Two reports, two different people
Building and pest is two inspections. NSW Government advice is to use a suitably qualified person, such as a licensed builder, a surveyor or an architect, for the building report. That report won't show whether termites and other timber pests are still around, so NSW advice is to get a pest inspection too, especially where termites are a known problem.
Some companies offer both in one visit. That's fine, as long as you know who's doing each half and what training they have for it.
Buying on the Coast
Bushy blocks need a wider look
CSIRO says subterranean termites usually forage within 30 m of their nest, and occasionally 100 m or more. On a block with old stumps, sleepers, big trees or bush behind it, ask the inspector to cover the yard and boundary, not just the house.
Auction weekends
In NSW there's no cooling-off period for a property bought at auction, or exchanged on auction day after it's passed in. If you're bidding, the timber pest report has to be in your hands before the hammer falls.
The seller's report
A pre-sale report from the seller can help, NSW Government advice says, but it isn't a substitute for an independent report of your own.
Ticks on the walk-through
NSW Health says ticks are common in bushland and long grass along the east coast. If you're walking the back of a bush block at an open home, check yourself afterwards.
Timing under NSW rules
When you buy by private treaty in NSW, there's a 5 business day cooling-off period after exchange, ending at 5pm on the fifth business day. A buyer who withdraws in that window forfeits 0.25% of the purchase price, so the report is far more useful before exchange than during cooling-off.
NSW Government advice is that most consultants need at least 2 to 3 days' notice. Book as soon as an offer looks likely, not once the contract arrives.
What the timber pest report should cover
- Which areas were inspected, and which couldn't be reached and why (a locked roof hatch, a low subfloor, stored furniture).
- Any live termites, past damage or signs of a past treatment.
- Conditions that attract termites: leaks, poor drainage, timber touching soil, garden beds against the walls.
- Whether there's a termite management notice in the meter box, and what it says.
- Recommendations, including whether a closer inspection or a treatment quote is needed.
Ask the inspector
- What training do you have for timber pest inspections? (In NSW, an inspection that uses no pesticides needs no EPA licence.)
- What insurance do you hold, including professional indemnity?
- Can you get into the roof and under the house, and what happens if you can't?
- Will you check fences, stumps, retaining walls and trees in the yard?
- When will I have the written report?
Where we'd start with pre-purchase pest inspections on the Central Coast
We'd book the timber pest inspection the moment an offer looks likely, so the report lands before exchange or auction day. Tap what you need, add the suburb's postcode, and say when the auction or exchange is.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
