Buying a home or commercial building can be very costly and usually takes a considerable amount of budgeting and planning. Once you have identified a potential property, you should conduct several inspections to ensure that your new home or business is as safe and compliant as advertised.
One of the more significant tests to be undertaken is a pre-purchase pest inspection. These are usually performed by the pest control services Melbourne property buyers rely on for the all clear. What do these inspections involve, and when should they be done? Keep reading to find out.
Pre-Purchase Pest Inspections are Worth the Investment
Many pests, such as termites and cockroaches are well known for staying hidden and may not be easy to spot in your initial walk through of the home. This is especially the case the average property buyer may not always know what signs to look for. Our pest control team have compiled a few pointers to help you know what to expect in a pre-purchase pest inspection.
1. Know the Importance of an Inspection
Purchasing a property is a significant investment. For many Australians, it may be the biggest purchase they ever make. Keep in mind that selling a problematic property can be difficult, which means you won’t be able to get rid of a bad or damaged property as quickly as you bought it.
Damages caused by pests such as termites can be costly to repair. You can avoid this by having your pest controller conduct the necessary pest inspections before you sign your purchase agreement.
2. Understand Which Spaces Will Be Inspected
As we’ve already mentioned, bugs and pests are not always obvious during a regular walk through. As a prospective buyer, you won’t be checking in all the nooks and crannies when you first view the home. Pest controllers will do more extensive checks that involve looking for signs of pests such as droppings or damage to building structure.
Here’s a breakdown of the areas your pest controller will be checking:
- Interiors: The interior of your potential home or business can be a common place for insects and rodents to nest. Common places to check include the following:
- Ceilings and roof voids
- Under loose tiles
- Fireplaces
- Behind doors
- Window frames
- Exteriors: Just because pests are outside doesn’t mean that they’re not a problem, as they can easily move indoors or still damage your property. Typical exterior spaces to check include:
- Roof spaces
- Footings
- Gutters and downpipes
- Subflooring
- Grounds: Your property may seem safe from pests, but insects in surrounding fields or from neighbouring properties could easily cross over into your space. In this instance, the following areas are checked:
- Fence lines
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Steps
- Drainage
- Retaining walls
- Structural: Pests such as termites can do extensive damage to the structure of your new home. This can be very costly to repair. Common areas to check for signs of pests include the following:
- All structural foundations
- Garages
- Balconies
- Chimney
- Attic
- Basement
- Outdoor decks, patios, and verandahs
3. Types of Pre-Purchase Inspections to Know About
There are different types of pre-purchase inspections to know about. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options for new property owners:
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- New Building Inspection: Pests don’t only move into old homes. Newly built homes can be at risk of pest infestation if the land they’re built on already has pests on it. Building close to existing fields, parks, or previously contaminated areas may also increase the risk. Once you sign for your newly built home or business property, any potential pest problems become yours to pay for. Avoid this by having the property fully inspected before you take ownership of it. This ensures that you’re moving into a pest-free home.
- Pre-Purchase building and pest inspection: This test is done before you finalise your purchase agreement to assure you that your potential property is pest-free. Many property sellers have these inspections done to avoid delays and also add a clean report to the features on offer.
- Vendor building report: This type of inspection is performed by the potential seller before they list their property for sale. Doing this allows the seller to repair any flagged issues without a potential buyer having to be aware of.
- Timber pest inspection: Your pest controller checks all timber structures and cladding for signs of termite activity. This inspection is highly recommended for homes or commercial spaces that have a lot of timber elements in the design. Keep in mind that these tests also include interior checks where you may have timber cupboards or flooring.
Final Thoughts
Pre-purchase pest inspections are an essential part of planning your first property purchase. This will ensure that your property investment is safe and compliant. It also reduces the risk of moving into a pest-infested property that could cause significant damage down the line. Speak to your pest controller for the best inspections for your area.
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