Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, and termite or borer damage is rarely visible at an open inspection. A pre-purchase timber pest inspection is cheap insurance against an expensive surprise.
What's actually checked
A licensed inspector assesses the interior, roof void, sub-floor, and the grounds and fence line for active termites, past damage, borers, fungal decay and conditions that attract pests — not just the obvious rooms.
Why the seller's word isn't enough
Damage is often hidden behind plaster, under flooring or in the roof. Fresh paint or new skirting can cover a history of activity that only a methodical inspection — sometimes with thermal imaging — will reveal.
It's negotiating leverage
A clear written report either gives you peace of mind or hard evidence to renegotiate the price, request treatment as a condition, or walk away before it's your problem.
Timing it right
Book the inspection during your cooling-off period or before auction so the findings can still influence your decision.
Quick checklist
- Always inspect before you exchange or bid
- Choose a licensed, insured inspector who provides a written report
- Ask whether thermal imaging is included
- Read the report fully — ask the inspector to explain anything unclear
The cost of an inspection is a rounding error next to the cost of structural termite repairs. It's one of the smartest few-hundred dollars you'll spend on a property.
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