Why no inspector can guarantee a house is termite free
The honest answer is the useful one.
In short: Termites work concealed, so certainty is not available to anyone, at any price.
What the standard says
AS 4349.3 provides for inspection and reporting of accessible areas. It does not provide for certification that a property is free of pests.
Why concealment is the issue
Termites travel inside timber and behind linings. An inspection sees the accessible surface, not the inside of a stud.
What we do instead
Report evidence found, report conducive conditions, and be explicit about which areas could not be accessed and why.
What to be suspicious of
Any inspector or company offering a guarantee that a property carries no termites. It cannot be supported by the standard they are working to.
The practical protection
Regular inspection, cleared conducive conditions and a management plan installed by a licensed controller.
Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Pakenham East. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
