When purchasing a home, there are many things you will need to consider.
An important consideration is assessing your future home's condition and safeguarding against potential pest risks.
Damian Doller from Pestology offers Pre Purchase Timber Pest Inspections for customers looking to purchase a new house or for anyone looking to make sure their home is free of timber pests.
We asked him everything you have to know before booking an inspection.
What areas of the property does the inspection cover?
The inspections are on a case-by-case basis.
The standard inspection is based on a roof void inspection, an internal wall inspection and if the house is built on stumps, a subfloor inspection.
If a customer has any specific concerns such as large trees, potential damp areas or old termite damage, this is something we can also focus on during the inspection.
What pests do you check for?
Timber pests including termites and borers and wood decay fungi.
What common pests are found in inspections?
Unfortunately, termites are quite common and sometimes timber borers.
How do you detect pests that might not be visible?
Using a variety of detection devices such as moisture meters, thermal cameras and radar units that detect pest movement within the walls.
How long does the inspection take?
Around two hours for a normal-sized family home.
Are there homes that are more at risk of pests?
Unfortunately, yes. Houses that have issues such as broken pipes, poor drainage or large trees nearby are more susceptible to termite attack.
Even steel frame homes aren’t safe from termites ‒ termites will seek out timber fixings such as architraves, skirting boards and cabinetry.
What can homeowners expect after the inspection is finished?
After the inspection, I ring the customer to discuss my findings and explain any potential issues.
This is followed up by a comprehensive report that details the findings and any potential issues that could conceal or encourage termite attack.
Why is it essential to get a pest inspection before purchasing a home?
It's always better to know if termites are present or if the house is at risk before you go into negotiations. The outcome of a report can be used to negotiate a better outcome for the purchaser.
What are the risks of not getting a pest inspection before purchasing a home?
The number one risk is the presence of live termites. Termites can cause extensive damage in a short space of time. This damage can be expensive to fix and can also be dangerous to anyone living in the house.
What are the risks of pest infestations if they are not treated?
If left untreated, termites can virtually destroy a home. As most insurers won’t cover termite attack, it’s best to identify them before they cause major damage.
What is your follow-up process if pests are found in an inspection?
If pests are identified during an inspection, a treatment proposal will be forwarded to the customer for consideration. If possible, we will try to offer multiple treatment options, so the customer can choose an option that suits their needs.
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