Are you looking at moving into a new premise on the Gold Coast, or simply wanting to organise your recommended annual pest inspection? This is the blog for you. Organising a regular Gold Coast Pest and Building Inspection is the best way to ensure a property is and remains pest free.
After all, you don’t want to discover termite damage or structural issues have snuck up on you, after it’s become too late to do anything about it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pest and building inspections on the Gold Coast. We’ll discuss the different types of inspections, what inspectors look for, average costs, how to find a reputable inspector, and how to understand their reports.
As the Gold Coast and Brisbane’s leading pest inspection provider, if you want to ensure your property is pest free, contact us today (07) 3349 8572.
Why Do You Need a Pest and Building Inspection on the Gold Coast?
Whether buying, selling, investing or maintaining a property, a Gold Coast building and pest inspection is crucial. Here are a few reasons why:
- It reveals any structural or pest damage. An inspection uncovers existing or potential issues like termite damage, pest nests and other signs of potential pest activity.
- It gives you leverage when negotiating prices. If an inspection report comes back with problems while buying a property, you can negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to fix the issues. This can potentially save you thousands.
- It provides peace of mind. Knowing the true condition of a property will give you confidence in your purchase or help you avoid buying a potential money pit. For sellers, it gives buyers confidence which can lead to a quicker, smoother sale at a better price. While living on the property, it helps you rest easier knowing that your investment isn’t slowly deteriorating from under your nose.
- It’s a small price to pay. Inspections typically cost between $242 to $500. For the potential savings and benefits, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to what you stand to lose by skipping an inspection.
Whether the Gold Coast high-rise apartment of your dreams or a beachfront house, a professional building and pest inspection is absolutely worth the investment. It arms you with knowledge, protects your money, and provides reassurance in what is often one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. When so much is at stake, don’t you want to know exactly what you’re getting into? A building and pest inspection on the Gold Coast is a no-brainer.
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Types of Pests Commonly Found on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast’s subtropical climate means there are some pesky critters you’ll want to watch out for.
Termites are common in coastal Queensland and love munching on wood and paper. Check for signs of termite damage like buckling floors or walls, or little piles of sawdust. The best way to prevent these home wreckers is with regular termite inspections and baiting or barrier systems.
Spiders are everywhere, especially huntsmen and redbacks. Huntsmen are harmless but redbacks can give a nasty bite, so seal up any cracks leading into your home and wear gloves if moving items outside that have been left sitting.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so tip over or empty anything holding water like pet bowls, gutters, and kids’ toys. Use insect repellant, especially around dawn and dusk when mozzies are most active.
Rodents like rats and mice contaminate food, damage property and can spread disease. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nests in attics or walls. Seal any holes or cracks leading inside, store food in airtight containers and you can set humane traps or baits to get rid of any current infestations.
With regular inspections, good home hygiene, and effective pest control, you can enjoy the Gold Coast lifestyle without the creepy crawlies. Take simple steps now to avoid costly damage later on and have one less thing to worry about!
What Does a Pest and Building Inspection on the Gold Coast Involve?
A pest and building inspection on the Gold Coast is a thorough check of the property to identify any issues that could cost you money down the road. The inspector will look at both the inside and outside of the house to check for problems with the building structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and potential pest infestations.
What’s examined?
The inspector will check the property’s:
- Foundation and structural integrity to ensure the building is sound.
- Plumbing for any leaks, damage or corrosion in pipes, water heaters, drains, etc.
- Electrical systems including wiring, fuse boxes, switches, and outlets for safety hazards.
- Roof for damage, leaks or needed repairs.
- Exteriors like siding, windows, gutters, and fencing.
- Evidence of pest intrusion from termites, rodents or wood-eating insects.
They use special equipment like moisture metres, thermal cameras, and endoscopes to thoroughly evaluate the home. The inspector will note any major defects or safety issues that need addressing. Minor fixes or routine maintenance may also be pointed out.
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Why get an inspection?
A professional inspection is recommended before you purchase a property and every subsequent year afterwards for maintenance reasons (especially in termite hot spots)
While an inspection won’t catch every little issue, it can detect most major defects or damages. For many homebuyers or homeowners on the Gold Coast, the cost of an inspection is worth the investment for the insight it provides.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Pest and Building Inspector
When hiring a pest and building inspector, you’ll want to ask the right questions to determine if they’re the best professional for the job. Here are the top 10 questions you should ask:
- Are you licenced and insured? Proper licencing and insurance shows they are qualified and protects you in case of any issues.
- How long have you been conducting inspections? More experience usually means higher quality inspections. Ask for references from previous clients as well.
- What specific types of properties do you have experience inspecting? If you’re hiring an inspector for a commercial building, you want someone with commercial experience, not just residential.
- What does your inspection cover? A good inspector will check all areas of the property including the roof, attic, foundation, plumbing, electrical, etc. Make sure their inspection is comprehensive.
- How long will the inspection take? The more thorough the inspection, the longer it will take. Most pest and building inspections take 2 to 3 hours for an average sized property.
- How soon after the inspection will I receive the written report? Look for an inspector that provides a prompt, detailed report within 24 to 48 hours of the inspection.
- Do you offer thermal imaging or mould testing? Additional services like these can provide valuable information about the property. See if the inspector offers them and at what cost.
- What is your re-inspection policy? Choose an inspector that will re-inspect any issues noted in the report at no additional cost before finalising the sale or purchase.
- Do you offer any warranties or guarantees with your inspections? Some inspectors provide limited warranties for major issues that are missed during the initial inspection.
- How much do you charge for an inspection? Costs will vary but aim for $300 to $500 for an average residential pest and building inspection.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about pest and building inspections on the Gold Coast. By now you should feel well-equipped to find reputable and experienced inspectors to give your property a thorough check. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry in this situation. Spending a little now to gain peace of mind about the state of your investment can save you a lot of money and hassle down the track. Once the inspections are done, you can rest easy knowing your beautiful beachside home is structurally sound and critter-free. The only thing left to do is sit back, relax and enjoy all the lifestyle benefits the Gold Coast has to offer!
