Pre-Purchase Timber Pest Inspections

Purchasing a property is a significant investment, and understanding whether there is evidence of timber pest activity or damage can form an important part of your property due diligence.

Bees Knees Pest Management WA provides professional pre-purchase timber pest inspections carried out in accordance with AS 4349.3—2010, Inspection of buildings — Timber pest inspections, for properties across Perth and surrounding suburbs.

The inspection assesses accessible areas of the property for evidence of timber pests, timber pest damage and conditions that may increase the risk of timber pest problems, within the scope and limitations of the inspection.

What Does a Pre-Purchase Timber Pest Inspection Cover?

Depending on the construction, conditions and accessibility of the property, the inspection may include accessible areas of:

• The building interior

• Building exterior

• Roof void

• Subfloor where applicable

• Timber structures

• Outbuildings where applicable

• Fences and other relevant timbers

• The surrounding property within the scope of the inspection

• Areas where evidence of timber pest activity or damage may be present

The inspection is focused specifically on timber pests and timber pest-related conditions rather than the general structural condition of the building.

What Timber Pests Are We Looking For?

A pre-purchase timber pest inspection may assess for evidence associated with timber pests covered by the inspection, including:

• Subterranean termites

• Wood borers

• Fungal timber decay where relevant to the inspection

• Evidence of previous timber pest activity

• Visible timber pest damage

Where evidence is identified, its significance and any recommendations for further investigation or action will be explained in the inspection report.

Termite Activity & Damage

Termites can remain concealed within timber, wall cavities and other parts of a structure, which means significant activity or damage may not always be immediately visible.

During the inspection, accessible areas are assessed for evidence that may indicate:

• Active termites

• Previous termite activity

• Termite workings

• Visible termite damage

• Conditions that may increase susceptibility to termite attack

• Potential concealed termite entry

• Existing termite management measures where identifiable

If active termites or evidence requiring further investigation are identified, appropriate recommendations will be provided.

Conditions Conducive to Timber Pests

The inspection can also identify accessible conditions that may increase the likelihood of timber pest problems.

These may include:

• Excessive moisture

• Timber-to-soil contact

• Poor drainage

• Inadequate ventilation where applicable

• Stored timber or cellulose materials

• Landscaping affecting inspection areas

• Building conditions that may allow concealed termite entry

• Areas where termite inspection zones have been obstructed

• Other conditions relevant to timber pest risk

Identifying these conditions can help a prospective purchaser understand areas that may require attention after purchasing the property.

Inspection Limitations

A pre-purchase timber pest inspection is a visual inspection of accessible areas and has limitations.

Furniture, stored belongings, floor coverings, wall linings, insulation, building materials and other obstructions may prevent access or conceal evidence of timber pest activity or damage.

Areas that are unsafe or not reasonably accessible at the time of inspection cannot be fully inspected.

The absence of visible evidence in accessible areas does not guarantee that concealed timber pest activity or damage is not present.

Any limitations affecting the inspection will be addressed within the report where applicable.

Your Timber Pest Inspection Report

Following the inspection, a written report is provided outlining the findings within the scope of the inspection.

Depending on the findings, the report may include information relating to:

• Evidence of timber pest activity

• Evidence of timber pest damage

• Areas of concern

• Conditions conducive to timber pests

• Inspection limitations

• Recommendations for further investigation

• Recommendations regarding termite treatment where required

• Recommendations regarding ongoing termite inspections or management

The report can help you better understand the timber pest condition and risk factors identified at the property before proceeding with your purchase.

Building Inspection vs Timber Pest Inspection

A pre-purchase timber pest inspection is not the same as a building or structural inspection.

The timber pest inspection focuses on timber pests, associated damage and relevant conditions within the scope of AS 4349.3—2010.

A building inspection assesses different aspects of the property.

Prospective purchasers may choose to arrange both a building inspection and a timber pest inspection as part of their property due diligence.

Bees Knees Pest Management WA provides the timber pest inspection component and can explain the findings and recommendations contained within your timber pest inspection report.