Building And Pest
Inspection Ipswich

What Does A Building And Pest Inspection In Ipswich Look Like?

During the pre-purchase inspection they will check:

• The ease with which all doors and windows open
• That all built-in cabinets open and close properly
• For the presence of smoke alarms (visual inspection only)
• For signs active water leaks
• For signs of rising damp and mould, including areas where this may have been painted over in efforts to disguise it
• That floors, walls and ceilings are both safe and level – any warps, bulges or sagging will be noted
• Retaining walls
• Foundations
• Exterior walls, marking any cracking or subsidence
• Major safety hazards such as staircases, flooring (slip hazards) and balustrades
• The roof frame, roofing, guttering, and drainpipes for damage or evidence of leaks
• The underfloor or beneath the property for proper ventilation and drainage

Things We Do Not Inspect During A Building Pest Inspection in Ipswich:

• For the presence of asbestos
• The hot water System age and whether there are signs of rust or leaks
• Swimming pools (pool safety inspections can be carried out upon request)
• Air conditioning units or compressors for functionality
• Taps and under sink plumbing for leaks, rust, or damage
• Gas fittings
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Whether there are functioning smoke alarms
• The presence of drug residues such as that found in meth testing
• That toilets are operational and without fault
• Appliances

A building and pest inspection in Ipswich will not address non-structural defects in the reporting such as those listed above. We highly recommend the buyer review these things in person during a walkthrough inspection prior to handover.

Similar to a building inspector, a pest inspector will review the same areas of a property but through a different lens. Timber floors, walls, window and door frames, doors, cabinets, crawl spaces, roof frames, eaves, and foundations will all be assessed for signs of timber pests.

Even the most well-hidden termites are no match for our Ipswich inspectors. Our use of the latest technology and years of experience means you can have absolute confidence in our reporting.

To enable a more comprehensive and accurate inspection, Termatrac motion detectors, which can find termite activity inside the walls, floors, and ceiling may be used. This state-of-the-art equipment paired with a moisture meter, and/or a thermal sensor/imaging device allow us to report with greater accuracy. Should we need to investigate even further, a Boroscope camera may also be used.

What Are Pest Inspectors Looking For?

Seeking timber pests, our reporting will also list details of any issues related to current or past infestations of termites and wood borers.

Our reporting also highlights drainage or ventilation issues that may compromise the property and leave it susceptible to future infestations. Termites thrive in damp, humid environments – our reporting creates opportunities to take preventative action.

To identify pest infestations our experienced team members look for:

• Broken or damaged items and holes in timber
• Nests both inside and outside the property
• Live insect activity such as flying termites or discarded wing

To enable an efficient and accurate inspection, please ensure the property is tidy inside and out. Cabinets and doors should be unobstructed, access doors unlocked and bushes trimmed away from the side of the home. Our licensed building and pest inspectors in Ipswich will work as quickly as they can to reduce disruption. During an inspection from one of our experienced inspectors you can expect:

• An assessment and detailed notation of any structural defects.
• A wet areas assessment. This involves thorough checking of all bathrooms, the kitchen, and laundry for any signs of leaks or water damage.
• A search for concealed termite damage or active termites. The inspector will look in roof voids, under floors, inside cupboards, and other areas that pests are commonly found.
• The roof, flashing and penetration points to be checked for leaks or damage. At A1 Building and Pest, we utilise a drone to further enhance our inspection and reporting abilities.
• Retaining walls or walls built into the earth (such as those on hillsides) will be checked.

The time involved in an inspection will vary depending on the size of the property and how easily accessible key areas are. In general, we require between one and two hours on-site to adequately inspect all areas according to relevant Australian standards. We’ll smoothly handle your pest or Ipswich building inspections so you don’t have to.

After The Inspection

A detailed building and pest report will be provided within 24 hours of the inspection or same-day reports can be arranged for urgent cases, based on capacity. Unbiased, fair and clear, our reporting contains the essential information you need.

If at any time you wish to discuss our finding further or ask for advice, we offer appointments by phone or in-person with your Ipswich inspector.

In short, yes, but it is more complex than simply a pass or fail as there are many major and minor defects to assess. Reasons a property may “fail” include:

• Structural movement such as cracks in the foundation or masonry which has caused extensive damage – damage that cannot be easily or effectively repaired without great expense.
• Penetrating water damage in the foundations or masonry which leaves the property vulnerable to termites or structural issues.
• Extensive deterioration of the structure through timber decay. Decayed weight-bearing joists, flooring, wall timbers or support pylons can leave a property hazardous and uninhabitable.
• Advanced infestation from timber pests such as termites which, even if remedied through treatment, leave the home too damaged to live in safely.
• Sagging rooflines, cracked tiles, rusted sheet metal, or rotten roof supports. Once a roof has been compromised there are often knock-on effects to many other areas of the property due to water ingress.

The final rating of a property takes into account the condition of the property relevant to its age. For example, a 30-year-old property will not be rated in the same way a new build.

There are no set prices for our building and pest inspection services in Ipswich. At A1 Building and Pest Consultancy, our pricing takes into account our skill level, years of expertise and quality of reporting and will be determined based on the size of the premises being inspected.

Our indicative pricing is as follows:

• 1 bedroom apartment up to 80sqm – From $350
• 2 bedroom apartment up to 120sqm – From $420
• 3 bedroom house/apartment — From $440
• 4 bedroom house/apartment — From $460
• 5 bedroom house/apartment — From $500

To learn how much your building and pest inspection in Ipswich may cost please speak with our team who will provide an obligation free quote via phone. Call us for pest and building inspection in Ipswich today.