After hours of research reviewing over 30 local building and pest inspection companies in Cairns, we narrowed it down to the top 5. We looked at customer reviews, qualifications, experience, insurance, and value to find the cream of the crop. This guide has everything you need to know to choose the best building and pest inspection company for your property in Cairns. We’ll walk through the top 5 companies, looking at the pros and cons of each. You’ll get insider knowledge on risks specific to Cairns properties so you can make an informed decision to protect your investment. Whether you’re buying an older Queenslander, a newer property in the Northern Beaches, or anywhere in between, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the 5 best building and pest inspection companies in Cairns.
Our Research Into Building and Pest Inspection Companies in Cairns
We searched high and low across Cairns to find the top building and pest inspection companies in the region. After researching over 30 local providers, we narrowed it down to the top 5 based on their experience, qualifications, customer reviews, and value.
Experience and Qualifications
The companies on our list have been operating in Cairns for at least 10 years and all employ inspectors with extensive experience as builders or tradesmen before becoming inspectors. They also have the proper certifications and licences required in Queensland to conduct both building and pest inspections.
Customer Reviews
We scoured reviews from Google, Product Review, and Facebook to find companies with a proven track record of high-quality, thorough inspections and great customer service. The companies on our list have overwhelmingly positive reviews mentioning things like the inspector’s attention to detail, willingness to answer questions, and the comprehensiveness of the final reports.
Value for Money
Inspections in Cairns typically range from $300 to $500 for a standard building and pest inspection. The companies on our list all fall within this typical price range, so you can feel confident you’ll get a professional inspection without paying excess fees.
Specific Local Knowledge
The best inspectors have an in-depth understanding of the local risks and issues in Cairns to look for in properties. Things like identifying structural damage from cyclones, recognising specific pest damage from local insects like termites, and spotting problems from humidity and flooding are important for Cairns homes. The companies on our list demonstrated this local expertise which gave us confidence in recommending them.
With the weather and building conditions in Cairns, getting a professional building and pest inspection is well worth the investment for any homebuyer. The companies on our list will give you the peace of mind that there are no major issues with the property before you purchase.
Top 5 Building and Pest Inspection Companies in Cairns
After researching over 30 building and pest inspection companies in Cairns, we found the top 5 based on experience, qualifications, customer reviews and value.
A. Cairns Building and Pest Inspections
With over 15 years of experience and fully licenced and insured, Cairns Building and Pest Inspections is a popular choice. They offer comprehensive pre-purchase inspections for residential and commercial properties. Their inspectors are highly qualified and provide detailed reports including photos. Cairns Building and Pest Inspections has excellent reviews and is known for professional service and high-quality reports.
B. Jim’s Building and Pest Inspections Cairns
Jim’s is a family-owned business that has served Cairns for over 20 years. They are fully accredited and insured, with a reputation for being very thorough. Jim’s prides themselves on educating their clients and take the time to explain any issues found. They offer a range of inspection services for residential and commercial properties. Jim’s receives very positive reviews for their knowledgeable inspectors and willingness to go the extra mile.
C. Cairns Property Inspections
Cairns Property Inspections is a locally owned company that provides residential pre-purchase building inspections. They have a small team of fully qualified inspectors with over 10 years of combined experience. Cairns Property Inspections is known for very detailed reports, professional service and competitive rates. They have solid reviews, especially praising their inspectors’ eye for detail and helpful advice.
D. All About Inspections Cairns
All About Inspections is a family-run business serving Cairns for over 5 years. They are fully licenced and insured, offering building and pest inspections for residential and commercial properties. All About Inspections is praised for very thorough inspections, easy-to-understand reports and great value. They have a perfect 5-star rating on Google with many reviews highlighting their high-quality service, professionalism and detailed reports.
E. Cairns Building Inspection Services
Cairns Building Inspection Services has served Cairns for over 25 years, providing pre-purchase building and pest inspections. They are fully accredited and insured, with experienced inspectors. They offer comprehensive inspections for residential and commercial properties. Cairns Building Inspection Services receives very good reviews, with clients noting their professional service, detailed reports and inspector’s building knowledge. They are a reputable local company known for high-quality inspections at competitive rates.
Cairns House Construction Types and Associated Risks
In Cairns, the most common house construction types are timber, brick and concrete. Each comes with risks that building inspectors will evaluate.
Timber Houses
Many houses in Cairns, especially older homes, were built using timber. While timber construction is cheaper and better suited to Cairns’ tropical climate, it poses risks like termite damage, wood rot, and structural issues. Inspectors will check for signs of termite activity or damage, as well as water damage or dry rot in walls, floors, roofs, and foundations. They’ll also ensure the home’s timber structure is sound.
Brick Houses
Brick houses are popular in Cairns, as brick is durable and energy efficient. However, brick homes can develop cracks from soil movement or foundation issues. Inspectors will look for cracks in walls, as well as tilting or bowing. They’ll also check that the mortar between bricks is in good condition, with no crumbling. The roof and plumbing are also inspected, as water damage is a risk in brick homes.
Concrete Homes
Some Cairns homes feature concrete slab foundations and walls. While concrete is resistant to cyclones, it can develop structural cracks over time. Inspectors check for cracks in concrete slabs, walls and foundations, as well as signs the home’s structure has shifted or tilted. They also ensure waterproofing and plumbing are intact, as water damage poses risks.
The neighbourhood your home is in also impacts risks. Homes in coastal or low-lying areas may face flooding or cyclonic damage. In hillside areas, landslides and soil erosion are concerns. Homes built on filled land can experience foundation or plumbing issues if the fill settles unevenly.
Building and pest inspections provide peace of mind by identifying risks specific to your home’s construction and location in Cairns. Reputable inspectors have the experience to pinpoint common issues in timber, brick and concrete homes across the region’s diverse neighbourhoods. By understanding the risks, you can make an informed choice about purchasing a home, or address problems to safeguard your investment.
Cairns-Specific Risks and Considerations for Pest & Building Inspections
Cairns’ tropical climate and coastal location present some unique risks to be aware of when buying a property. Professional building and pest inspections are essential to uncover any issues before you purchase.
Climate and Construction
The hot, humid weather in Cairns means properties are susceptible to pest infestations and wood rot if not properly maintained. Many homes are also built on concrete slabs, which require termite barriers and regular inspections. Queenslander-style houses with timber stumps and floors are also common, but the wood needs to be treated to avoid rot and termite damage. Check that any timber decks, pergolas or fences on the property have been built and treated properly.
Coastal Location
Being so close to the ocean, many Cairns properties are exposed to salt and moisture damage. Check exterior walls, roofs, gutters, metal fixtures and any timber structures for signs of rust, corrosion or water damage. The sandy soil also means some foundations may be unstable if not built on solid footings. Ask if any retaining walls have been installed and if they’re in good condition.
Neighbourhood Flooding
Certain areas of Cairns like Edmonton, Gordonvale and Redlynch are flood-prone, so there is a risk of properties being inundated during the wet season or severe weather events. Review any available flood mapping for the property’s location and check if flood mitigation has been undertaken. It’s also a good idea to ask neighbours about any past flooding events in the area.
Asbestos and Lead Paint
Many older properties in Cairns, especially those built pre-1990, may contain asbestos and lead-based paint. Asbestos can be found in building materials like cement sheeting, vinyl flooring, roofing and guttering. Lead paint was commonly used on exterior and interior walls. These materials require professional removal or containment, so check if an asbestos and lead inspection has been conducted for any older properties you’re interested in.
In summary, Cairns’ tropical location brings increased risks of weather damage, pests, flooding and hazardous materials that require thorough inspections. But with the right checks and maintenance, properties in Cairns can also be very liveable. Do your due diligence, get professional reports, and you’ll feel more at ease buying in this coastal paradise.
Conclusion
So there you have it – five building and pest inspection companies that deliver quality service in Cairns. We’ve done the research to find professionals who understand this region’s unique climate, construction methods, and potential property risks. Any one of these experienced, licenced, and insured inspectors will give you the comprehensive report you need to make a smart real estate decision. Don’t cut corners on this important process. Schedule an inspection with confidence knowing we’ve found the top five. Protect your investment and gain peace of mind by partnering with one of these trusted local companies before you commit.
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