FAQs
Find the answers to your frequently asked questions.
Pre-Purchase Inspection FAQs
Dedant Building and Pest Inspections services Brisbane and surrounding areas, providing professional pre-purchase inspections by licensed, insured, and experienced building inspectors.
Dedant Building and Pest Inspections has been servicing the greater Brisbane area since 2009, providing a range of building inspection services. With over 600 positive google reviews, Dedant is consistently rated amongst the best.
In Queensland, building inspectors must be licensed with QBCC and hold relevant insurances. Dedant Building and Pest Inspections is licensed and insured to conduct these inspections.
It is highly recommended to get a report that has your name on it, should you encounter any issues down the track. Engaging your own inspector gives you verbal insights as well as the information in the report. You should also be aware that these types of reports are only current for 4 weeks from the date the inspection occurred. After this, conditions can change and the property should be reinspected.
Dedant encourages you to attend if you are available. The inspector can then explain any issues that are identified and give advice while at the property. If you are not available to attend, you can phone the inspector once you have read the report with any follow up questions.
A combined building and pest inspection on average will take about one-hour, larger house and older homes may take longer depending upon size, structure and condition.
Pre-Purchase Building and Timber Pest reports are legal documents that are based on the relevant Australian Standards. If the findings of the report cause concern, this should be discussed with your legal team who can advise what your next steps and options are.
The buyer should arrange the inspection by engaging a professional inspection company. Dedant will then my all of the necessary arrangements with involved parties, ensuring that access to the property is sorted and time frames are met.
Yes, apartments and units can still have a number of defects that should be identified by an expert. When purchasing a strata managed property, you should also seek out the strata reports that relate to the rest of the property.
Building inspectors cannot provide quotes or estimates for any rectification work, this is outside the scope of the inspection.
Each defect is listed on the report with the relevant trade to contact for more information. This is the trade that should quote for rectification.
DedAnt Building and Pest Inspection can generally accommodate last minute bookings, please phone our friendly staff on 07 3802 0122 to discuss your requirements
Dedant Building and Pest Inspections offer combined pre-purchase building and pest inspections from$420 for apartments, $530 for townhouses and $550 for a house. The cost depends on the size the property.
In Queensland, it is generally the buyer who pays for the building and pest inspection. Sometimes reports are provided by the seller, however it is recommended that buyers engage their own inspector.
Reports will generally be sent within 24 hours. Same day reports can be arranged, please speak to our friendly office staff about your requirements.
The Inspector must comply with workplace health and safety regulations and will not enter or inspect an unsafe area.
The inspector is limited when inspecting the roof cavity by the dimensions of the manhole and cavity and will only enter this area if safe to do so. In Queensland, the inspector cannot open the roof access if there is solar to the property. The access hole must be minimum 400 x 500mm and the crawl space minimum 600 x 600mm. There are also other factors that might limit an inspector’s access to this area. The inspector is also limited by the height of the roof and can visually inspect from only a 3.6m ladder and if safe to do so, the inspector cannot climb onto the roof. Inspection of the sub floor is subject to the inspector’s discretion as to whether access is safe and reasonable.
Dedant use the most advanced equipment for moisture and termite detection. These include thermal imaging cameras and moisture metres. They are not only used in the wet areas but anywhere where evidence of such issues may present. This will show up things like termite infestations or water leaks that are not visually seen or perceptible to the human eye.
Dedant Building and Pest Inspections conduct pre-purchase inspections on commercial properties up to 1000m2 floor area. This includes office, warehouse, factory, shop, showroom, hotel, motel, childcare centre.
If you need a pre-purchase building and pest inspection in Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, the friendly inspectors at Dedant Building and Pest can help.
Building inspectors are looking primarily for structural defects and safety issues with the property. The pest inspection is primarily concerned with evidence of termite activity and conditions conducive to termite attack.
A pre-purchase building and timber pest inspection is essential when purchasing a property. An expert will inspect the property for structural defects and timber pest activity. In addition, it is recommended to have a licensed electrician conduct an electrical inspection, licensed plumber for plumbing inspection, qualified roofer for roof inspection. Other property checks will be conducted off site by your conveyancor.
Usually part of the property sales process, a pre-purchase building and timber pest inspection is undertaken by a suitably qualified inspector who investigates the condition of the property. A report is issued for the buyer that outlines any visual structural defects, safety issues, major defects and an overview of minor defects. The inspector also looks for signs of termite activity at the property.
All building and pest inspectors in Queensland operate under the same set of guidelines set by Australian Standards, Workplace Health and Safety and the conditions of the licenses. These conditions listed below are not specific to DedAnt Building and Pest Inspections but are industry wide.
The inspection will be not check for general maintenance items such as poor paint work, damaged carpets and flooring, door handles and fixtures. In addition, the Inspector will not check the plumbing, electrical and gas installations as this is outside their qualification scope
Subject to reasonable and safe access and minimum requirements, the inspection will report on the condition of the following areas
The interior of the property
The roof space of the property (subject to height and safety restrictions)
The exterior of the property
The sub floor space of the property (subject to height and safety restrictions)
The roof exterior (subject to height and whether restrictions) of the property
Structures within 30m of the building relevant to inspection and within the site boundaries, including fences
The Inspector must comply with workplace health and safety regulations and will not enter or inspect an unsafe area.
The extent of the inspection is limited to visual and non-invasive inspection only. The inspector cannot move any furniture, items, chattels or things to see behind or under the item. The inspector will use equipment to ascertain moisture or heat behind walls, but cannot inspect inside walls, between floors, behind kitchen cupboards etc.
The inspector is limited when inspecting the roof cavity by the dimensions of the manhole and cavity and will only enter this area if safe to do so. The access hole must be minimum 400 x 500mm and the crawl space minimum 600 x 600mm. There are also other factors that might limit an inspector’s access to this area. The inspector is also limited by the height of the roof and can visually inspect from only a 3.6m ladder and if safe to do so, the inspector cannot climb onto the roof. Inspection of the sub floor is subject to the inspector’s discretion as to whether access is safe and reasonable.
A professional inspector will not comment on whether the house is a suitable purchase or not but can provide the findings of the inspection and discuss the severity of defects contained in the property. The report will also compare the property to others of similar age and type. From this, the buyer can make an informed decision. The report may give the buyer negotiating power on the contract price. Some buyers will love the property and purchase regardless, others will walk away, but the buyer is the only one who can make that decision.
Timber Pest Inspections FAQs
In Queensland, to conduct pre-purchase timber pest inspections, the inspector must hold qualifications with QLD Health for Pest Management Technician with Timber Pests, and qualifications with QBCC. Dedant Building and Pest Inspectors are certified for pre-purchase timber pest inspections.
An annual termite inspection starts at $260. The price will vary depending on the size of the property.
A certified timber pest technician will conduct a visual assessment of the property for signs of termite activity. In addition, they will use a 'donger' to sound the walls and check for hollow spots, thermal camera to check for anomalies and moisture meter for high moisture.
The timber pest technician is looking for signs of termite activity, conducive conditions such as high moisture and reports on any termite management system that is at the property.
Under Australian Standards, the minimum requirement is every 12 months. We strongly recommend following this advice, just like renewing your insurance policy. If you’re in a higher risk area and a barrier is not yet installed, more regular inspections might be recommended to help safeguard your home until a termite treatment system is installed. At Dedant Building and Pest we will complete your annual termite inspection and issue you with a report detailing our findings. We will then follow up in 12 months’ time with a reminder that you are due again.
An Annual Termite Inspection is one of the best forms of insurance you can put in place to protect your home and “prevention is always better than cure” especially when we are talking Queensland and its many varieties of Termites.
Queensland is well known to have a great climate and ecology for high termite activity and the termites can go undetected for many months before they are discovered. Termites
Homes owners might be unaware that their home insurance policy does not cover the property for damage caused by termites as seen as a preventable event and the responsibility of the homeowner. It is therefore important to detect termites early (commonly known as white ants) to significantly reduce repair costs and the spread of these pests, and safety of the home structure. Left untreated, it is not uncommon for roof trusses and base and top plates to be eaten through, and walls held together by only plasterboard.
Absolutely, the building and pest inspection will identify if there are structural issues in the property and the pest inspection if there are timber pests. Termites can still affect the timber within the house such as flooring, walls, window frames, doors etc.
New Build Inspection FAQs
When your new property is basically completed and ready for occupation, the property reaches practical completion. There might still be some minor issues to complete or fix. An independent inspection is recommended at this stage by Dedant Building and Pest Inspections. A report will be issued that identifies items that should be rectified prior to handover.
Licensed inspectors in Queensland are registered builders. They understand the standards and tolerances allowed for finishes and have industry knowledge of what the finished standard should be.
The recommended stage inspections are Foundation, Frame, Lock Up (and waterproofing) and Fixing Stage. An independent building inspector will inspect the progress and note any issues.
In Queensland, a building inspector licensed with QBCC can conduct these inspections. Dedant Building and Pest Inspections has a team of licensed and certified inspectors who can conduct building stage inspections and practical completion inspections.
Pre-Sale Inspection FAQs
A pre-sale building and pest inspection is a great idea! It gives you professional insight before a potential buyer has the inspection done and identifies unknown defects. After the pre-sale inspection, you have the opportunity to fix up a few items and have the inspector revisit (for a small fee) and update the report to remove the repaired items.
Yes, you can. However, if it is not in their name, the inspector will not discuss findings with them. The buyer can have it changed into their name for a small fee.
Building inspectors are looking primarily for structural defects and safety issues with the property. The pest inspection is primarily concerned with evidence of termite activity and conditions conducive to termite attack.
Ensure that the roof access hatch is accessible (no furnishings or car under it), move items away from walls so the inspector can see the skirting boards, if the property is unfurnished that is ideal.
Methamphetamine Residue Testing FAQs
A suitably trained technician can conduct methamphetamine residue testing in houses. The residue is odourless and invisible so testing a house when purchasing it moving into a new rental is a very good idea. Dedant Building and Pest can assist, phone today 07 3807 0122.
There are two types of methamphetamine residue testing - rapid testing and lab testing. Rapid testing uses cassettes on site that provide results in a around 5 minutes. Results will be positive, negative or partial. If positive results are obtained, a lab test in the area is recommended. The lab will provide results showing the level of contamination.
Tests are conducted as per Australian Standards and involve swabbing different locations within the house.
It is important to have the full property tested for meth residue. If the results are positive, the property should be professionally cleaned of contamination.
The property requires professional cleaning to remove contamination and then restesting to ensure that is is free of contamination.
Termite Management & Treatment FAQs
Call an expert straight away to have the live termites treated. Don't disturb them. Phone Dedant Building and Pest Inspections on 07 3807 0122.
Most of the common species of subterranean termites in Queensland range from 3-7mm in length, are pale brown or creamy white and soft bodies. They have straight, bead like antennae and a uniform thick waist, this is unlike ants who have elbowed antennae and a pinched waist.
It is best to contact a specialist to treat termites. They are treated with a termiticide. A spot treatment might be conducted on live termites, or a termite management system could be installed such as a chemical barrier.
Termites are commonly known / referred to as white ants, they are the same.
Every house in Queensland should have a form of termite protection. There are a few types of termite barrier including physical barrier, chemical barrier and baiting or monitoring system. Physical barriers are installed during construction. Chemical barriers can be installed on constructed houses and contain a pesticide.
It is recommended to have an inspection by a certified timber pest technician at least every 12 months as they are aware of the signs to look for. Mud trails on external walls (particularly near weep holes), soft spots in architraves, skirting boards or cornice, visible damage to any timber. Termites are rarely seen; they like to stay out of sight.
Reports for timber pest inspections will list conducive conditions at the property. These are elements that can provide favourable conditiions for termites and should be attended to. This might include cutting trees back, removing garden bedding built around the slab, fixing leaking water near the property foundations. Ensure the termite management system is current as well. There are several actions that homeowners can take to prevent these pests from establishing themselves. Other tips include, but is not limited to the following:
- Trim shrubs and bushes close to the walls of the building.
- Check any tree stumps on the property.
- Remove any wood pieces that may be lying around the yard area.
- Inspect any leaking water against the building, including air-conditioner overflow pipes and leaky pipes.
-Inspect structures attached to the home such as pergolas.
-Check weepholes are above the ground level and not covered by gardens.
-Inspect timber fences surrounding the property.
A spot treatment for live termites starts at $320. This includes a revisit to the property to ensure it was effective. Phone Dedant Building and Pest today if you have live termites. 07 3807 0122.
This is not recommended. A licensed technician has training to use the most effective method and understands the habits of termites. They know what to look for and how to treat them.
Quick links
Have another question? Reach out to us for a speedy response.
Have more questions?
Can't find the answer to your question? Dedant's friendly staff can assist. Send us an email below and we will respond quickly.
Wide Range of Services
Providing a range of services we can assist with your building, pest, maintenance, termite, invasive inspections and termite treatments.
Licensed Inspectors
All Dedant inspectors are licensed builders and have completed additional study to become a qualified timber pest technician.
Value for Money
Value for money inspections, providing technical support at a great price. You can be assured that the pricing is always competitive.
Easy Booking Process
We make booking easy. Bookings can be made by email, phone or through our website. We can offer as much or as little assistance as required.
Latest Technology
We use the latest technology during every inspection. This includes a moisture meter and thermal imaging camera throughout.
Family Owned Business
Dedant is a family-owned business that has been operating around Southeast Queensland since 2009. Staff are readily available to assist.
Industry Associations
