Building and Pest Inspections: What Queensland Buyers Should Understand

A building and pest inspection is one of the more common conditions buyers put in a Queensland contract, but it is worth understanding what it actually covers and who is qualified to carry one out.

Timing

Buyers are generally advised to arrange a building and pest inspection before making an offer, or to make the contract conditional on a satisfactory result with a right to cancel if the report raises serious concerns.

Licensing

Only a licensed residential building inspector can complete a pre-purchase building inspection in Queensland, and only a licensed pest controller can complete a termite inspection. The two can be combined into one visit only if the inspector holds both required licences, so it is worth checking an inspector’s licence before booking.

The relevant building licence is the Completed Residential Building Inspection licence issued by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, which covers inspection of a completed building and preparation of a report in line with the Australian Standard for residential building inspections. Pest and termite technicians are licensed separately, through Queensland Health’s pest management licensing scheme, with a timber pest endorsement required for termite work.

What a report does not do

A building inspection is not a warranty against future defects. Any defects a buyer already knew about before purchase are also excluded from cover under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme, which is a separate consideration from the inspection itself.

What to verify before you act

This is a general description of the process, not advice on how to interpret a specific inspection report or what action to take in response to particular findings. If a report raises concerns, it is worth discussing them directly with the inspector, and seeking advice from a solicitor or conveyancer about your contractual options before deciding how to proceed.

Sources

• Queensland Government, Inspections page, qld.gov.au
• Queensland Building and Construction Commission, Completed Residential Building Inspection licence, qbcc.qld.gov.au
• Queensland Health, Pest management technicians, health.qld.gov.au

This article is general information only and is not building, pest control or legal advice. Licensing requirements can change. Always confirm an inspector’s current licence and seek independent advice before acting on an inspection report.