- A building and pest inspection covers the visible condition of the home’s structure and main parts, from the roof space to the subfloor.
- The pest inspection looks for termites, borers, wood decay and the conditions that attract them.
- It’s visual and non-invasive to AS 4349.1. Hidden areas, pools, wiring compliance and asbestos testing aren’t covered.
- Every limit is written into the report, so you know exactly what was and wasn’t checked.
- Timber pest inspections follow AS 4349.3. Always get the building and pest inspections done together.
“Knowing what’s out of scope is just as important as knowing what’s in it. That’s how you avoid nasty surprises after settlement.”
Russell McCarthy, Registered Builder & Lead Building Inspector
Short answer: a building and pest inspection covers the visible condition of the home’s structure and main parts: roof cover and roof space, walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors, wet areas, subfloor, site drainage, fences, retaining walls and outbuildings. It also covers timber pests like termites and borers, and the conditions that attract them. It’s a visual, non-invasive inspection to Australian Standard AS 4349.1. It doesn’t cover things like pools, electrical wiring compliance, or areas that can’t be seen or safely reached.
Russell McCarthy here, registered builder (BP104751). Here’s the full list of what’s in and what’s out, so nothing catches you off guard.
| Covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Roof cover, gutters and downpipes | Inside walls and concealed areas |
| Roof space framing and insulation | Under fixed floor coverings |
| Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows | Pools and spas |
| Wet areas: bathrooms, laundry, kitchen | Electrical, gas and plumbing compliance testing |
| Subfloor (where accessible) | Asbestos testing |
| Site drainage, fences, retaining walls, outbuildings | Repair cost estimates |
| Termites, borers, wood decay, conducive conditions | Predicting future defects |
What the building inspection checks
- Outside: roof cover, gutters, downpipes, external walls, windows, doors, paving and site drainage.
- Roof space: framing, sarking, insulation, signs of leaks and timber pests.
- Inside: walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry.
- Subfloor: framing, stumps or piers, ventilation and moisture, where there’s access.
- The site: fences, retaining walls, sheds, garages, carports and patios.
- Safety hazards we come across, such as missing smoke alarms or trip hazards.
What the pest inspection checks
- Live termite activity and termite damage.
- Borers and wood decay (rot).
- Conducive conditions that attract termites: moisture, timber touching the ground, bridged barriers, blocked weep holes.
- Evidence of a previous termite treatment or termite management system.
“In Perth, a building inspection without a pest inspection is half a job.”
Russell McCarthy
What a building and pest inspection doesn’t cover
- Anything hidden: inside walls, under fixed floor coverings, behind furniture or stored goods.
- Pools and spas. These need a separate pool safety check.
- Electrical wiring, gas and plumbing compliance. That needs licensed trades.
- Asbestos testing. We flag suspected asbestos, but testing needs a lab.
- Repair cost estimates.
- Predicting future defects.
The report lists these limits, plus anywhere we couldn’t access on the day.
What’s in the report
You get a photo report within 24 hours that separates major defects, minor defects and safety hazards. It explains each one in plain English and tells you what to do next. Then we ring you to go through it.
Frequently asked questions
What is checked in a building and pest inspection?
The structure and main parts of the home (roof, roof space, walls, floors, ceilings, wet areas, subfloor, drainage, fences and outbuildings), plus timber pests such as termites and borers and the conditions that attract them.
Does a building inspection check plumbing and electrical?
It checks for visible defects like leaks, water damage and obvious safety hazards. It doesn’t test wiring, gas or plumbing compliance. That needs licensed trades.
Does a building and pest inspection check for asbestos?
A building inspector can flag materials that may contain asbestos, but confirming it needs a sample tested in a lab.
What standard do building inspections follow in Australia?
Pre-purchase building inspections follow Australian Standard AS 4349.1. Timber pest inspections follow AS 4349.3.
Related Reading
- What to check in a house before buying
- What does termite damage look like?
- AS 4349.1 explained
- How to read a building inspection report
- Building inspection vs pest inspection: what’s the difference?
Written by Russell McCarthy, Registered Builder (BP104751) and Lead Building Inspector at WA Building Inspections Perth.