Building and Pest Inspections FAQs

It protects the biggest purchase you will ever make. I find structural problems, termite activity, fungal decay and safety hazards before you are committed, so you can make the decision with the full picture rather than half of it.

I go through the structure (foundations, roof, walls, floors, windows and doors), the services (plumbing, electrical, ventilation) and every accessible area, including the roof void and subfloor where there is one. The pest inspection runs at the same time and covers termites, borers and fungal decay. Your report comes with photos and plain-English recommendations.

Most homes take two to four hours depending on size, age and access. Older or larger properties take longer. I do not rush it, and I will tell you upfront if something is going to affect the timing.

Yes, and I would encourage it. You are welcome to walk through with me, ask questions and see anything I find first-hand. If you cannot make it, the report covers everything and I will talk you through it.

Yes. New does not mean fault-free, and incomplete work is common. A handover inspection checks the work against Queensland standards before you make that final payment, while the builder is still on the hook.

Building and pest inspections start at $479 for a unit, and a standard three or four bedroom house is $599. A five bedroom, three bathroom house is $699. The price depends on the size, age and type of property, and how far I’m travelling. If you only need a building or a pest inspection on its own, the full price list is on my services page. Give me the address and I’ll give you an exact figure before you book..

Your report lands within 24 hours of the inspection, and most go out the same day.

It reflects the condition of the property on the day I inspected it. Contracts often treat a report as current for 30 to 90 days, but weather, pests and general deterioration can change things faster than that. Check with your solicitor or agent for your situation.

I explain how serious it is and what has likely caused it, include photos, and point you toward the right trade. From there you can negotiate, ask for repairs, or walk away. That is your call and I will give you what you need to make it.

Usually, depending on your contract. Your solicitor or conveyancer can use my report to request repairs, renegotiate the price or exercise the relevant clause.

I note anything that appears to contain asbestos and flag it in the report. Formal identification needs sampling and testing by a licensed asbestos specialist, and I will tell you when that is worth doing.

Termites, borers and fungal decay as standard. If you are worried about something else, rodents for example, mention it when you book and I will tell you whether I can assess it.

Yes. A moisture meter comes on every inspection, and I use the FLIR thermal camera where the property needs it, along with the rest of my gear. The relevant images go in your report.

Structural defects affect safety or stability, things like foundation movement, roof sagging or significant cracking. Maintenance issues are the smaller stuff, peeling paint or a minor leak. I report both and tell you which ones actually matter.

Yes. I hold a QBCC builders licence and a pest inspection licence, with full public liability and professional indemnity insurance. QBCC #1206986, Pest #PMT007766319.

Possibly, depending on your contract terms, for example if it is "subject to building & pest". Speak with your solicitor or conveyancer for legal advice. I am not able to give it, but I can make sure you know exactly what you are dealing with.

Pre-purchase: ordered by buyers, to find out what you are actually buying before you commit. Pre-sale: ordered by sellers, so you can sort problems out before they turn up at the worst moment during negotiations.

I am based on the Sunshine Coast and cover the whole region plus Gympie. I travel further west by arrangement. Give me the town or postcode and I will confirm availability and any travel component in your quote.

Often, depending on what my week looks like. Give me a call and I will tell you straight away whether I can fit you in.

One to two weeks ahead is ideal, especially through the busy periods. That said, I know contract deadlines do not always allow it, so ring me and I will do what I can.

Outside first, the grounds, the exterior and the roof. Then through the internal rooms and wet areas, then the roof void and subfloor wherever I can get access. Doing it in that order means the outside tells me what to look for on the inside.