Is an AS 4349.3 report accepted by banks and lenders?

Yes. An AS 4349.3-compliant timber pest inspection report is accepted by all major Australian banks, lenders, and conveyancers for pre-purchase purposes. The report must be prepared by a licensed pest technician and comply with the Australian Standard AS 4349.3 for timber pest inspections. Our reports are delivered within 24 hours and include the inspector's licence number, which is required for bank acceptance.

How long does a pre-purchase pest inspection take?

A standard 3-4 bedroom Brisbane suburban house takes 45-90 minutes to inspect. The time depends on property size, whether a subfloor is accessible, roof void access configuration, the extent of the garden and external structures, and whether thermal imaging and moisture meter assessment is included. The property should be accessible in full, including the roof void, subfloor (if present), all outbuildings, and garden structures.

What happens if the inspection finds termites or damage?

A positive finding does not automatically mean the purchase should not proceed. The report identifies the type, location, and apparent extent of any pest activity or damage. The buyer can then use this information to negotiate a price reduction, request the vendor rectify the issue before settlement, or withdraw from the contract if the damage is beyond acceptable limits. We can provide a treatment or remediation quote immediately after inspection to help the buyer assess the true cost of any issues found.

Is the pre-purchase inspection the same as a general termite inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection to AS 4349.3 is a timber pest inspection covering termites, wood borers, wood decay fungi, and general timber condition. It is specifically formatted and worded for conveyancing and lending purposes. A general annual termite inspection for an existing homeowner follows the same standard but is typically a shorter document. The pre-purchase report includes more detail on property construction type, risk assessment, and specific recommendations for the buyer.

What does the thermal imaging camera detect in a pest inspection?

Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differentials inside wall cavities. Active termite workings generate a small but detectable heat signature from the biological activity of the colony. Moisture ingress from leaking pipes or roof penetrations also shows as a temperature differential. Thermal imaging does not penetrate walls but can detect abnormal areas that warrant further investigation with a moisture meter or probe. It is most effective in properties where the internal wall temperature differential is significant enough to reveal activity, which varies with weather conditions on the day of inspection.

AS 4349.3 Compliant · 24hr Reports · Bank Accepted

Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection Brisbane

Q: How much does a pre-purchase pest inspection cost in Brisbane?

A standalone pre-purchase pest inspection costs $280-$420 depending on property size and access. A standard 3-4 bedroom suburban house is typically $280-$320. Larger properties with extensive subfloor access, multiple outbuildings, or complex roof void configurations cost toward the upper range. Combined building and pest inspection from a single operator costs $480-$680 and is usually better value than arranging two separate inspectors.

Q: Is a combined building and pest inspection better value?

For most buyers, yes. A combined building and pest inspection from a dual-licensed inspector (or two inspectors attending together) costs $480-$680 versus $280-$420 for pest alone plus $350-$500 for building alone separately, which totals $630-$920. The combined inspection also produces a single coordinated report rather than two separate documents, which is easier for the buyer and their solicitor to assess. See our combined building and pest inspection page for detail.

AS 4349.3-compliant timber pest inspection reports for property buyers. Termite activity, wood borers, timber decay, and general pest assessment. Reports within 24 hours. Accepted by all major banks and lenders. From $280.

Book an Inspection: 0406 178 471 Online Quote

At a Glance

Standard property$280-$320

Large property$320-$420

Building + pest combined$480-$680

Report turnaroundWithin 24 hours

StandardAS 4349.3

What the Inspection Covers

What a Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection Assesses

A pre-purchase pest inspection to AS 4349.3 is a timber pest assessment, not a general pest treatment inspection. It identifies conditions relevant to a property purchase decision, not existing pest pressures from cockroaches or ants.

Termite activity and damage

The primary focus of any pre-purchase inspection in Brisbane. The inspector checks all accessible timber in the building for live termite workings, termite damage, and evidence of previous termite activity. This includes wall framing, roof timbers, subfloor bearers, external timber, and any garden structures within the inspection boundary. Brisbane is in a high termite risk zone (Zone 1 under AS 3660.1), which makes this assessment essential for any pre-purchase property assessment.

Wood-boring beetles (borers)

Exit holes in timber from wood-boring beetles are examined throughout the property. Fresh frass (powdery boring dust) around exit holes confirms active infestation. The report distinguishes between active borer damage requiring treatment and historical exit holes from a completed lifecycle. Borer species identification is noted where possible, as treatment requirements differ between softwood-attacking species (Queensland pine beetle) and hardwood-attacking species (lyctus, anobiid).

Wood decay fungi (rot)

Timber affected by wood decay fungi is assessed for extent and structural significance. Decay is caused by moisture and is not from an insect pest, but it is within the scope of an AS 4349.3 timber pest inspection. Subfloor bearers, external decking, window frames, and any timber in contact with soil or subject to water retention are the most common decay locations in Brisbane homes.

Conducive conditions assessment

Conditions that increase the risk of future termite attack are identified: inadequate subfloor ventilation, timber-to-soil contact, moisture accumulation near the building perimeter, dense garden mulch against the walls, and the absence of or gaps in an existing termite barrier. These are documented in the report as risk factors even when no active pest activity is found, giving the buyer a picture of the property's ongoing termite risk profile.

Inspection Equipment

Equipment Used in a Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection

A pre-purchase inspection uses more than visual assessment. These instruments are the standard toolkit for an AS 4349.3 inspection in Brisbane.

Thermal imaging camera

Detects temperature differentials inside wall cavities. Active termite workings and moisture ingress show as temperature anomalies requiring follow-up investigation.

Moisture meter

Measures moisture content in wall linings, framing, and timber surfaces. Elevated moisture readings indicate conditions conducive to termite activity or timber decay.

Termite detection device

Electronic listening devices (Termatrac or equivalent) detect termite movement sounds and microwave reflections inside wall cavities without drilling or surface damage.

Sounding probe

Manual tapping of timber surfaces to detect hollow sections. The distinctive sound of termite-damaged hollow timber is the most reliable detection method in accessible areas.

Inspection torch and mirror

High-intensity lighting for subfloor, roof void, and internal cavity inspection. Telescopic mirror for low-clearance subfloor and tight roof void sections.

Digital reporting system

Findings documented on-site in the inspection software. Report generated from site data and delivered to the buyer within 24 hours of inspection completion.

What the AS 4349.3 Report Contains

What a Pre-Purchase Timber Pest Report Documents

The report is a legal document accepted by banks, lenders, conveyancers, and courts. It must contain specific sections under AS 4349.3 to be valid for property purchase purposes.

Property details and inspection scope

Address, date, inspector name and licence number, access conditions, weather on the day, and areas inspected vs areas not accessed with reasons.

Termite findings

Location, species (where identifiable), apparent extent, and condition of any termite activity found. Photographed and mapped to a property diagram. Class rating of risk.

Wood-boring beetle findings

Location, species class, active vs historical assessment based on frass presence. Structural significance rating.

Wood decay findings

Location, extent, apparent cause (moisture source), and structural significance assessment. Includes external decking, subfloor, and window frame rot.

Conducive conditions

Moisture problems, inadequate ventilation, timber-to-soil contact, mulch against walls, barrier gaps. Rated by risk level.

Recommendations

Treatment recommendations for any findings, with urgency rating. Ongoing prevention recommendations. For barrier installation, a separate treatment quote is provided on request.

What makes a report bank-acceptable

Prepared under AS 4349.3 (referenced in the report header)

Inspector's full name and licence number on the report

Dated within the lender's required inspection window (typically 90 days of settlement)

Property address on the report matching the contract of sale

Report addresses inaccessible areas and scope limitations explicitly

Report delivered in PDF within 24 hours and available for lender submission

Combined Building and Pest Inspection

Should You Book a Combined Building and Pest Inspection?

Most Brisbane property buyers book both a building inspection and a pest inspection before committing to a purchase. Whether to combine them or book separately depends on whether a single dual-qualified inspector is available for the property.

Combined inspection from $480-$680 vs separate inspections at $630-$920

A dual-qualified inspector (licensed in both building and pest) attending in one visit costs $480-$680 total. Arranging a separate building inspector ($350-$500) and a separate pest inspector ($280-$420) for different visits costs $630-$920 and requires coordinating two separate access appointments. The combined inspection also produces a single coordinated report that addresses both structural and pest findings together, which is easier for solicitors and buyers to assess. See our combined building and pest inspection page for detail on what is included.

Pricing

Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection Cost Brisbane

All inspections include thermal imaging camera assessment, moisture meter readings, sounding probe and electronic detection where warranted, and an AS 4349.3-compliant written report within 24 hours.

Property type	Price	Notes
Standard house (3-4 bed, slab-on-ground)	$280-$320	Full inspection including roof void. Report within 24 hours.
Standard house with subfloor void	$300-$360	Subfloor inspection adds time. Inspection time approximately 90 minutes.
Large house (4+ bed, multiple outbuildings)	$340-$420	Extended inspection area. Complex roof void or multiple structures.
Apartment or unit	$220-$280	Accessible areas only. No subfloor. Roof void typically inaccessible.
Combined building and pest inspection	$480-$680	Single dual-qualified inspector. One report. Better value than two separate inspections.

FAQ

Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection FAQ

How much does a pre-purchase pest inspection cost in Brisbane?

Standard 3-4 bedroom house $280-$320. Houses with subfloor $300-$360. Large properties with outbuildings $340-$420. Apartment $220-$280. Combined building and pest $480-$680. All include AS 4349.3-compliant report within 24 hours. Call 0406 178 471 to book.

Is the AS 4349.3 report accepted by banks?

Yes. All major Australian banks and lenders accept AS 4349.3-compliant timber pest inspection reports. The report must be dated within the lender's required inspection window (typically 90 days of settlement), include the inspector's licence number, and reference the property address matching the contract of sale. Our reports are delivered in PDF within 24 hours and are formatted for lender submission.

How long does the inspection take?

45-90 minutes for a standard 3-4 bedroom house depending on access, subfloor presence, and extent of garden structures. The property must have full access including the roof void and any outbuildings. Locked or blocked areas cannot be inspected and are noted as inaccessible in the report.

What happens if termites or damage are found?

A positive finding does not automatically mean the purchase should not proceed. The report identifies the location and apparent extent of any findings. The buyer can then negotiate a price reduction, request vendor remediation before settlement, or withdraw from the contract. We provide a treatment or remediation cost estimate immediately after the inspection on request to help the buyer assess the financial impact of any findings.

Is a combined building and pest inspection better value?

Yes for most buyers. A combined inspection from $480-$680 costs less than arranging a building inspector ($350-$500) and a pest inspector ($280-$420) separately, which totals $630-$920. It also requires only one access appointment and produces a single coordinated report. See our building and pest inspection page.

What does the thermal imaging camera detect?

Thermal cameras detect temperature differentials inside wall cavities. Active termite workings generate a small heat signature from colony biological activity. Moisture ingress also shows as a temperature anomaly. Thermal imaging does not penetrate walls but identifies areas requiring follow-up with a moisture meter or probe. Results depend on the temperature differential on the day of inspection.

Does the vendor need to be present?

No. The vendor does not need to be present, but the property must be fully accessible. Access is typically coordinated through the selling agent. Any areas locked or blocked by stored goods at the time of inspection cannot be assessed and are recorded as inaccessible in the report. Inaccessible areas are a limitation of the report scope.

Building and pest inspection Annual termite inspections All inspections

Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection. AS 4349.3. 24hr Reports. Brisbane-Wide.

From $280 · Thermal Imaging · Bank Accepted · Combined Inspection Available

0406 178 471 Online Quote