Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is a pre-purchase building and pest inspection?

A pre-purchase building and pest inspection is an independent assessment of a property's condition, carried out before you finalise a purchase. It covers the building structure, interior and exterior finishes, roof space, subfloor and site, as well as timber pest activity including termites, borers and fungal decay. The inspection follows Australian Standards AS 4349.1 and AS 4349.3 and gives you a clear picture of any issues that could affect your decision.

Q: What is the difference between a building inspection and a building and pest inspection?

A building inspection focuses on the structural and physical condition of the property under AS 4349.1. A building and pest inspection adds a timber pest assessment under AS 4349.3, which looks for evidence of termites, borers, fungal decay and conditions that may attract pests. Most buyers on the Gold Coast opt for the combined building and pest inspection for complete peace of mind.

Q: Should I get a building inspection before an auction?

Yes. If you are bidding at auction, you should arrange a building and pest inspection before auction day. Once the hammer falls, there is no cooling-off period and the sale is unconditional. Having an independent inspection report before you bid helps you understand the property's condition and set a confident limit.

Q: What is a pre-sale building inspection?

A pre-sale inspection is arranged by the property owner before listing for sale. It provides an honest assessment of the property's condition, allowing you to address any issues upfront, set an accurate asking price and build buyer confidence. It can also reduce the chance of last-minute renegotiations or surprises during the sales process.

Q: Do you inspect investment properties and rentals?

Yes. CYTE inspects investment properties, rental properties and owner-occupied homes. Annual building and pest inspections are recommended to maintain the property's condition, monitor for termite activity and catch developing issues early — particularly for landlords and property managers who may not visit the property regularly.

Q: How often should I get a termite inspection?

Australian Standard AS 3660.2 recommends a timber pest inspection at least annually. In South-East Queensland, where termite activity is high, regular inspections are essential to detect early signs of infestation and maintain any existing termite management systems.

Q: What is not included in a building and pest inspection?

A standard building and pest inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment limited to readily accessible areas. It does not include areas that are obstructed, inaccessible or concealed. It also does not cover electrical or plumbing systems, swimming pools, individual minor cosmetic defects, or cost estimates for repairs. The inspection is not a warranty against future issues.

Q: What should I do before a building and pest inspection?

You do not need to do anything specific before the inspection. However, it helps if the property is reasonably accessible — unlocked gates, clear access to the roof space manhole, subfloor access points and meter box. If the property is tenanted, make sure access has been arranged with the tenant or agent ahead of time.

Q: How soon will I receive my inspection report?

You will receive your report on the same day as the inspection. Reports are delivered electronically via email and include high-resolution photos, defect classifications and practical recommendations — ready for you to review, share with your solicitor or use in negotiations.

Q: Can a building and pest inspection be used for negotiation?

Yes. Many buyers use the inspection report to negotiate the purchase price or request that specific repairs be carried out before settlement. The report provides documented evidence of the property's condition at the time of inspection, which can support informed discussions between buyer and seller.

Q: Do you inspect the roof exterior?

Yes, where safe and accessible. The roof exterior is inspected from a 3.6 metre ladder placed on the ground, in accordance with Australian Standard guidelines. We assess the condition of roof tiles or sheeting, guttering, fascias, valleys, flashings and any visible damage or deterioration. If the roof is not safely accessible, this will be noted as a limitation in the report.

Q: What is a safety hazard in a building inspection?

A safety hazard is any item that may constitute an immediate or imminent risk to life, health or property. Examples include unsecured balustrades, missing smoke alarms, exposed electrical wiring, unstable retaining walls or severely damaged structural elements. Safety hazards are flagged clearly in the report and should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Q: Do you inspect swimming pools?

A standard building and pest inspection does not include a pool safety or compliance inspection. However, the general condition of pool fencing, decking and surrounding structures may be noted as part of the site assessment. If you require a pool safety inspection, this can be arranged as a separate service.

Q: What qualifications does a building inspector need in Queensland?

In Queensland, a building inspector must hold a QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) Builder's Licence to carry out building inspections. For timber pest inspections, a separate Queensland Timber Pest Licence is required. CYTE's inspector Rhys Voyce holds both licences, as well as a NSW Pest Management Licence for inspections across Northern NSW.

Q: What happens after the inspection is complete?

Once the inspection is finished, you will receive a same-day report via email. The report includes a summary of key findings, detailed observations for each area inspected, photo evidence and practical recommendations. You are welcome to call or email with any questions about the report — Rhys is happy to walk you through the findings and explain what they mean for your property decision.