FAQs
Straight answers to common questions about building and pest inspections.
If you’re booking an inspection for the first time, it’s normal to have questions. Below are answers to the most common things clients ask about our building and pest inspection services. If you still need help, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
General Questions
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A building and pest inspection is a professional assessment of a property’s visible condition. It is designed to identify issues such as defects, damage, maintenance concerns, termite activity, termite damage, and conditions that may increase the risk of timber pests.
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A property can look fine on the surface while still having costly issues underneath. An inspection helps you make a more informed decision before settlement and reduces the risk of unexpected repair costs later.
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In many cases, yes. A building inspection and a pest inspection each look at different risk areas. A combined inspection is often the most practical option for pre-purchase buyers because it gives a broader picture of the property’s condition.
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Our inspections are suitable for home buyers, property investors, sellers, homeowners, landlords, and property managers.
Pest Inspections
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A pest inspection looks for visible termite activity, termite damage, evidence of previous activity, and conditions that may increase the risk of timber pest attack, such as excess moisture or poor ventilation.
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No. Termites can remain hidden for long periods, which is why a professional inspection is important. By the time damage becomes obvious, repairs can be expensive.
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Not always. A property may show signs of previous termite damage without active termites being present at the time of inspection. That is why clear reporting matters — we’ll tell you exactly what we found and what it means.
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Yes. Pest inspections are not only for people buying property. Existing homeowners can also benefit from routine inspections to identify risks early and protect the value of the property. Australian Standards recommend an inspection at least every 12 months.
Building Inspections
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A building inspection assesses the visible condition of accessible areas of the property. This includes structural movement and cracking, roofing issues, moisture concerns, drainage issues, safety hazards, deteriorated building elements, and general maintenance items.
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No inspection can guarantee every issue will be found, especially where access is limited or defects are concealed. A building inspection focuses on visible and accessible areas and provides an informed snapshot of the property’s condition at the time of inspection.
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It can. If the inspection identifies major defects or issues requiring repair, the report may help support further discussions with the seller or agent.
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Yes. Building inspections are also valuable for newer homes, recently completed builds, and properties where you want an independent view of the visible workmanship and condition.
Booking & Reports
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In most cases, we can schedule an inspection within 24–48 hours. For urgent pre-purchase inspections with tight contract deadlines, call us directly and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
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Inspection times vary depending on the size, condition, and accessibility of the property. Smaller homes may take less time eg. up to 90mins, while larger or more complex properties may take longer eg. 150mins or more.
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It’s not required, but we always encourage it. Attending the inspection gives you the chance to see any issues firsthand and ask questions in real time. If you can’t be there, we can walk you through the report by phone.
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Reports are delivered within 24 hours of the inspection, sent directly to your email as a PDF document or as an online link to that document. In urgent cases, we can often turn reports around on the same day.
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If we identify concerns, these will be outlined in the report along with clear commentary on what was observed and whether further specialist advice is recommended. We’re always available to discuss the findings with you. You can phone the inspector directly.
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Pricing depends on the type of inspection, the size of the property, and its location. Contact us for a quick, no-obligation quote. We’re competitive on price — but we never compete by cutting corners on quality.
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You can book by calling us, submitting an enquiry through the contact page, or using our online booking method. We’ll handle coordination with the real estate agent for you.
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Yes. Once you’ve booked, we handle all coordination with the selling agent to arrange property access. You don’t need to chase anyone — we take care of it and keep you advised.
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We provide building and pest inspections across South East Queensland. Contact us if you would like to confirm whether we service a specific location.
Before you Buy, Get the Facts
Arrange a professional building and/or pest inspection with Astute Building & Pest Inspections today.