Not all building and pest inspections are created equal. Two inspectors can quote you for “a building and pest inspection” and deliver wildly different things — one a quick walk-through with a templated report, the other a genuinely thorough assessment that could save you from a costly mistake. So before you book, it’s worth knowing exactly what a complete inspection should include — and what we include as standard.
The two halves: building and pest
A combined building and pest inspection covers two distinct assessments, carried out together:
The building inspection
This is a thorough visual assessment of the property’s condition and structural integrity, carried out in line with Australian Standard AS4349.1. It covers the accessible areas of the home inside and out — walls, floors, ceilings, the roof and roof space, the subfloor, and the exterior — looking for defects, structural movement, water damage, safety hazards, and anything that affects the home’s condition or value.
The timber pest inspection
This is a dedicated check for timber pests — primarily termites, but also borers and timber-decay fungi — carried out in line with Australian Standard AS 4349.3. It’s a critical component in South-East Queensland, where the warm, humid climate makes termite activity common. The inspection looks for active infestations, past damage, and the conditions that attract pests in the first place.
Doing both together, in one visit, gives you the complete picture of a property’s condition and risks.
What’s included as standard with Admired
Here’s where inspections really differ. With us, the following are all included in a standard inspection — not optional add-ons that bump up the price after you’ve booked:
Drone roof inspection
We use a CASA-licensed drone to safely inspect ridge lines, gutters, valleys and roof areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach on foot — especially on two-storey and multi-level homes. Many inspectors won’t access these areas at all because of the insurance risk of climbing, which means a significant part of the home goes unchecked. Our drone covers it as standard, in high detail.
Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences behind walls, floors and ceilings — revealing hidden moisture, water ingress, and concealed termite activity that simply isn’t visible to the naked eye. It’s one of the most powerful tools for finding problems before they become disasters, and it’s included in every inspection we do.
Moisture readings
Alongside thermal imaging, we take moisture content readings in areas of concern — wet areas, around windows, in the subfloor — to confirm whether there’s a water problem and how serious it is. Moisture is behind a huge proportion of building defects, so this matters.
Same-day report
You don’t wait days for your results. We deliver a detailed report the same day as the inspection, complete with clear, high-quality photos of anything we found. When you’re working within a building and pest clause, that speed matters.
A walkthrough of the findings
A report on its own isn’t always enough. Where you’re able to be on site, Lachlan will walk you through the findings in person — pointing out what’s minor, what’s serious, what it means, and which trade to call for anything that needs follow-up. Your detailed report is delivered the same day, and Lachlan is always available to talk it through whenever you’re ready, however you’d prefer. If something major turns up, he’ll go out of his way to call you directly so it’s never a surprise. Because Lachlan is an active builder as well as a licensed inspector, you get a builder’s genuine perspective, not just a checklist.
Why “included as standard” matters
When you compare inspection quotes, the headline price only tells you part of the story. A cheaper quote that excludes thermal imaging, won’t access the roof, and emails you a templated report three days later isn’t actually cheaper — it’s a different, lesser service.
Everything above is included because we believe it’s all essential to genuinely understanding a property’s condition. You shouldn’t have to pay extra to have the roof checked or to find hidden termite activity. That’s just a proper inspection.
Who carries out the inspection
It matters who’s actually doing the work. Your inspection is carried out by Lachlan — a QBCC-licensed builder, licensed building inspector, and licensed pest controller, with CASA drone accreditation and over 20 years of hands-on experience across residential, commercial, industrial and government building projects. You’re not getting a booking company that subcontracts your job to whoever’s available; you’re getting an experienced builder who knows how homes are put together and, just as importantly, how they fail.
What’s not included (and when you might need more)
A standard building and pest inspection is a visual inspection of accessible areas. Some things sit outside its scope and may need a specialist:
- Invasive inspection — opening up walls or lifting flooring to inspect concealed areas (only done by special arrangement)
- Specialist structural engineering reports — if a major structural concern needs an engineer’s detailed assessment
- Pool safety certification — a separate, regulated inspection
- Asbestos sampling and testing — lab analysis of suspected materials
If we find something during your inspection that needs specialist follow-up, we’ll tell you clearly and point you in the right direction.
Ready to book?
You can see pricing for your specific property and book a time through our online booking form — just enter your property details to get started. Or call Lachlan directly on 0400 076 162 to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
Is thermal imaging included or is it extra?
It’s included as standard in every inspection we carry out, along with moisture readings and drone roof inspection. We don’t charge extra for them.
Do you inspect the roof on a two-storey home?
Yes. We use a CASA-licensed drone to safely inspect roof areas on two-storey and multi-level homes — areas many inspectors skip because of the risk of climbing.
How long does a building and pest inspection take?
It depends on the size and condition of the property, but most standard homes take a couple of hours on site. The report follows the same day.
Will someone explain the report to me?
Yes. If you’re on site, Lachlan walks you through the findings in person, and your report is delivered the same day. He’s always available to talk it through whenever you’re ready — and if anything major turns up, he’ll call you directly. You’re never left to interpret a report on your own.
Do I need a separate pest inspection?
No — the timber pest inspection is carried out together with the building inspection as part of your combined building and pest inspection, in the one visit.
Buying in the Ipswich area? See my building and pest inspection in Ipswich page for what is included, pricing from $550 and same-day reports.
