TERMITES cause billions of dollars in damage each year. This is achieved by their sneaky tactics of hiding away and wreaking havoc from the inside out resulting in them not being found until significant damage has already been done. This is why preventative measures are vital in securing your home from these destructive pests.

So even though you might feel a sense of certainty that termites are not a current issue for you, please keep in mind that as we approach summer, termite swarming season begins and these destructive pests will start to pop-up all around the country. No house is safe.

So what is swarming season? Termites use the swarming season to go in search of a new location to establish a fresh colony. But this isn’t a job for any ordinary termite, this is the role for termites known as Alates. Alates have the ability to fly and also reproduce in mass, making them a scary proposition for property owners.  

Signs to look out for;

• Floor or ceiling damage
• Deformed walls
• Stuck doors and windows 
• Power issues and short circuiting
• Mud tubes
  

Where termites can be located;

• Wood or cellulose-based including lumber, firewood and more.
• Roof cavities and crawl spaces
• Flooring and substructures 
• Warm, dark places that are undisturbed
• They also thrive in moist soil, especially around plumbing works 

We recommend not leaving it to chance as a termite infestation can lead to catastrophic consequences. House Inspect Australia’s team of experienced technicians know all the termite hunting and prevention tricks, so you can rest assured that if you have them, we will find them. 

Our Pest Inspections
Pest Inspect Australia works closely alongside House Inspect Australia who are all licensed professionals in the business. Our pest professionals will complete a visual pest inspection which determines any areas on the property that are accessible for pests, and then provide a report detailing any findings.

As we launch into winter it’s a great time to check for termites and avoid any unwanted surprises develop. So to help out we wanted to share 5 ways you can identify termite damage before it’s too late. Don’t let a termites size fool you, if left unchecked these pests could wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home resulting in catastrophic consequences!

1. FLOOR OR CEILING DAMAGE

The most obvious sign of a termite infestation is cracks, blisters or sags in wooden material such as timber flooring, ceiling beams, and skirting boards.

2. DEFORMED WALLS

Look out for cracks, bubbles, and markings similar to water damage on your walls. If any of these indicators are present it could mean termites are eating away your buildings internal timber structure!

3. STUCK DOORS AND WINDOWS

Window and door frames are commonly built from wood, and are therefore a common target for termites. Whilst natural swelling could occur from heat and age, if there are signs of small holes, mud tubing, or hollowness you could be facing an infestation.

4. POWER ISSUES AND SHORT CIRCUITING

If you are experiencing interruptions with your power like short circuiting, these pests could be the culprit! Termites enjoy the warmth that electricity provides, so watch out for evidence of mud tubes or insect droppings near power outlets and electrical fittings.

5. MUD TUBES

Mud tubes are a distinctive warning sign of termites and unfortunately, indicate a large termite presence. Mud tubes have a miniature tube like appearance and are commonly formed with dirt or termite droppings, so be sure to keep a look out!

WHAT TO DO?

If you discover any termite activity, it is vital that you act fast to reduce the damage termites can cause to your property.

As termites tend to avoid open and bright spaces, their colonies are typically underground, out of sight or within wooden materials making it difficult for the untrained eye to spot them.

House Inspect Australia’s team of experienced technicians know all the termite hunting tricks, so you can rest assured that if you have them, we will find them.

OUR PEST AND TERMITE INSPECTIONS

Pest Inspect Australia works closely alongside House Inspect Australia with licensed professionals in the business.  These professionals will complete a visual pest and termite inspection which determines any areas on the property that are accessible for pests, and then provide a report detailing any findings. 

Termites cause a lot of damage on properties, sometimes causing irreversible structural damage that doesn’t get noticed until it’s too late. We greatly recommend getting a pest and termite inspection done to inspect if any damage has already been done to the property. It is best to get this inspection done ASAP, before the damage has the chance to cause issues.

The single most important thing to do when selecting a building inspector is to check for a valid builder’s license! You wouldn’t receive legal advice from someone not practicing as a lawyer, so why would you take building advise from someone who isn’t a qualified building inspector?!

What To Do
Thankfully there is an easy way to confirm whether someone has a building license. Just simply ask for their credentials, BUT, don’t stop there, ensure you investigate closely and turn their card over so you can read the conditions of the license. This is to confirm if they are indeed qualified and knowledgeable to undertake an inspection. A word of caution, don’t take their word for it as many people in this industry have deceptive tactics. Additionally, there is a Government run online database that you can utilise to double check the legitimacy of a license.

Click here and follow the prompts to submit your license search.

Why Do It
Unfortunately, this process might feel awkward or uncomfortable, however, it is crucial! As there are many building inspection operations being run with unqualified building inspectors that are giving advice and signing off on properties that could be littered with issues, missed by the untrained eye. So don’t take any chances, only rely on a qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable inspector.

Alternative Solution
The team at House Inspect Australia are licensed inspectors with the correct and up to date licensing as well as host additional and on going trainings sessions for all of our franchisees. Additionally, we hold our employees and franchisees to an incredibly high standard because we know just how important our role is in your property journey. So, rest assured, you’re getting the best service and result in Australia.

Buying a house is exciting, but also often comes with a lot of stress. One big worry that buyers often have is whether they are getting a good deal and a good quality house. No one wants to buy a house just to later find out that it needs a few repairs or renovations. By getting a house inspection done on the property, this stress can be alleviated. There are several options for getting a house inspected that cover anything possibly needed. The following inspections listed come under the category of a ‘pre-purchase inspection’, and once completed, any damage on any areas of the house will be made known. If you decide to get an inspection done on the house you are considering purchasing, you are ensuring that there will be no surprises.

Interior inspection

An interior inspection covers the following;

·     Walls and interior vents

·     Kitchen and pantry (+ fittings)

·     Doors, door frames and door fittings

·     Ceilings

·     Floors, skirting and floor coverings

·     Bathrooms and toilets

·     Laundry

·     Stairs

·     Paint work

Though some of these areas can be inspected by anyone who isn’t a professional, it is very common to miss spots that may cause issues in the future. By hiring a professional, you ensure that nothing on the interior of the house will be missed. Problems often missed include dampness in walls, poor drainage or leaking pipes. Problems that have been covered up are hard to spot, but that is exactly what we do.

Exterior Inspection

An exterior inspection covers the following; 

·     Vents

·     Stairs and railings

·     Balconies, verandahs and patios

·     Outdoor areas

·     Decking paint work 

·     Walls

·     Brickwork and Timber cladding

An exterior inspection on a property can not only inform you of existing issues, but also tell you if you should expect there to be exterior problems in the future.

Roof Inspection

A roof inspection can cover both the interior and exterior of your roof. The roof will be inspected in the following areas:

Interior;

·     Insulation

·     Roof framing

Exterior;

·     Chimney

·     Paint

·     Eave lining

·     Guttering and pipes

By getting a thorough inspection done on your roof, you are ensuring to uncover any problems that are hidden within the roof. Damage to roof tiles are easily spotted, it’s the damage underneath that should be paid attention to, as this has the potential to cause significant issues. An inspector will find any of these issues, and you will not need to think twice about the stability of your roof

Sub-floor areas

Sub-floor areas are essentially the areas below your floor, often overlooked. An inspection done on these areas covers the following;

·     Flooring

·     Pests

·     Ventilation

Depending on the house getting inspected, we will provide a personalised inspection with the house’s specific needs in mind. Below the floor may be a hiding spot for pests, or possibly contain water damage from slow leaks. It is important to get these sub-floor areas inspected to ensure the structural integrity of the house remains safe and of good quality.

The Property

Getting an inspection on the whole property includes areas such as;

·     Retaining walls

·     Driveways and paths

·     Fencing surface drainage

·     Pools

·     Garages or sheds

·     Water tanks

By inspecting the property, you can rest assured that all damage- if any- will be found. If the property has bad drainage, the foundation of your building may be damp, which results in further issues. It is best to hire a house inspector to notice any issues, big or small.

All of our pre-purchase inspections are conducted by a fully licensed, and experienced builder who has an abundance of knowledge. This knowledge ensures the inspection process goes smoothly, and allows the potential buyer of the property to feel confident in their decision.

Pest and Termite Inspections

Pest Inspect Australia works closely alongside House Inspect Australia with licensed professionals in the business.  These professionals will complete a visual pest and termite inspection which determines any areas on the property that are accessible for pests, and then provide a report detailing any findings. 

Termites cause a lot of damage on properties, sometimes causing irreversible structural damage that doesn’t get noticed until it’s too late. We greatly recommend getting a pest and termite inspection done to inspect if any damage has already been done to the property. It is best to get this inspection done ASAP, before the damage has the chance to cause issues.

Building Stage Inspections

We strongly recommend that you get regular inspections done on your property during construction, to ensure the building process goes ahead smoothly, and your building is getting quality construction done. Getting inspections done at certain stages of your property being built ensures that the work done on the property is not defective or compromised. The inspections we recommend are in stages, and are as follows; handover inspection, footing inspection, slab inspection, frame inspection, lock-up inspection, and then once more after completion, to determine if anything needs fixing. For more details on these stages of this inspection process, visit the ‘Building Stage Inspections’ page on our website.

Whether you are building a house, moving into a new one, or preparing to sell, it is important to get inspections done on your house. It is necessary to stay on top of potential areas for damage so that you can catch small issues before they turn into larger issues.