Timber Pest / Termite Inspection

A Pest Inspection, also known as a ‘Timber Pest Inspection’ is recommended before purchasing a property to ensure that no hidden structural issues exist. Timber pests include termites, wood borers and wood decay fungi (wood rot). These timber pests are common in all properties and can undermine timber structures.

All homes contain timber elements that are vulnerable to attack from timber pests. The CSIRO and State Forestry state that approximately one in five Sydney properties contain some form of termite activity and have rated Sydney as the second highest risk zone in Australia for termite attack.

A Pest Inspection is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and looks for 5 very important things:

• Subterranean Termites or evidence of termite activity and termite damage as well as evidenceof 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 report on any conditions that may be conducive to Termite attack or conditions that can cause wood rot.
• We also report on safety hazards with regard to timber structures.

What is a Timber Pest?

Customers often ask us what the difference is between a ‘Pest Inspection’ and a ‘Timber Pest Inspection’. We use both these terms interchangeably to mean the same
thing. The official terminology is ‘Timber Pest’.

Timber pests include Termites, Wood Decay Fungi (wood rot) and Timber Borers. They are considered pests because they weaken timber structures, such as decks, handrails and roof, wall frames, floor frames, floor boards etc. These pests can weaken timber structures, posing serious structural problems and possible safety hazards. The damage caused is often invisible to the untrained eye. Without detecting such problems, unforseen costs and hassles can occur.

When should Sydney buyers arrange a Pest Inspection?

When you purchase a Sydney property 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 Sydney buyers arrange a Pest and Building 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 inspection findings.

NB. 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.

Often Sydney property vendors arrange Pest Inspections with our firm. We provide copies of these pest inspection reports to prospective buyers at a discounted rate.

More information on prepurchase inspection reports can be found at the NSW Department of Fair Trading website.

We strongly recommend that Sydney property buyers carry out a Combined Building and Pest Inspection to provide you with full insight into a property. We are available to carry out Building and Pest Inspections Sydney wide from Monday to Saturday.

Contact Us today to Book a Pest Inspection