Should I Get a Building and Pest Inspection? Buyer Alert

Discovered your dream home in Cairns? Before you sign on the dotted line, there’s one question that could save you tens of thousands of dollars: should I get a building and pest inspection?

The short answer is yes – absolutely. Here’s why it’s one of the smartest investments you’ll make during your property purchase.

Quick Answers

• Building and pest inspections typically cost $500–$1,000 in Queensland – a small price compared to potential repair costs
• 1 in 3 Australian homes will experience termite damage, with average repair costs around $10,000
• Brand-new homes aren’t immune – newly built Australian properties can have major defects
• You can terminate your Queensland contract without penalty if the inspection reveals unsatisfactory issues
• Inspections must be completed by a QBCC-licensed professional within your contract’s condition period (usually 7–14 days)

Why Building and Pest Inspections Matter

Property purchases are often the biggest financial decision you’ll make. Yet what looks perfect during an open inspection can hide problems that aren’t visible to the untrained eye.

Consider these Australian statistics: 

• Termites cause$1.5 billion in damage annually, affecting up to180,000 homes each year. 
• Most home insurance policies don’t cover termite damage, meaning you’re personally liable for repairs. 
• In Queensland’s tropical climate, particularly around Cairns, termite risk is even higher –South East Queensland alone sees a 65% infestation risk.
• Research shows that nearly 70% of newly built Australian homes have major defects, with waterproofing and structural issues topping the list.

What’s Included in Your Inspection

A comprehensive inspection involves two components:

Building Inspection

A QBCC-licensed builder examines the property’s structure, including foundations, roof, walls, floors, and visible timber. They’ll identify structural defects, safety hazards, and compliance with Queensland building codes – but won’t check plumbing, electrical wiring, or appliances.

Pest Inspection:

A licenced pest inspector searches for termites, borers, and other wood-destroying insects. They’ll check for current activity, past damage, and conducive conditions that could attract pests. In Cairns’ warm climate, this step is particularly crucial.

When Should You Get Inspections Done?

• Before Signing: Ideally, arrange inspections before entering into a contract. This gives you maximum negotiating power.
• During the Cooling-Off Period: Queensland contracts include a 5 business day cooling-off period, but most building and pest clauses allow 7–14 days. 
• Before Auction: If you’re buying at auction, inspections are non-negotiable. Once the hammer falls, you’re unconditional – there’s no turning back if problems emerge later.

What Happens If Issues Are Found?

Queensland law protects buyers who discover problems. If your inspection reveals defects you’re not satisfied with, you have three options:

1. Terminate the contract without penalty (unlike the cooling-off period, which incurs a 0.25% fee)
2. Negotiate a price reduction to cover repair costs
3. Request the seller fixes issues before settlement

You must act reasonably – you can’t terminate over minor cosmetic issues expected in an established home. However, termite damage, structural defects, or major safety concerns are legitimate reasons to renegotiate or walk away.

How Your Conveyancer Helps

Your conveyancer in Cairns plays a vital role in protecting your interests. We ensure your contract includes properly worded building and pest clauses, advise on your legal rights, and negotiate with sellers when issues arise.

We’ve seen too many buyers discover expensive problems after settlement – problems that could have been identified and addressed during the inspection period.

Don’t Leave It Up to Chance

Skipping a building and pest inspection to save a few hundred dollars is a false economy. With termite repairs averaging $10,000 and building defects in new homes costing hundreds of thousands to rectify, professional inspections are essential insurance for your investment.

Need expert conveyancing advice for your Cairns property purchase? Our experienced team guides you through every step, from contract review to settlement. Contact us today to ensure your property purchase is protected from hidden surprises.