Building and Pest Inspections
Engaging the services of a reliable building and pest inspector is necessary when purchasing a property, carrying out building alterations or if you suspect you have a timber pest problem. A trained professional can alert you to any building defects or potential problems so that you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed or not.
A1 Building and Pest Consultancy provide the highest quality services across Queensland from a team that is skilled and knowledgeable. Our dedicated professionals are accomplished inspectors who have the expertise to carry out your building inspection. You can be confident of receiving an extensive, impartial building inspection report you can rely on to alert you to major defects, minor defects or expensive repairs.
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Why Choose A1 for Your Building and Pest Inspection Report?
Established for over a decade, we are a fully qualified and independent building and pest inspection company offering exceptional levels of service to our clients.
We are members of the Master Builders Association and the Institute of Building Consultants and carry out more than 5,000 inspections annually.
Building and pest inspections can be daunting, which is why we aim to make things as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Our wealth of experience can identifydefects that may be difficult to detect to the naked eye, and our comprehensive understanding of the requirements of Building Regulations can save you significant time and money.
Building inspection reports are different to pest inspection reports and it is recommended that you have both before you purchase a property.
While a building inspection report can identify visual damage caused by pests, it doesn’t necessarily include details on existing pests that may be damaging a property.
We have many years of experience in identifying timber pests, and in Australia it is recommended that timber inspections are carried out regularly on roof, wall and floor timbers due to the devastating effect infestations from pests such as termites can be.
"The main purpose of building inspections is to check for defects, which can be anything from loose plaster to damp and blocked drains."
Building Inspection Report
When is a Building Inspection Necessary?
The main purpose of building inspections is to check for defects. Defects can be anything from loose plaster to damp and blocked drains.
A building inspector will check the design of the building, the materials used and the workmanship and the way in which the building has been put together.
Inspectors will also check for any defects in the building which could diminish the structural integrity of the building.
Inspections will include such checks as –
- ensuring the building is structurally sound
- checking the condition of the roof
- inspecting the drainage
- noting the presence of pests
- inspecting walls, floors and ceilings
- inspecting kitchens and bathrooms
- noting the presence of asbesto
- inspecting the electrical installation
- noting the presence of draughts
- inspecting the building foundations and soil, noting cracks, leaks and weak points
- any points of concern raised by the customer
Renovation Inspection
Before involvement in any such works, a building owner must check for structural defects and any physical problems regarding the structure of the building.
When the issue is not a major one, owners often wish to get a general idea of the condition of the building before making a decision on whether to repair or replace.
Building Site Inspection
Our teams are also able to inspect and report on the status of a home and garage as they are being built.
An inspector will also look for signs of construction work that has not been completed or items that could have been moved without causing visible damage.
The building inspector will look at the house from the outside to see if the site has been cleared of any items which could have caused damage and ensure that any existing items have not been moved.
"The building report is a comprehensive report on the main construction materials and the building itself."
Pre-purchase Building Inspection
There are a number of things you should look for when considering whether to buy a property. Some of these are obvious: the cost, the location and the number of bedrooms.
However, a pre-purchase inspection covers much more, from the structural integrity of the house to the condition of the roof and basement.
So, if you are thinking of buying a new home, you’ll need a pre-purchase building report. The building report is a comprehensive report on the main construction materials and the building itself. It will tell you whether the building is safe and sound, or whether there are any faults.
It will also tell you how much the property value might be affected if these faults aren’t rectified and may include recommendations for further specialist inspections or assessments by, for example, an electrician or water supply authority.
What’s included in a Building Inspection?
Roof Inspections
A roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a building and can be compromised in bad weather. A proper inspection of the roof exterior and roof void will check for potential hazards that could be dangerous for your home.
Examples of these include, loose tiles, shrinking or expanding shingles, rotting wood or missing screws, as well as damage to the chimney, windows and guttering.
Roofs are very expensive, and one of the first things a homeowner would need to replace if their building is damaged by storms.
The roof inspection is an important part of the home inspection because it not only determines whether it is waterproof, but that it has adequate ventilation and insulation.
Interior Inspections
A building or pest inspection is a process that provides an independent, professional assessment of an asset as part of your home purchase or sale.
It provides useful information about the condition of the building and its contents, as well as the suitability of the property for your intended use.
It is not a pass/fail exercise, but a method of giving property owners more confidence in their purchase decisions.
We often find pest, water and fire damage in older, neglected buildings.
The damage can be caused by the natural deterioration of the building over the years, but it can also be caused by people.
Part of the service we provide is to prepare for entry to the building by performing a pre-inspection. This helps us to determine the extent of the problem and the cost of treatment.
Exterior Inspections
There are two types of external building inspections – structural inspection and exterior inspection.
A structural inspection will identify any structural problems, including problems in the roof, walls, windows, foundations and floors.
The exterior inspection is performed to look for any physical problems that may affect the building, including cracks and leaks.
"Timber pests can ravage the timbers in your home—such as the flooring, roofing and supporting beams—before you’ve even noticed."
Timber Pest Inspections
Why have a Timber Pest Inspection?
One of the main reasons to have a timber pest inspection is to protect your house, your family and your business.
Timber pests can ravage the timbers in your home—such as the flooring, roofing and supporting beams—before you’ve even noticed.
Termites are one of the most common timber pests in Australia, and a colony can clandestinely destroy buildings causing untold damage and putting the inhabitants at risk
When should a pest inspection be carried out?
Termite Inspections
Although there is a wide range of pests that can cause damage to your home, termite damage is the most widespread and problematic.
Termites cause immense structural damage to houses, particularly the foundations and roofs. However, as they feed on wood, anything made from wood becomes a potential target.
What are termites?
The termite is an insect that uses its strong jaws to suck on wood to digest it, leaving behind a hole.
They are a nuisance and termite activity can cause extensive structural damage, and require the experience of professionals who conform to the Australian Standards requirements to get rid of.
An infestation can cause severe damage to the foundations of all kinds of building types.
The effect of termites
Termites swarm or attack a house or building to find a place to build a nest where the colony will have a ready supply of food in the timbers used in the construction of the property.
Their sheer numbers can cause considerable destruction, particularly as termite damage is often difficult to see until the wood is destroyed beyond repair.
One of the things we’re proud of here at A1 Building and Pest Consultancy is that we’re pest specialists and can detect when a problem is present, and how extensive it is.
Armed with the right information, you can then make a decision on how best to treat the problem. There is also always the option to pull out of a purchase if you do not feel comfortable tackling the issue.
Your building and Pest Inspection Report
There are many important things to consider whether you are buying, building or managing a home. Building and pest inspections are a good example of this and are vital in helping you make an informed decision about what action to take.
At A1 Building and Pest Consultancy, we offer you complete peace of mind. Our inspectors are fully qualified to carry out a thorough inspection for your benefit and will be able to give you their findings and a building and pest inspection report with the necessary information to help you make the best judgement about the property in question—whether it is for the present or the future