What does a building pest inspection cost?
Purchasing a home is often a joyous occasion. Six months later, you discover that the property requires extensive repairs for damage you were not aware of. That, on the other hand, is probably not something you'll be thrilled about.
It's a good idea to identify any underlying defects, safety hazards, or other potential problems with a property before they worsen or spell the end of a sale before they worsen or spell the end of a sale. A building inspection by a licensed inspector may assist you in identifying these issues and deciding how to proceed.
If you're weighing the cost of a building inspection against the potential benefits, we've outlined a few key factors below.
What exactly is a building inspection?
A licensed building inspector conducts a building inspection to assess the state and condition of a structure. A building inspection is typically performed prior to the purchase or sale of a property, but it may also be beneficial to your current property in order to help you understand its condition. One of the main targets of a building inspection is the termite inspection. When the inspector has finished inspecting the property, he or she will usually write up a report outlining the findings. This could include information about any hazards or defects that have been identified, as well as things they have noticed that may cause problems in the future. A damp stain on your wall, for example, could be a sign of an internal plumbing problem that, if ignored, could cause extensive damage to the structure of your home in the long run.
A pre-purchase building inspection can be performed before the contract is signed, allowing the buyer to thoroughly inspect the property before committing. It may also be a contract condition, which means that after the contract is signed, you may have a period of time to arrange a building inspection and withdraw from the contract if anything significant is discovered. From the standpoint of a seller, conducting a building inspection prior to selling may highlight any issues with your property that need to be addressed before you put it on the market.
What is the cost of a building inspection?
Building inspection costs vary depending on factors such as the size of the building, its location, and the type of inspection required. To give you a ballpark figure, an inspection for a small property may cost between $200 and $300. It also claims that inspections in rural areas are typically less expensive than those in urban areas. An inspection for an average-sized home in a regional area, for example, is estimated to cost between $400 and $500, whereas an inspection in a metropolitan area may cost between $800 and $1000.
The cost of a building inspection is typically quoted and can vary depending on a variety of factors, including:
The type of inspection – this will influence how long it takes and whether there are any technical requirements. According to NSW Fair Trading, specialist inspections for mold or pests, for example, are likely to be more expensive, and inspectors are unlikely to include matters outside of their expertise. This means that a plumbing, electrical, or gas inspection may necessitate the services of a licensed plumber or electrician in addition to a licensed building inspector.
The type of property – this may influence the type of inspection required as well as the length of time required. According to Jim's Building Inspections, an apartment above the first floor may not require a pest inspection because there is often less risk of termite or other pest-related damage. If you are unsure about which inspections to request, you should seek advice from a solicitor, conveyancer, or inspector.
The size of the property – the size of the property being inspected may affect the price because a one-bedroom apartment will take less time to inspect than a five-bedroom home.
The cost of your inspection may vary depending on your state, where you live within the state, and the level of demand for these services in your area.
Packages for building inspections – Some building inspectors offer packages with a variety of inclusions. For example, rather than conducting a building inspection and a pest inspection separately, it may be less expensive to purchase a package that includes pest inspection. According to Jim's Building Inspections, the average cost of one of its building and pest inspection packages in May 2018 was $578, whereas a standalone pest inspection typically costs between $100 and $150.
What exactly does a building inspection entail?
A building inspection report will typically include the following aspects of a property, according to an online real estate agent specialist:
Plumbing includes fixtures such as faucets, toilets, guttering, and drainage systems.
Examine the walls, ceilings, and windows for signs of sagging or damp stains.
All of the doors and windows have been inspected.
Damage to the framework that is visible, such as rust
Your home's additions and alterations, and whether they meet Australian building codes
The roof, the roof space, and the guttering
Driveways, fences, and non-structural retaining walls are examples of exterior features.
While not usually covered in a standard building inspection, buyers and sellers can request additional specialized inspections, such as for swimming pools or pest and vermin damage. If the initial inspection revealed signs of more serious problems, such as sinking and structural or foundational damage, additional assessments can be performed.
Why should you get a building inspection?
A building inspection may be useful in your situation for the following reasons:
Purchasing a Home
When purchasing a home, a thorough inspection of the property before signing the dotted line or finalizing the purchase may assist you in determining whether it is structurally sound. It may also uncover factors relating to the current and future condition of the property that you may have overlooked during your own inspection, potentially saving you from unpleasant surprises down the road.
Selling a home
It may be worthwhile to get a building inspection before selling your home to uncover any existing or potential problems so that you are not caught off guard. Identifying any problems ahead of time may allow you to make necessary repairs before any prospective buyers conduct their own inspections, which may help you secure a sale price you're happy with.
Your current residence
It can also be advantageous to have a building inspection performed in your current home, regardless of whether you intend to buy and sell. According to NSW Fair Trading, an inspection can assist you in identifying hazards and defects so that you can stay on top of maintenance and repairs or prepare for any planned renovations.