Brisbane building and pest inspections
Know exactly what you are buying.
Independent pre-purchase building and pest inspections across Brisbane. Your report arrives within 24 hours, usually the same day, and we call to walk you through it.
- Building to AS 4349.1 and timber pests to AS 4349.3, in one visit
- Plain English summary, photos and graded defects
- Phone walkthrough included, every time
- Combined inspections from $495 incl. GST
The short answer
What is a building and pest inspection?
It is an independent, visual inspection of a home's condition and its timber pest activity, done before you buy. In Brisbane it usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, costs $610 for a typical 3 to 4 bedroom house with Forsite, and gives you a written report to rely on before your contract's Inspection Date.
Brisbane homes face a particular mix of risks: timber construction, termites, storms, heat, humidity and, in some streets, flood history. A good inspection finds the expensive problems while you can still negotiate or walk away, and tells you which of the smaller items can simply wait.
We inspect for you, not the agent or the seller. We do not sell repairs or termite treatments, so the only thing we are invested in is you making a good decision.
- Property
- 3 bed timber house
- Overall condition
- Average for age
- Major defects
- 1
- Safety hazards
- 1
- Timber pest risk
- Moderate
- MajorShower recess leaking into adjoining wall
- SafetyRear stair balustrade loose
- MinorCracked paint to eaves, typical of age
- Timber pestNo live termites seen. Garden bed against slab edge.
Every report opens with a summary like this. See the full sample layout.
Inspections
The right inspection for where you are
Combined building and pest inspection
Buying in Brisbane means timber, heat, humidity and termites. A combined inspection looks at the building and the timber pests together, so nothing...
From $495
Pre-purchase building inspection
A building inspection tells you what condition the home is really in, beyond the styling and the open home lighting. It is how you find the expensive...
From $420
Timber pest and termite inspection
Termites are one of the biggest hidden risks in a Brisbane home. They work inside timber, out of sight, and the damage is not usually covered by home...
From $260
New home and stage inspections
Your builder's supervisor and the private certifier each have a role, but neither works for you. An independent inspector does. We check the work...
From $495
Pre-sale building and pest inspection
A surprise in the buyer's building and pest report is one of the most common reasons a sale gets renegotiated or falls over. Knowing what an...
From $560
Not sure which one?
Most Brisbane buyers choose the combined building and pest inspection. See every price, including GST, in one place.
Compare prices
Why it matters in Brisbane
Termites do not show up at open homes.
South East Queensland's warm, humid climate suits some of Australia's most destructive termites, and the damage is generally not covered by home insurance. They work inside timber, out of sight, which is why a careful timber pest inspection is part of every Forsite pre-purchase inspection.
- Live termites, damage, borers and wood decay
- The conditions that invite them, like leaks and garden beds against walls
- Evidence of past treatment and barriers
How it works
From booking to a confident decision
Book online
Tell us the address, property type and your Inspection Date. You get a confirmed price before anything is booked.
We arrange access
We contact the selling agent, lock in a time and let you know. Join us at the end if you can.
Your report
Photos, graded defects, timber pest findings and a one page summary in plain English, within 24 hours, and usually the same day.
Talk it through
We call to walk you through the findings so you can decide with your conveyancer before 5pm on the Inspection Date.
More on timing, cooling off and the building and pest clause
Trust, without the fluff
Licensed, insured and upfront about limits
No made up review counts, just the things that should matter when you choose an inspector:
- QBCC licence [QBCC LICENCE NO.]
- Pest management licence [PEST LICENCE NO.]
- [INSURANCE: professional indemnity and public liability insurer and cover amounts]
- Reports to AS 4349.1 and AS 4349.3, accepted by conveyancers and lenders
- Independent: no agent referral fees, no repair or treatment upsells
- Clear about what a visual inspection can and cannot see
Common questions
Answered straight
How much does a building and pest inspection cost in Brisbane?
With Forsite, a combined building and pest inspection costs $495 for a unit or apartment, $560 for a house up to 2 bedrooms, $610 for a 3 to 4 bedroom house and $690 for 5+ bedrooms, all including GST. Across Brisbane, published prices for a typical house range from about $495 to $650 including GST. See all prices.
How long does a building and pest inspection take?
Most houses take 1.5 to 3 hours on site, and a unit takes about an hour. Large or high set homes, homes with lots of storage or furniture, and acreage take longer.
How long does it take to get the building and pest report?
Your report arrives within 24 hours, and usually the same day, by email as a PDF with photos.
What is the building and pest clause in a QLD contract?
It is a condition in the standard REIQ contract that makes the sale subject to the buyer getting satisfactory building and pest reports by the Inspection Date. It only applies if an Inspection Date is filled in, and notice must be given by 5pm on that date. Read the full guide.
How long is the cooling off period in QLD?
Five business days for most residential sales, ending at 5pm on the fifth business day. If you terminate during cooling off the seller can keep up to 0.25% of the price. There is no cooling off period when you buy at auction.
Across Brisbane
Local knowledge, suburb by suburb
A Paddington Queenslander, a Graceville home raised after the floods and a new Chermside townhouse all need a different eye. Our suburb guides explain what we look for where.
Ready when you are
Book your inspection before the deadline sneaks up.
Tell us the address and your Inspection Date. We organise access with the agent and confirm a time, usually within 1 to 2 business days.