Buying a home? What a pre-purchase pest inspection covers

A property can look perfect at an open home and still have termite activity or old damage hidden behind the paint. A pre-purchase timber pest inspection gives you an independent report before you commit, so you can negotiate, budget for repairs or walk away.

What the inspection covers

Pre-purchase timber pest inspections in Australia are carried out to Australian Standard AS 4349.3. The inspector looks for:

• Live termite activity and evidence of past termite damage.
• Wood borers, such as furniture beetles.
• Wood decay (fungal rot) in timbers.
• Conditions that make termite attack more likely, such as leaks, poor sub-floor ventilation, high moisture, garden beds against walls and timber in contact with soil.
• Any evidence of previous termite treatments or management systems.

What it doesn't cover

The inspection is visual and non-invasive: the inspector won't remove wall linings, lift fixed floor coverings or move heavy furniture. Areas that can't be reached safely, such as a low sub-floor or a roof void with no access, will be noted as limitations in the report. Read that section carefully and ask questions about anything you don't understand.

When to book it

Book it before you exchange contracts, or within the cooling-off period if you've already exchanged. In NSW the cooling-off period for most residential purchases is five business days, which goes quickly, so organise the inspection as early as you can. It is commonly booked together with a building inspection.

Buyer's checklist

• Make sure the inspector has safe access to the roof void and sub-floor.
• Attend the inspection if you can, and ask questions on site.
• Read the whole report, including the limitations section.
• Ask the seller about any past termite treatments and paperwork.
• If activity or damage is found, get advice and a quote before you commit.

Want a professional to take a look? Call CITY WIDE on 1300 888 749 or request a free quote below. We look after homes and businesses across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Inner City and North West.