Pre-Purchase Building and Pest

Inspections

Why do you need these inspections?

To make sure that:

• The home you are buying is safe for you and your family to live in.

• To avoid any expensive maintenance or repair bills after you move in.

Your finance provider may also require these to protect their interest in your property.

Inspections & your contract

• The standard REIQ contract contains a section for building & pest inspections.

• Complete this section if you wish to have the inspections as a condition in your contract.

• Enter a time frame for the inspections and attend the inspections if possible. (Allow 10-14 days)

• You may terminate your contract within this time frame if your inspections are unsatisfactory .

Sample - REIQ CONTRACT

Who can do these inspections?Only Building & Pest Inspectors

licenced by the QBSA!

• The Terms of your contract and the QBSA require your building & pest inspectors to be licensed.

• There is a free licence search feature on the QBSA website: http://www.bsa.qld.gov.au

• Inspectors should also have Professional Indemnity Insurance for your protection.

What does the Building Inspector do?

• A visual inspection checking for major & minor building defects, safety hazards, maintenance issues and any future or potential problems.

• Inspects all the Internal & External areas of the dwelling including the roof void and also the site.

• Inspects for moisture & surface water drainage problems. These cause 90% of all defects!

What does the Pest inspector do?

• Checks for active termites and indentifies current termite protection systems.

• Inspects the Internal & External areas of dwelling and the roof void. The site including, trees, fencing & retaining walls.

• Special equipment such as moisture & vibration meters are used.

Inspection Reports

• Written Reports are to be provided following the inspections.

• They should be written in accordance with the Australian Standards:

– The building report in accordance with the Australian

Standard 4349.1 – 2007

– The pest report in accordance with the Australian Standard 4349.3.

What do you do if a report is unsatisfactory?

• Make sure that you clearly understand the reasons why the report was unsatisfactory.

• You may wish to re-negotiate the price with the seller or obtain further reports on the defects.

• If you wish to pull out of your contract you must notify your solicitor or conveyancer before the date and time entered on your contract and send them your reports.

Questions to ask when booking!

• Are the inspectors licenced with the QBSA?

• Do they have current professional indemnity insurance?

• Will two inspectors attend for a combined building and pest inspection?

• When will the reports be available and are they in accordance with the Australian Standards?

Examples of Serious Building Defects

Sue HortonCall: 5594 7664

www.alliedhomeinspections.com.au