Building & Pest Inspections AS 4349.3 form an important step in the transfer of property. The pest side of the inspection is vital in identifying potential timber pest issues that possibly the Purchaser, Vendor or Agent may not be aware of. This includes subterranean termites.
Termites are a serious threat to houses throughout Australia and are the purchasers, Agent and Vendors worst nightmare due to the fact that subterranean termites can cause extensive damage that can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more. In addition, the fact that in some instances due to building design, they can enter the structure or may be present in a house “undetected” and unbeknown to the owner quietly damaging the timbers behind the walls.
In the past, the requirements when inspecting a house for termites included a stick and a moisture meter, binoculars and a knife with exception to a few other tools.
Over time it was made clear that during a (visual, non-invasive) pre-purchase inspection these tools were not always accurate in confirming active termites in concealed areas and or could this equipment differentiate between moisture or termites without visually looking at them. This is hard to do if you cannot remove a wall and the inspection is a visual non-invasive inspection.
The result was that in some instances people were buying houses thinking there was moisture but worse when in fact it was live termites.
Recent technology over the years has led to the development of tools that can assist in the detection of termites in concealed locations. This includes The Termatrac T3i Termite Radar and Thermal devices. Other tools may include “not so recent technology” Termite detection dogs.
The new standard now protects the purchaser and the inspector and ensures that at least one of these tools should be used in conjunction with Pre-Purchase Timber Pest Inspections where further tests may be required if high moisture is identified or where there is a risk of concealed termite entry.
Inspect timber pest inspectors are trained and certified with Termatrac T3i Termite Radar, Also carry thermal devices to help with nest identification where active sites are identified. To ensure you are receiving a timber pest inspection that complies with AS 4349.3 call Inspect today.
02 66 453 405
