Why should I get a building and pest inspection?

When buying a property you purchase the house or apartment in the condition that it is in in. Once the property is the new owners it is there responsibility and expense to fix issues and the condition of the building. Having a building inspection conducted gives you the infomation on the condition of the property, you may wish to re negotiate the purchase price as there are expensive items to repair, you may wish to pull out of the purchase as there is work required to do on the property that you are just not wanting to do.

Who organises/pays for the building and pest inspection? The buyer or seller?

Typically the purchaser of the property will arrange and pay for the building and pest inspection. In some instances vendors are doing pre sale inspections and the seller will pay for the inspection and make the report available to the purchasers

When do you usually get a building and pest inspection? Before or after making an offer on a property?

In an auction sale of a property, the purchaser will should have a building and pest inspection completed prior to bidding at the auction. Once the property is sold at auction the contracts become binding and you are buying the property regardless of its condition. In a private treaty purchase typically the building and pest inspection is conducted after an offer has been accepted.

What equipment does the inspector use?

Some inspectors use little to nothing except for there eyes as the inspection is a visual inspection. The Australian standard indicated that equipment that is non destructive can be used as part of a visual inspection. Obviously any equipment that can give the inspector more chance of finding issues with the building will create a better understanding of the property. Uncover building and Pest Inspections Use : Termitrac (termite radar detection unit), Thermal Cameras, Moisture metres, Sounding and tapping instruments, high powered torches, laser levels, Borescope Camera.

I have questions about my report, who do I speak to?

Directly with the persion who did the inspection Jeff Manwaring.

What are the most common problems found during a building inspection?

The report classifies items in accordance with the Australian Standards as "Major Defects" and "Minor Defects". Major defects are items that have to be repaired imediatly as without rectification the building will continue to deteriate. Tipically all Major defects relate to moisture/water. Without water and moisture a build have far fewer issues. The most common Major issues are Leaking showers, water ingress into building, poor drainage, roof leaks.

Is termite damage/infestation a common issue?

Typically one in four houses have had some termite damage when inspecting houses that are 30plus years old. More modern houses the stats get better. Termite damage is not bad if repaired or only minor. What is extremly important is that once a house has had termites in it, the termites although have been poisioned and are no longer active they leave behind there pheromones, that let other termite colonies know that there is something to eat there. Most important once a house has had termites to be extremly vigilant in haveing regular termite inspections, one step better than just regular termite inspections is having a termite management system installed to help mitigate new termites attacking.

What are some signs of termite activity?

Termite activity is hard to spot and typically only trained inspectors may see them but we are looking for mudding (termites are light sensitive and work in the dark, they block up any tiny crack or gaps with mud to keep light out) we are looking for cracks that have mud in them, termite working, (mud tunnels that termites travel in to avoid the light) hollow sounding timber (were termites have eaten the timber but leave the outer caseing creating a hollow sound) warped or crickled timberwork.

Do you check for any other pests?

Part of a pre purchase pest inspection is inspecting for termites, Borers and timber fungal decay.

Pre Sale Inspections

Looking to put your property on the market?

To avoid any nasty surprises uncovered in a buyer’s Pre-Purchase Building Inspection, it’s important to get your own Pre-Sale Building Inspection!

See a real example of a Pre Sale Inspection report so you know what to expect – Download a sample Pre Sale Inspection report here.

Request A Quote Now

What is a Pre-Sale Property Inspection?

A Pre-Sale Building Inspection works the same way a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection, except it is conducted for the vendor’s (seller) benefit.

A pre-sale property inspection, also known as a pre-sale building inspection, is a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition conducted before it is put up for sale. This inspection is typically performed by a qualified professional, such as a licensed building inspector, and aims to identify any existing issues or potential problems that may affect the value or marketability of the property. The inspection covers various aspects, including the structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, and overall safety of the building. The findings from the pre-sale inspection can help sellers address any issues beforehand or provide transparency to potential buyers, ensuring a smoother and more informed real estate transaction.

Having a Pre-sale Inspection gives the owner an opportunity to rectify issues that might cost them potential buyers, bidders at auction and potentially a reduced sale price.

Why get a Pre-Sale Inspection?

It is not uncommon for minor defects or preventable issues to cost the seller of property thousands of dollars in lost sales or price reductions. This can help maximise the price of the property or prevent a sale from falling through as all parties have been notified of the condition of the property prior to contract signing.

Getting a pre-sale inspection is essential for sellers as it offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows sellers to identify and address any issues or repairs that may affect the property’s value or marketability. Secondly, it provides transparency and peace of mind to potential buyers, enhancing their confidence in the property. Lastly, a pre-sale inspection helps streamline the selling process by reducing the likelihood of surprises or negotiations later on.

Being able to provide a prospective buyer with a comprehensive report of the property can also instil confidence in potential purchasers and speed up the sale.

An orinary looking lounge room in a family home

What You And Other Inspectors See

The same family loungeroom examined by a building inspector using a thermal camera to show the unseen building issues.

What We See

A nice looking bathroom with a bathrub on the floor

What You And Other Inspectors See

The same nice bathroom examined by a building inspector using a thermal camera to show the building issues that were previously invisible to the naked eye.

What We See

The danger of selling without a pre-sale report

Every person selling a home should have a Pre-Sale Building Inspections undertaken to be able to sell with confidence and at the right price.

Selling without a pre-sale report can expose sellers to the risk of unexpected problems surfacing during the transaction, leading to delays, disputes, and potential financial liabilities. Having a pre-sale report provides protection and peace of mind for all parties involved.

A Pre-Sale Building Inspection is a small financial decision compare to the money you could lose on unknown defects.

Here are some of the dangers of NOT getting a Pre-Sale report:

A potential buyer’s inspector identifies issues that could be used to terminate a sale.
The buyer negotiates a lesser price to compensate for expensive problems they were not made aware of.
By not having a pre-sale you cannot put a fair price on the property.
A potential buyer is more likely to hesitate when the degree of problems is unknown.

Pre-Sale Building Inspection with Uncover Inspections

Our highly professional and qualified inspector will visit the property accompanied with modern detection equipment. They will do a thorough visual inspection in accordance with the Australian Standard AS 4349.0-2007.

The inspector will then compile a building inspection report within 24 hours. This report will inform you of any major structural defects, items requiring maintenance and the general condition of the property. Items that arise in these detailed reports will also be found in the pre-purchase inspection compiled for the purchaser.

Items of concern can be discussed with inspector Jeff Manwaring directly. We encourage you to attend the inspection on the day so that we can discuss any potential issues.

With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision on the purchase of the property with complete peace of mind. Contact us today to arrange an inspection.

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Our Tools and Technology

Tramex Building Moisture Encounter ME5

The ME5 is a moisture detection tool that can detect moisture in building materials. It is a non destructive moisture reader and can detect moisture in materials such as, timber,...

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Protimeter MMS3

The MMS3 is used as a moisture meter and a hygrometer. It is detects moisture in building materials such as plasterboard, timber, masonry. I use this tool predominantly as a Hygrometer...

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Flir E8 Thermal Camera

The E8 thermal camera is used to read surface temperatures of building materials. Different surface temperatures and indicate defects. It helps with identifying moisture and water leaks within buildings, termite...

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Termatrac T3i

The Termatrac T3i is a moisture and termite movement detector. It is a non destructive moisture reader and can detect moisture in materials such as, timber, plasterboard, maronary etc. It...

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Topcon RLH4C

The Topcon RLH4C is a laser level. A laser level is used to level and align. I use this tool to check the levelness of concrete and timber flooring systems....

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Dewalt Self Leveling Cross Line Laser

The Self leveling cross line laser is used to create level and plumb lines. I use this tool to check kitchen cabinetry, floor and wall tiling installation, floor room levelness....

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Pre Sale Inspections

What is a Pre-Sale Property Inspection?

Why get a Pre-Sale Inspection?

The danger of selling without a pre-sale report

Pre-Sale Building Inspection with Uncover Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Tools and Technology

Tramex Building Moisture Encounter ME5

Protimeter MMS3

Flir E8 Thermal Camera

Termatrac T3i

Topcon RLH4C

Dewalt Self Leveling Cross Line Laser

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