A Combined Building and Pest inspection
A Combined Building and Pest inspection is our most comprehensive inspection service and is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for properties as it covers both building defects and timber pests. You may not think timber pests are a problem but they most certainly are.
One in five homes in the Central Coast and Sydney has had some form of termite damage. The CSIRO has rated these two regions as the second highest risk zone in Australia for termite attack.
All homes contain timber elements in their construction and are at HIGH RISK of termite attack
Timber pests include Termites, Wood Decay Fungi (Wood rot) and Wood Borers. They can weaken timber structures such as roof frames, wall and floor frames, decks, handrails, external steps and timber retaining walls.
During a Combined Building and Pest Inspection we look for major building defects such as:
- Leaking roofs or damaged roof
- Structural cracks
- Leaking showers or baths / wet areas
- Damp issues such as rising damp or penetrating damp
- Poor external drainage or storm-water concerns
- Main structural elements
- Potential safety hazards
We inspect all accessible voids such as the roof interior and subfloor areas:
During a Building and Pest Inspection, the areas we check:
- The Roof Exterior
- The Roof Interior
- The Building Exterior
- The Subfloor
- The Building Interior
- The Site including up to one Outbuilding, such as a garage, granny flat or shed.
During a Building and Pest Inspection, we look for:
- Subterranean Termites or evidence of termite activity and termite damage as well as evidence of any previous Termite treatment. (Very Important)
- Timber borers or evidence of timber borers and damage.
- Wood rot (wood decay fungi) damage and potential safety hazards in timber structures such as rotten timber steps, handrails and balconies.
- We also report on any conditions that may be conducive to Termite attack or conditions that can cause wood rot.
When should buyers arrange a Building and Pest Inspection?
The sooner the better.
When you purchase a property via private treaty and exchange contracts there is a 5 day ‘cooling–off’ period. During this time, you have the option to cancel the contract providing you give written notice.
Many Central Coast and Sydney buyers arrange a Building and Pest inspection during the cooling off period. It is recommended however, that you arrange the inspection before you exchange contracts as this gives you ample time to digest the information and the ability to adjust your offer based on the report findings. If you pull out of the purchase during the cooling off period you will lose 0.25% of the purchase price, which equates to $2,500 on a $1M property.
A cooling–off period does not apply if you buy a property at auction or exchange contracts on the same day as the auction after it is passed in.
Sometimes the agent may request that you agree to a ’66W’. This waives your right to a cooling off period. In this case the inspection must be done before exchange.
Often property vendors arrange Building Inspections and Pest inspections with our company. We provide copies of these reports to prospective buyers at a discounted rate.
We strongly recommend that property buyers carry out a Combined Building and Pest Inspection to provide you with a detailed insight into the particular property of interest. We are available to carry out Building and Pest Inspections on the Central Coast and Sydney from Monday to Saturday.
Contact Andrew anytime for a friendly informative chat 0499 888 877 or email at info@activebuildingpest.com.au
