Ever bought a property and later discovered some nasty surprises? Dry rot under the kitchen tiles. Termites in the roof. Major cracks in the foundations. Not fun. Getting a building and pest inspection before purchase seems like a no-brainer. But how much will it set you back? With quotes ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, it pays to understand what’s involved. In this article, we’ll break down the average cost of building and pest inspections in Victoria and the key factors that influence price. We’ll also give you tips for finding a good inspector without blowing your budget. So read on before you buy, and avoid getting stung by hidden nasties that could cost you big time down the track.
About This Price Comparison
So you’ve decided to buy an investment property in Victoria and want to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. A professional building and pest inspection is a must to uncover any nasty surprises before settlement. But how much should you budget for an inspection? We’ve done a deep dive of inspection services across Victoria to give you an idea of what to expect.
Pricing Factors
The cost of an inspection depends on a few factors:
- The size and type of property. Inspections on larger properties, units, or townhouses will typically cost more than a standard 3-bedroom house.
- The inspection company. Prices vary between providers based on their experience, qualifications, equipment used, and the level of detail in their reports. You’ll typically pay more for a highly-rated, well-established company.
- Additional services. Things like asbestos testing, pool inspections or timber pest inspections will increase the total cost.
What to Expect to Pay
For a standard building and pest inspection on a typical freestanding house in Victoria, you can expect to pay between $350 to $700. The average cost is around $500. Companies like Jim’s Building Inspections, Aussie Property Inspections and BuildingPro offer standard inspections for $350 to $550. For more comprehensive “premium” inspections with thermal imaging and moisture testing, expect to pay $600 to $700.
Of course, the final cost will depend on the specifics of your property and chosen inspector. But with this price range in mind, you can determine a realistic budget and feel confident you’re getting a fair deal when comparing quotes from different companies. An inspection could save you thousands down the track, so it’s worth investing in.
Building and pest inspection costs in Melbourne
In Victoria, building and pest inspections typically range from $300 to $1000, depending on the size and age of the property. For a standard 3-bedroom house, you can expect to pay $500 to $700.
Pest inspections
Pest inspections check for any signs of damage or activity from wood-destroying insects like termites, borers and fungi. This usually costs between $150 to $350. The inspector will check the subfloor, roof void, fences, garages, and any timber structures on the property. If an infestation is found, the report will specify recommended treatments to eliminate it before settlement.
Building inspections
Building inspections evaluate the structural integrity and condition of the property. They cost $300 to $700 for a typical house. The inspector will check the roof (inside attic and outside), walls, floors, windows, plumbing, electrical systems, and the overall workmanship. The report will list any major or minor defects, their severity, and estimated repair costs. This helps you negotiate the best price and avoid expensive surprises down the track.
In the end, building and pest inspections are a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your potential new home is structurally sound and pest-free. While inspections don’t guarantee a perfect property, they can give you confidence in your buying decision or help you walk away from a “lemon”. For most home buyers in Victoria, building and pest inspections are considered an essential part of the property due diligence process.
Building and pest inspection costs in Geelong
Building and pest inspections in Geelong typically range from $300 to $700 for a standard property. The final cost will depend on the size and condition of the property, as well as the inclusions in the inspection.
For a basic building inspection of a typical 3-bedroom house in Geelong, you can expect to pay around $350 to $450. The inspection will identify any major structural issues or repairs needed. For a more comprehensive inspection that also checks plumbing, electrical wiring, and the roof space, budget $500 to $650.
Pest inspections in Geelong usually cost $200 to $350 for a standard property. The inspector will check for any signs of termites, wood rot, or other pest damage and infestation. It’s a good idea to get a pest inspection done at the same time as your building inspection to save on costs. Some inspectors offer package deals for combined building and pest inspections.
Inspections in Geelong typically take 2 to 3 hours for the inspector to complete. You’ll receive a detailed written report shortly after outlining any major or minor faults found, recommended repairs or further investigations needed. It’s best to be present during the inspection so you can see any issues firsthand and have them explained to you.
While building and pest inspections do come at an upfront cost, they can save you thousands by identifying problems before the purchase. They also give you a stronger position to negotiate the best price, or in some cases even back out of the sale if serious issues are found. For the peace of mind and potential cost savings, building and pest inspections in Geelong are well worth the investment for any property buyer.
Building and pest inspection costs in Ballarat
Building and pest inspections in Ballarat typically range from $300 to $600 for a standard 4-bedroom house. The exact price will depend on the size and age of the property. More extensive inspections of larger properties, especially those over 50 years old, will be at the higher end of this range or even slightly above.
Standard building inspections
A standard building inspection checks the major structural elements of a house like the roof, foundations, floors, walls, and windows. The inspector will look for any signs of damage, water leaks, or other issues that could be costly to repair. They will provide a written report detailing any areas that need further evaluation or repair. Expect to pay between $300 to $500 for a standard building inspection in Ballarat.
Pest inspections
Pest inspections, which check for any signs of termite damage or other wood-destroying pests, typically cost between $150 to $250 in Ballarat. The inspector will visually check the subfloor, foundations, and roof for any signs of active termites or damage. They may also tap wood surfaces to detect hollow spots. A pest inspection is especially important for older properties as they have a higher chance of pest activity.
Combined inspections
For convenience, you can opt for a combined building and pest inspection. Combining the inspections into one visit by the same professional can help reduce costs by about $50 to $100 compared to doing them separately. The inspector will thoroughly evaluate both the structural integrity of the home as well as check for any pest damage.
While building and pest inspections do require an upfront investment, they can give you peace of mind about the true condition of the property. They may also help you negotiate a lower purchase price to account for required repairs or give you leverage to back out of the sale if there are major issues. For most home buyers in Ballarat, an inspection is worth the cost.
Building and pest inspection costs in Bendigo
In Bendigo, building and pest inspections typically range from $300 to $500 for a standard 3-bedroom home. The exact price will depend on the size and condition of the property. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay:
$350 to $450 for a building inspection
A building inspector will thoroughly check the structural integrity of the home, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, and foundations. They’ll look for any signs of water damage, structural damage or repairs needed. For peace of mind, a building inspection is well worth the investment.
$200 to $350 for a pest inspection
A pest inspection is also highly recommended, especially for older homes. A pest inspector will check for any signs of termites, borers or other wood-destroying insects that can cause damage. They’ll inspect the subfloor, foundations, decking, fencing and any exposed wood. It’s best to book the building and pest inspections at the same time, so the inspectors can share their findings with each other.
Extra costs for ancillary services
Some inspectors offer additional services for an extra fee, such as a thermal imaging to check for insulation issues ($100-$200) or asbestos testing ($200-$500 per sample). If there are any areas of concern in the initial inspections, it may be worth paying for follow-up inspections to fully determine the issues before purchasing the property.
While building and pest inspections do add to the overall purchase cost, they can potentially save you thousands by identifying major structural or pest issues before the sale is final. For most home buyers in Bendigo, the peace of mind afforded by a professional inspection is well worth the investment. When buying what is likely your biggest asset, it’s not worth skimping on the due diligence.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. Getting a professional building and pest inspection before buying a property in Victoria doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Shop around for quotes, but don’t just go for the cheapest option. You want an experienced inspector who will do a thorough job. Better to spend a bit more upfront than get stuck with expensive repairs down the track because something was missed. Most inspectors charge between $350-$500 for a standard property inspection. Highset or larger homes may cost more. And don’t forget to factor in the timber pest inspection too. That’s usually around $250 extra. But well worth it for peace of mind. In the scheme of things, inspection costs are a drop in the ocean compared to the purchase price. So be smart, get the right inspections done, and you’ll be well on your way to happy home ownership in Victoria!
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