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Pre-Purchase

Timber Pest Inspection

From $250 inc GST

Termites and timber pests can hide where you can't see them, we find them.

  • Same-day report (subject to access and availability)
  • Upfront pricing
  • 12 months free advice

On-site ~1.5hr · Report same day (subject to access and availability)

Common defect example from a pre-purchase timber pest inspection
Scope

What's in your pre-purchase timber pest inspection

Included

  • Termite detection (visual + moisture meter + thermal imaging, included as standard)
  • Wood borer identification
  • Fungal decay assessment
  • Sub-floor and roof void inspection
  • AS 4349.3 compliant written report
  • Recommended treatment options
Pre-Purchase Timber Pest Inspection on site

Our inspectors document every accessible element on site with photo evidence and severity ratings.

Why this matters

What we find when we walk a property

Every pre-purchase timber pest inspection draws on the same indexed defect corpus, patterns our inspectors have catalogued across thousands of properties.

9,237
Inspections in our corpus

Across Perth and Sydney. Every report indexed.

26
Defects found on average

Per property our inspectors document, photograph and severity-rate.

9%
Rated critical

23,030 defects classified critical: items that affect structure, safety or value.

Source: SURE defect corpus, refreshed monthly

Sample report

See exactly what you get before you book

Our pre-purchase timber pest inspection report includes annotated photos, severity ratings, AS 4349 references and actionable remediation advice. Written in plain language so you can act on it the day you receive it.

  • Photo evidence per finding
  • Severity rated: critical, moderate, cosmetic
  • Australian Standards cross-referenced
  • Remediation guidance you can quote
First page of a real SURE pre-purchase timber pest inspection report
Real inspection
The detail

About a pre-purchase timber pest inspection

A timber pest inspection by SURE Building Inspections checks all accessible areas of a property for termite activity, wood borers, and fungal decay organisms. Inspectors work to AS 4349.3 standards, using moisture meters and thermal imaging (included as standard) to pick up evidence that isn’t visible to the eye.

CSIRO research found that 1 in 3 Australian homes will be affected by timber pest activity, including termites and white ants, at some point. Termite pressure is high across Western Sydney and coastal Perth suburbs, driven by soil conditions and humidity. Having a report before you commit means you know what’s there.

Same-day reports cover every finding with photos, location mapping, and treatment recommendations, so you can act before settlement.

Common questions

About pre-purchase timber pest inspection

What does a timber pest inspection cover?

The inspector looks for current and previous termite activity throughout the house and surrounds — architraves, cabinetry, door and window frames, skirting boards, the roof frame, walls and floors — and carries out moisture testing. The report identifies termites, borers, wood rot, any conditions that could attract pests, and our recommendations. It follows AS 4349.3-2010.

How often should I have a timber pest inspection?

At least once a year, and especially if there has been prior termite activity nearby. Regular inspections catch evidence early, before it has a chance to develop.

What attracts termites to a property?

Termites are drawn to warm, damp areas and untreated timber, cardboard and paper. Timber or plants kept against the house also create easy access points. Keeping these in check reduces the conditions termites look for.

What are the signs of termite activity?

Common signs include mud tubes, short-circuiting power, damaged floors or ceilings, cracked paint or plaster, and staining on ceilings and cornices. Many of these appear before any obvious damage, which is why a professional inspection matters.

When will I get the report?

Same-day reports are standard — usually within 5 hours, subject to access. The inspector calls you on completion to explain the findings, and you're welcome to ask questions for 12 months afterward.

Do I need to arrange a time for the timber pest inspection?

No. Once you have booked and provided all the required information, we contact the selling agent on your behalf and arrange a time.

Do I need to attend the inspection?

There's no need to attend. We arrange the timing with the agent or seller and attend only with their permission.

Can you also treat termites if you find them?

Our report identifies the type and extent of any activity and recommends treatment options. We don't carry out treatment ourselves, but we can refer you to licensed pest control operators.