Your home is likely the most valuable asset you’ll ever own, so it’s essential to take precautions to ensure you’re buying a property in good condition—free from costly hidden problems.
Even the most appealing homes can hide unwanted surprises, and spotting a problem property isn’t always easy. This is where a pre-purchase pest and building inspection can help. It brings in a professional who can uncover any structural issues or hard-to-spot pest infestations that could cause major headaches down the line.
Arranging an inspection is a smart move to avoid unexpected repair bills and to identify potential red flags that could turn your home-buying dream into a budget-busting nightmare.
What Does a Pest and Building Inspection Involve?
A pre-purchase building inspection involves a qualified expert, often a licensed builder, physically inspecting the property to check for major defects such as faulty footings or rising damp, both of which can be expensive to fix.
You can opt for just a building inspection or, for a small additional cost, you can usually add a pest inspection to the mix. This will help alert you to whether your future home might have unwanted tenants, such as termites or borers.
According to experts, common issues flagged during pest and building inspections include active termite infestations, construction faults, and the need for plumbing and wiring updates due to safety concerns. These problems can leave a buyer facing substantial—and often unexpected—expenses once they take ownership of the property.
How Much Does a Pest and Building Inspection Cost?
Buying a home often involves numerous upfront costs, and it can be tempting to cut back where possible. However, a pre-purchase pest and building inspection is one expense you likely don’t want to overlook.
The cost of the inspection will vary depending on the service provider and the size of the home. As a guide, building inspections in Townsville, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia typically range from $200 to $300 for smaller properties, and between $400 and $500 for an average-sized house.
Adding a pest inspection could set you back an extra $100 to $150.
What If the Property Gets a Bad Pest/Building Report?
If a property fails its pest/building inspection, it’s not necessarily a deal breaker—especially if the home checks other important boxes for you.
A negative pest and building report could actually give you leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price. The key here is to ensure that your offer accounts for the cost of repairing any faults found in the inspection. You might want to gather quotes from builders or pest exterminators before making a formal offer.
Alternatively, if the issues are too extensive, you might decide to walk away from the property and continue your search for a better option.
Talk to Us Today for Expert Advice
For guidance on pre-purchase checks and to ensure you’re making an informed decision when buying a home, reach out to us. We can help you assess your property options and ensure you’re not caught off guard by unexpected expenses.
Whether you’re looking for home loans in Townsville, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, or advice on refinancing in Townsville, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, we’re here to help you secure the best deal and make the home-buying process as smooth as possible.
To learn more, contact Premium Finance Group Australia at (07) 4720 8888 or email us at finance@pfga.com.au.
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