getting a building and pest inspection
There are *plenty* of reasons to get a building and pest inspection. It’ll…
- Give you confirmation and peace of mind that the property isn’t going to come with unexpected surprises and costs
- Allow you to go in eyes wide open knowing exactly what issues may need your attention – you might even line up your quick fixes for the day you get the keys
- Potentially save you from expensive issues down the track
- Give you results that may help your negotiating power when you put in an offer
- Allow you to manage any safety risks once you move in
What does a building and pest inspection look for in Australia?
As the name suggests, there are two parts to a building and pest inspection – the building part and the pest part.
So, what does each look for?
A building inspection looks for structural problems, these may include:
- Faulty gutters
- Faulty roofs
- Rising damp
- Unequal ground settlement
- Structural cracks
- Damaged footings and foundations
- Plumbing issues
- Framing problems
- Rot
- Leaks
- Any cover-up work
- Weak water pressure
A pest inspection looks for signs of infestation, including:
- Rodents
- Termites
- Wood borers
- Fungi
- Mould
- Wood decay
What doesn’t a building and pest inspection cover?
As you can see, a building and pest inspection is rather intensive. But there are a few things you can rule out from the report. Things like:
- Appliances
- Paint
- Electrical repairs
- Estimated repair costs (this may be an optional add on – worth checking before you order your report).
Finally, if you’re inspecting an apartment you won’t get access to all areas of the building. A building and pest inspection can only cover the area of your apartment (learn more about what’s involved in purchasing an apartment).
How long does a building and pest inspection report take?
It varies.
But considering time is of the essence when it comes to buying a property, they can usually be turned around pretty quickly (in as little as 24 hours!)
It also depends on the availability of the inspector and how much work is involved in the property in question.
You’ll often be sent the report shortly after the inspection is done, and be given the opportunity to discuss all findings with the building and pest inspector over the phone.
When should I get a building and pest inspection – before or after making an offer?
Many professionals advise you to get a building and pest inspection before you make an offer.
Why? Because after you make an offer, it might be too late to pull out of a purchase if you find something not-so-ideal. Depends on the type of sale and what kind of cooling off conditions are in place.
The other option is you can put in a conditional offer (subject to building and pest inspection) although these can be seen as less favourable by sellers in a hot market.
We know what you’re thinking, it might seem risky to pay for a building and pest inspection before you make an offer and know the property is going to be yours. That’s why it’s good to wait until you find a property you’re super interested in (and have a good chance of securing). Plus, in the scheme of things paying a few hundred dollars for a building and pest inspection (to better understand the condition of the building) could be an investment you’re willing to make.
If you work with a buyer’s advocate, they can help guide you on when it makes sense to request a building and pest inspection.
How much does a building and pest inspection cost?
It’s hard to say because every company is different. It can also vary depending on the size, condition and location of the property you’re interested in. To give you a ballpark, it usually costs anywhere between $200 – $1,200 AUD. Here’s a rough guide:
- Between 200 – 500 AUD for an apartment or average-sized home
- Between 500 – 1,200 AUD for a larger home
Do you need a building and pest inspection?
It’s *technically* not a requirement, but it’s highly recommended by most property professionals if you’re serious about buying. That’s because it can save you serious money down the track (and make sure you’re not overpaying). You can also use it to negotiate a better deal.
Looking to start your property buying journey soon? Want to dive deeper or be connected with a building and pest inspector?
Our team of home loan experts can point you in the right direction.
We’re here to help you at all stages – whether you’re just starting out and wondering what it’s all about or ready to place an offer.
