Pre-purchase building and pest inspections in Queensland
In Queensland, only an inspector with a QBCC Completed Residential Building Inspection licence can do a pre-purchase building inspection. A termite inspection, often called a pest inspection, needs a Queensland Health pest management licence and a QBCC termite management licence. Make your contract to buy conditional on being happy with both reports.
Who can do a pre-purchase building inspection?
The inspector needs a QBCC Completed Residential Building Inspection licence. To get it, they need 5 years of experience as a builder or building surveyor. Their report must follow the Australian Standard for pre-purchase inspections (AS 4349.1).
Search the inspector’s name on this site, then confirm today’s status on QBCC’s licence search. Building and pest inspections can be done together if the inspector holds both licences.
What does a pre-purchase building inspection look at?
The inspector looks for obvious defects and problems, such as:
- a faulty roof or leaking ceiling
- weak or cracked walls
- damaged foundations
- mould
- poor waterproofing
- drainage problems
They will also point out anything that might be asbestos. Most homes built before 1990 have some.
The inspection is not a warranty against future problems. If you’re worried about one part of the house, such as the roof or the plumbing, get a more detailed report from someone who specialises in it.
Be there for the inspection if you can. Find out beforehand what the inspector will and won’t look at, and ask them anything you want to know.
What does a termite inspection check?
The inspector needs a Queensland Health pest management licence, plus a QBCC termite management licence to report on termites. Ask to see both.
They check for live termites, signs of termite damage, and any termite protection already in place. They should tell you how to look after that protection and whether the area is at risk of termites.
Will home warranty insurance cover defects in a house I buy?
Maybe. Cover lasts 6 years and 6 months from when the builder’s contract was signed or the premium was paid, so it mainly helps with newer homes and recent renovations. You or your solicitor can ask QBCC for an insurance search on the property.
But the insurance won’t cover defects or subsidence you knew about before you bought. That is one more reason to get an inspection before you sign.
What else should I check before buying?
- A pool: the seller must give you a pool safety certificate, or a Form 36 notice saying there isn’t one, before you sign. If there’s no certificate, you must get one within 90 days of settlement. See our pool safety guide.
- An owner-built home: if owner-builder work was finished in the last 6 years, the seller must give you a written notice before you sign. That work is not covered by home warranty insurance. See Owner building in Queensland.
What if the inspector missed something?
You have to take action against the inspector yourself. First lodge a complaint with QBCC. QBCC will give you a letter that lets you take the matter to QCAT, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.