What is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection?

When you have found the perfect home or investment property, you generally love the location, nearby amenities and the 'look' of the property. However, it takes an industry expert to see the full picture. Building inspectors are highly experienced professionals with extensive experience in the construction industry and have further training to become an inspector.

There are two parts to the pre-purchase inspection:

1. The building inspection looks at structural issues, hazards and maintenance concerns.
2. The timber pest inspection identifies any evidence of termites and timber borers. The inspector will identify termite damage, as well as conducive conditions for termites.

This inspection is a visual inspection only and inspectors are not permitted to move furniture or any other items in the property. However, there is equipment available to inspectors to give them a better indication of what might be happening behind the walls. This equipment includes a moisture metre, thermal imaging camera and Termatrac motion sensor. The moisture metre can detect high levels of moisture in the walls and other surfaces. Whereas, a thermal imaging camera will identify hot spots behind the walls which could indicate a termite nest. The Termatrac motion sensor gives an indication of any termites moving behind the walls.

A pre-purchase inspection does not include items such as electrical systems or any appliances within the home, plumbing, smoke alarms or swimming pools. For an inspection of these items, you will need to engage the relevant expert. Such as an electrician, plumber or swimming pool inspector.

See more information on exactly what is included in your Dedant Building and Pest Inspection here.