Pre-Purchase Building & Pest Inspection
Everything checked before you commit to the purchase
About this service
A pre-purchase building and pest inspection combines a structural defect assessment with a timber pest inspection, so you know exactly what you're buying before you sign. Carried out to the AS 4349.0 inspection series and AS 3660.2 for timber pests, it covers every accessible area of the dwelling and outbuildings, and delivers a written report — usually within 24 hours.
Pricing
Pest & Building Inspection is $550 to $750 depending on dwelling type, confirmed in your free written quote. Bundled with a general pest treatment, this service is a From $500 add-on.
| Service | Unit / Townhouse | Single Storey | Double Storey | Split Level | Large / Rural |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest & Building Inspection | $550 | $650 | $750 | $750 | $750 |
Depending on your location, a travel surcharge may apply, and depending on the extent of the infestation, an infestation surcharge may apply. Any applicable surcharge is always confirmed in your written quote before work proceeds. Full conditions are on our pricing and warranty page.
Before your treatment
Follow these preparation steps so the treatment works as designed.
- Confirm the agent provides access to all areas — including garage, outbuildings and subfloor
- Ensure utilities (power, water) are on so moisture and fittings can be checked
- Make sure the roof void manhole and subfloor hatch are accessible
- Plan to attend the final walkthrough — we'll explain findings on site
- Allow 90–120 minutes on site for a standard home
- Send us the property address and any agent access instructions when booking
Our treatment process
Site & exterior
Site drainage, retaining walls, outbuildings, external wall condition, subfloor ventilation and weep holes.
Interior
Every accessible room: walls, ceilings, floors, joinery, wet areas and moisture readings where needed.
Roof void & subfloor
Accessible roof timbers, framing and subfloor structures — sounding and moisture-testing susceptible timbers.
Report & walkthrough
A written report with photos, severity ratings and clear recommendations — delivered within 24 hours, with a verbal walkthrough on site.
What's included
- Structural defect assessment to the AS 4349.0 inspection series
- Timber pest inspection to AS 3660.2 (termites, borers, fungal decay)
- Moisture meter readings in suspect areas
- Photos of defects, activity and damage
- Written report with severity ratings and recommendations, usually within 24 hours
- Verbal walkthrough on site and free follow-up phone consult
Not included (quoted separately)
- Invasive or destructive inspection (drilling, removing linings)
- Pest treatment or termite barriers (quoted separately if required)
- Electrical, plumbing or other compliance checks outside our licences
- Areas that are locked, obstructed or not safely accessible
- Cost estimates for structural repairs (we identify and refer to the right trades)
After your treatment
What to do, and what to expect, once we've finished.
- Read the summary and full report — pay attention to items marked 'further investigation'
- Use the findings in your negotiation — major defects and active termite work are price-relevant
- Book any recommended specialist treatment promptly if you proceed
- Keep the report — it documents the property's condition at purchase date
- Re-inspect annually; conditions change, and new activity won't respect the last report
Children, pets & safety
A building and pest inspection is a non-chemical service — no pesticides are applied and no precautions are needed for children or pets.
- No products are used during the inspection
- Buyers are welcome to attend — it's the best way to understand the findings
- Sounding and moisture metering are non-destructive
- If the property is tenanted, the agent will arrange access with the tenants
Ready to solve your pest problem?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Newcastle's pest control specialists. Targeted. Effective. Protected.