A timber pest inspection in WA involves inspecting for any obvious signs of termite infestations, identifying any parts of the property and environmental conditions that could encourage a future pest attack.

What is a timber pest inspection?

A timber pest inspection is the inspection of a property to identify any termite, borer or wood decay activity or damage. It includes the identification of conducive and susceptible conditions and recommendations to prevent future timber pest attack.

Timber inspection and reports

This type of inspection includes roof and floor timbers, outbuildings and fencing. It will inform about current infestation, previous damage, areas likely to be infested in the future, and where additional inspections are recommended to maintain effective physical and chemical timber pest barriers.

Identify who is responsible for obtaining the timber pest inspection report, the standard of the report, repercussions of a report that identify new and/or existing activity/damage and who is responsible for paying for the report.

Include a statement allowing you to choose termination of the sale if the report identifies timber pest activity or damage you are not prepared to accept, or require the seller pay for the treatment and repair work to a standard which meets your satisfaction.

Set a reasonable timeframe for inspection, treatment, repair work and re-inspection if necessary, to be carried out.

A seller may offer to pay for the inspection which may seem cheaper, but if you hire an inspector, your report will be independent, not affected by the seller’s interests and they can provide advice directly to you. If you do choose to allow the seller to pay, you should request to choose the inspector and also the terms of the contract with the inspector’s company.

Getting a good deal from the inspector

Factors such as the price, terms of the contract and the extent of the inspection may form the basis for your decision. To get the best deal shop around before you make a choice. In Western Australia, these are usually carried out by professional building inspectors and licensed pest control operators.

Obtain several written quotes and terms of the warranties for the most thorough and professional service at the best price.

Decide how detailed and thorough you wish the inspection of the property to be and advise the timber pest inspector accordingly.

Allow full access to the premises and check the pest inspection meets Australian Standards.

If a seller or their agent restricts an inspection in any way, or there are any areas that are inaccessible at the time of inspection, then a thorough report will note these facts.

If timber pest problems are discovered

If your inspection report indicates timber pest activity, your options will to some extent depend on the wording of the special condition in the O&A. By including your inspection as a special condition in the O&A you will more likely be able to solve the matter with the seller before settlement.

If you decide to continue with the purchase, and the special condition requires that the seller pay for timber pest damage and treatment, then it is recommended that you immediately write to the seller or the seller’s agent outlining the expected repairs and treatment. Make sure that it is understood that a further inspection will take place prior to settlement to confirm that proper treatment or repairs have been carried out.

If the special condition allows you to terminate the contract, you may decide to give written notice of termination to the seller or the seller’s agent according to the terms of the special condition.

If there is any ambiguity in the timber pest condition, you may need to see a lawyer for a legal interpretation of your position. It is also advisable to liaise with your settlement agent. In addition, if pest damage is discovered and there is no special condition in your contract covering this situation, it is suggested that you seek legal advice.