Did you know that according to a CSIRO survey completed in 2002, more than 50% of surveyed homes in Perth had been affected by termites at some point? As a prospective homeowner or real estate investor, you can’t sweep this fact under the rug.
A pre-purchase termite inspection can be a vital step when buying a property, protecting your potential investment from unexpected and costly damage.
But how do you ensure you’re getting a thorough and reliable inspection?
Perth’s termite problem
Perth homes often encounter termite problems. The city’s warmer weather, coupled with a landscape rich in ground moisture, provides an ideal environment for these pests.
You’re also dealing with different termite species, each unique in their behaviour and damage potential. The Coptotermes and Nasutitermes are especially prevalent. The Coptotermes is notorious for being the most destructive termite species in Australia, while the latter, also a wood-eater, isn’t as aggressive but still causes significant damage.
Termites thrive in warm, moist conditions, which Perth’s climate generously provides. These conditions expedite their reproduction and growth, leading to larger colonies and more extensive damage. Additionally, drywood termites, which require less moisture, find Perth’s summer conditions perfect for their survival.
The importance of pre-purchase termite inspections
Now that you understand the climate implications on your Perth property, you can understand why a pre-purchase termite inspection is vital when buying property in this termite-prone city.
A pre-purchase termite inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a property. It’s designed to detect any signs of termite activity, including damage, nests, and conditions that may encourage termite infestations. The inspection covers all accessible areas of the property, both inside and out, ensuring that no area is left in the quest for termite detection.
Inspection costs can vary based on the size and location of the property, but considering the potential damage termites can cause, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. The future inspection frequency depends on the risk level of the property. In a high-risk area like Perth, annual inspections are usually recommended. However, if historical termite activity has been found, or property access is considered high risk, more frequent inspections or treatment may be recommended by your inspector.
Choosing a reliable building inspection service
Given the significant risks associated with skipping termite inspections, it’s important that you pick a trustworthy and competent inspection service.
SURE Building Inspections is your local team of qualified inspectors. Our trained professionals are certified and carry extensive experience in the field of pre-purchase termite inspections. We will help you to identify not only the presence of termites but also the type, and recommend appropriate treatment and inspection intervals.
We offer competitive and transparent pricing, with no hidden cost surprises.
