Should You Be Present at a Building & Pest Inspection? What You Need To Know

The property purchase journey is lengthy and complex, and each step plays a critical role in securing your home or investment. However, with hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line, it is only natural to want to ensure that your future home is sound, safe, and free from costly surprises.

One of the most crucial steps in this process is a building and pest inspection. It offers a detailed snapshot of a property’s condition and gives you the insight needed to make an informed decision, before committing to a purchase.

However, as experienced building inspectors, we often hear from purchasers asking, “Should I attend a building and pest inspection?” While some clients prefer to leave it to the experts, others want to be there in person to understand the findings firsthand. In this article, we will help you understand your options, weigh the benefits and considerations of attending, and make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

Understanding Building and Pest Inspections

While some building defects are obvious, others, such as structural cracks, leaks, or past pest infestations, can go unnoticed without a detailed examination. If left unaddressed, these hidden issues can eventually escalate into expensive repairs, potentially inflating the overall cost of your home or investment now and in the future.

In comparison, the cost of a building inspection is a fraction of what you would spend on purchasing a property that later requires extensive, unexpected repairs. A qualified inspector is able to identify exactly what you need to know, looking past cosmetic improvements that could be hiding underlying issues.

By thoroughly assessing both structural defects in the building itself and signs of pests, these inspections provide crucial insights that help you make informed decisions about your home or investment; whether it is negotiating repairs, adjusting the purchase price, or even deciding to walk away from the deal.

Read More: What Is An Unsatisfactory Building Inspection?

What Are Your Attendance Options?

When it comes to building and pest inspections, there are several flexible options to suit your schedule and preferences. Each choice offers unique benefits depending on your situation and priorities.

• Full Attendance: You can choose to be present during the whole inspection, which usually takes 1-2 hours. This gives you the best understanding of your potential property’s condition and lets you interact directly with the inspector throughout the assessment.
• Partial Attendance: A tight schedule might mean you only attend the significant parts of the inspection. Many purchasers prefer to arrive toward the end to go over findings verbally with the inspector before receiving the full written report.
• Delegating A Trusted Representative: Attending a building inspection is not an all-or-nothing choice. Another practical option for when you can’t attend yourself is sending a trusted representative. They can ask questions on your behalf, and relay important findings directly to you.
• Relying on the Inspection Report: Relying on the inspection report is an excellent option for those who trust the inspector’s expertise but may not have the time or ability to be there in person. As qualified builders and inspectors, our reports include all the information you need about the property with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and expert recommendations.

The Value Of Being Present At Your Inspection

While attending your building and pest inspection is not required, being present provides valuable insights that a written report alone may not fully convey. It offers the opportunity to observe issues firsthand, ask questions in real-time, and gain a deeper understanding of the findings. These are invaluable when making an informed decision.

• Direct Communication with Inspectors: Being on-site allows you to communicate directly with the inspector, ensuring that any questions or concerns can be addressed.
• Real-Time Understanding of Issues: Attending the inspection gives you the opportunity to see potential problems firsthand. Whether it is a structural issue, pest infestation, or other concerns, seeing them in real-time can help you assess the severity and decide on the next steps.
• Opportunity for Detailed Questions: When you are present, you can ask detailed questions as the inspection unfolds. This ensures that you don’t miss important details and gives you the chance to understand not just what the issue is, but also how it might affect your decision or future repairs.
• Opportunity to Learn: A building and pest inspection is a valuable educational experience. Being present allows you to gain firsthand knowledge about the property’s structure, potential problem areas, and maintenance needs. This insight can be invaluable not only for making an informed decision on the current property but also for future investments or renovation projects.
• Building Confidence: Finally, attending the inspection helps build your confidence in your home or investment.  By directly observing the inspector’s work, you gain reassurance about the integrity of the property and can move forward with greater certainty.

Factors To Consider When Deciding To Be Present

Choosing whether or not to attend your building and pest inspection depends on several factors. These include:

• Property Complexity: The property’s age and complexity substantially affects the value of your attendance. For example, if the property is older or has had extensive renovations, it may be worth attending. However, for more simpler properties with fewer potential issues, you may feel comfortable relying on the inspection report alone.
• Personal Preference: Your comfort level and personal preference also play a role in deciding whether to be present or not. Some buyers prefer to take a hands-on approach, wanting to see the issues firsthand and ask questions directly. Others may feel confident in reviewing the inspection report later and trusting the professional expertise of the inspector. Consider what will give you peace of mind and make you feel most informed about your potential investment.
• Timing & Scheduling Constraints: Most inspections are conducted during typical business hours, which may not always align with your schedule. If you have work commitments or other obligations that make attending difficult, you may need to explore alternative options. Consider how flexible you are with your timing and whether adjusting your schedule to be present is feasible, or if relying on a detailed report or another form of participation is more practical.

Post-Inspection Report

After your building and pest inspection, you will receive a comprehensive report within 24-48 hours. As fully insured and certified master builders and inspectors, BeSafe ensures a standardised approach in every inspection. We adhere to all local standards, so you can trust that every inspection is completed with precision and expertise.

What Is Included In A Report?

Your report will include basic details such as the property’s address, the date of the inspection, and an overview of the work conducted. It will also cover several key components of the property, including:

• Interior and exterior of the building
• Roof space and exterior
• Sub-floor space
• Site conditions
• Paths and driveways

The report groups issues based on their severity. Major defects require immediate attention as they may affect the safety or structure of the building whereas minor defects are not as urgent but should be addressed in your future maintenance plans.

Building Inspection

A Building Report will include:

• Defects and maintenance issues
• Advice on necessary repairs and rectification
• Preventative maintenance tips
• General cause of issues
• Recommendations on who should carry out the required work

Pest Inspection

A Pest Report will cover:

• Timber pest evidence
• Other pest evidence, including termites, borers, and fungal evidence
• Condition conducive to pest activity
• Major safety hazards related to pests

Read More: How To Find The Right Building Inspector

The Choice Is Yours

While it’s not mandatory, attending a building and pest inspection does offer several benefits. Being present allows you to communicate directly with the inspector, ask real-time questions, and gain a deeper understanding of any issues that may arise. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the property’s condition, make informed decisions, and ensure you’re not overlooking the risks of any potential problems.

At BeSafe, we encourage you to attend your building and pest inspection. On the day of the assessment, our experts will provide you with a verbal report, explaining their findings in a clear and straightforward manner. 

Our team of licenced builders knows every property brings distinct challenges. Whether you choose to attend or rely on our expertise, we ensure you receive the insights needed for confident property decisions. For thorough building and pest inspections in Sydney, book with BeSafe today.