Property Inspection

Why is a building and pest report important before buying a home?

A building and pest report can save you thousands by identifying hidden issues, like termites, structural damage, or water ingress, before you buy. Skipping an inspection could lead to major repair bills, legal headaches, or loss of resale value. That’s why a thorough building and pest report is one of the smartest investments you can make before signing a contract.

What Is a Building and Pest Report?

A building and pest report is a detailed assessment of a property’s structural integrity and pest activity, most commonly termites. It is typically carried out before purchase to give buyers a clear understanding of the property’s condition.

The report includes:

• Structural issues (cracks, uneven floors, roofing)
  
• Moisture problems (potential mould or rot)
  
• Termite damage or infestation evidence
  
• Safety hazards or poor workmanship
  
• Site drainage and ventilation concerns

While the inspection might feel like just another checkbox in the home buying process, it often uncovers problems that are invisible during a walk-through, and that could cost thousands in repairs down the track.

Why Skipping It Can Be a Costly Mistake

Imagine purchasing what seems like your dream home, only to discover six months later that the subfloor is riddled with termites, the roof is structurally unsound, or there’s rising damp behind the walls. These issues are not always visible to the untrained eye, and can result in:

• Unexpected repair bills (often $10,000–$50,000+)
  
• Renovation delays
  
• Insurance complications
  
• Reduced resale value
  
• Contract disputes or buyer’s remorse

The upfront cost of a building and pest report is small, especially when compared to the financial and emotional toll of dealing with these problems after settlement.

What a Building and Pest Report Includes

In a typical building and pest report, professional inspectors will assess:

• Internal and external building structures
  
• The roof, guttering, and drainage
  
• Walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations
  
• Evidence of current or past termite activity
  
• Potential for future pest risk due to location or building design
  
• Moisture levels in walls and timbers
  
• Condition of garages, decks, and sheds

All findings are documented in a formal report, often with photographs and repair recommendations.

This gives you, as the buyer, the leverage to renegotiate, request repairs, or walk away before it’s too late.

Why Building and Pest Reports Are Crucial in Coastal Areas

In regions like the NSW South Coast, homes are particularly vulnerable to environmental wear and pest problems. Why?

• High humidity and rainfall increase the risk of timber rot and mould
  
• Termites thrive in warm, moist conditions
  
• Coastal properties often have ageing timber structures, especially decks and roofing
  
• Salt air can speed up corrosion and hidden damage

At Coastal Inspections, we understand the local conditions and the kinds of issues that are common in coastal homes. We don’t just tick boxes, we look deeper.

Legal Protections (and Limitations) in NSW

Many buyers assume that if something goes wrong after settlement, they can fall back on legal protections. But that’s not always the case.

In New South Wales, there is no legal requirement for the seller to disclose every structural or pest issue. That burden falls on the buyer, you to conduct due diligence before signing the contract.

Want to understand your legal rights around inspections and contracts? See the official guide from NSW Fair Trading for more insight.

Skipping a building and pest report may not only cost you money, it could also limit your options if problems arise post-purchase.

Real-World Examples of Savings

Here are some real examples of how buyers have saved by investing in a building and pest report:

• A couple in Port Macquarie avoided a $22,000 roof replacement after their report flagged undetected storm damage.
  
• In Taree, an investor withdrew from a contract when termite damage in floor joists was discovered, saving tens of thousands in hidden costs.
  
• One buyer negotiated $15,000 off the sale price of a Forster property based on major moisture and drainage issues found in the report.

Without that report? Those costs would’ve landed squarely on the buyer.

Why Choose Coastal Inspections?

At Coastal Inspections, we specialise in pre-purchase building and pest inspections across the NSW South Coast, including Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Ulladulla, Milton, Mollymook and surrounding areas.

Here’s why buyers trust us:

• Licensed, insured and experienced inspectors
  
• Detailed, easy-to-read reports delivered fast
  
• Competitive pricing with no upsells
  
• Local knowledge of pest-prone zones and coastal building issues
  
• Unbiased advice to help you make confident property decisions

We don’t just inspect, we protect your future investment.

Don’t Buy Blind – Book Your Inspection Today

When you’re spending hundreds of thousands (or millions) on a property, don’t risk it by skipping a building and pest report. That small upfront cost could be the difference between a smart investment and a financial disaster.

Book your inspection with Coastal Inspections today and take the stress, and risk, out of your next property purchase.