Building and pest inspection FAQs Brisbane

A typical combined inspection takes approximately one hour. Larger, older, complex or poorly accessible properties may take longer.

The detailed photographic report is generally provided within 24 hours, subject to the agreed arrangements.

Current indicative estimates are $400 plus GST for a combined inspection of a two-bedroom unit, $500 plus GST for a three-bedroom unit, $550 plus GST for a three-bedroom house or townhouse, $600 plus GST for a four-bedroom house or townhouse, and $800 plus GST for a handover practical completion inspection. Other properties and scopes are reviewed before a written quotation is confirmed.

• $400 + GST — combined inspection, two-bedroom unit
• $500 + GST — combined inspection, three-bedroom unit
• $550 + GST — combined inspection, three-bedroom house or townhouse
• $600 + GST — combined inspection, four-bedroom house or townhouse
• $800 + GST — handover / practical completion inspection

Prices are indicative and depend on the supplied property and scope details. A written quotation is confirmed before the booking.

Reasonably accessible areas within the agreed scope are visually inspected. Concealed, obstructed, unsafe and inaccessible areas are excluded.

No. The inspection is visual and non-invasive. It cannot determine concealed conditions or guarantee that every defect will be found.

No. It is not a statutory compliance audit, engineering certification, approval search, warranty or guarantee.

Thermal imaging, moisture meters and termite detection equipment may supplement the visual inspection where appropriate. During a combined building and timber pest inspection, drone-assisted roof observation may also be used where it is safe, lawful and practicable.

Yes. Clients may contact the inspector to discuss significant observations and recommendations in the completed report.

Premise Inspections is QBCC licensed and maintains Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance.

The agreed, reasonably accessible areas are visually assessed for building defects, safety concerns, timber pest activity, timber pest damage and conditions that may increase timber pest risk. The report explains significant observations, limitations and recommendations.

A building inspection focuses on observable building defects and safety concerns. A timber pest inspection focuses on evidence of termites and other timber pests, associated damage, existing management systems and conducive conditions. A combined inspection covers both agreed scopes.

Arrange it early enough to meet the building and pest condition and other deadlines in your contract. Confirm the relevant dates and your rights with your solicitor or conveyancer before booking.

You may attend if access arrangements permit. Attending can help you understand significant observations, but the written report remains the formal record of the inspection.

The report records conditions observed on the inspection date. Property conditions, access and timber pest activity can change, so it should not be treated as a guarantee of later conditions or reused without advice.

Read the full report, discuss the observations with the inspector and obtain any recommended specialist advice. Speak with your solicitor or conveyancer about contract rights, deadlines and any negotiations before taking action.

It may identify accessible visual evidence of active termites, previous activity, damage, management systems and conducive conditions. A visual, non-invasive inspection cannot guarantee that concealed or future termite activity will be found.

Roof void observations are generally made from the access opening and its immediately accessible vicinity. The inspector does not crawl through roof voids. Roof exterior observations depend on safe access; drone imagery may supplement them as part of a combined building and timber pest inspection where safe, lawful and practicable.

Roof and subfloor access criteria.

The inspector may report visible signs of concern within the agreed scope, but the inspection is not a licensed plumbing or electrical compliance test and does not comprehensively test appliances. A suitably licensed specialist may be recommended.

Only where they are included in the agreed written scope and are safe and reasonably accessible. Pool safety certification, engineering assessment and specialist system testing are separate services.

The inspector determines safe and reasonable access at the time of inspection. Roof void and subfloor observations are generally limited to what is visible from the access opening and its immediately accessible vicinity. The inspector will not crawl through roof voids or beneath structures, enter confined spaces or traverse inaccessible roof framing.

Premise Inspections' practical minimum subfloor clearance is 1 metre (1,000 mm), measured vertically to the bearer, joist or other obstruction. Meeting this dimension does not require the inspector to enter an area; actual access remains subject to the conditions and safety assessment on the day.

View the complete access criteria.

A major defect is a significant problem that may affect the use, safety, structural performance or integrity of the property and warrants prompt investigation or action. The report explains the observed condition and any recommendation.

It is an observed condition that may present an unreasonable risk of injury or harm. The report may recommend restricting access, urgent repair or assessment by an appropriately licensed specialist.

These are observable conditions that can increase timber pest risk, such as excessive moisture, poor drainage, timber-to-soil contact, obstructed inspection zones or issues affecting a termite management system.

They are supplementary screening tools used where appropriate to investigate temperature or moisture patterns. Their readings must be interpreted in context and do not reveal every concealed condition.

No. Drone-assisted roof observation is used only as part of a combined building and timber pest inspection where operating conditions, access, safety and legal requirements permit. It covers only roof areas visible to the camera and is not a certification.

It is a visual inspection near practical completion that documents observable incomplete work, defects and presentation issues for the client to consider in the handover process. It does not replace mandatory certification, specialist testing or legal advice.

Book once the builder has advised that the work is approaching practical completion and before the contractual handover or final-payment deadline, allowing enough time to document and communicate issues. Check the contract dates with your legal adviser.

The report provides documented observations that you can discuss with your solicitor, conveyancer, seller or builder. Premise Inspections does not determine contractual rights, negotiate on your behalf or provide legal advice.

Provide the property address, property type, bedroom count, required inspection, preferred timing and any known access, age, construction or scope details. For a purchase, include the relevant contract deadline when available.