You’ve found the perfect property and, being a savvy buyer, you’ve organised a building and pest inspection. Then the report lands in your inbox, and it’s not what you hoped for. Whether it’s signs of termites, timber damage, or conducive conditions, many buyers panic at the sight of these findings.
At Top Dog Pest Control, we’ve seen this reaction time and time again. But here’s the thing: termites aren’t a deal-breaker — especially when you understand the findings and know how to respond.
Let’s break down what it all means and how a thorough inspection from our team can actually work in your favour.
What Does a Building and Pest Inspection Cover?
Our building and pest inspections on the Gold Coast are designed to give you a clear, expert assessment of the property’s condition. These inspections are visual and non-invasive, but highly detailed.
Here’s what we look for:
- Active timber pests, especially termites and borers
- Evidence of previous pest activity and timber damage
- Conditions that increase the risk of future termite infestations (such as damp areas, poor drainage, or untreated timber)
We don’t just tick boxes — we take the time to explain what we find, whether you’re there with us on site or reviewing our thorough, photo-rich report afterwards.
What If Termites Are Found?
This is the point where many buyers lose their nerve. But the presence of termites doesn’t automatically mean the home is a write-off.
If we find active termites during our termite inspections on the Gold Coast, the seller will need to arrange treatment immediately. But it must be more than a surface-level spray. A proper, Australian Standards-compliant treatment can take several weeks and should be followed by the installation of a termite management system to prevent future issues.
As the buyer, you can negotiate that these measures be completed before settlement or request a price reduction and organise treatment yourself. Just make sure you receive:
- Full treatment documentation
- Warranty details
- Pest technician licences and insurance
Top Dog Pest Control provides all of this; transparency is part of our service.
What About Termite Damage?
Termite damage is more common than most buyers realise, particularly in older homes. But it’s not always recent, nor is it always serious.
If our inspection uncovers past termite activity or damage, we’ll explain whether it appears active or historic. In cases of damage, we recommend a structural assessment by a builder or engineer, just to be sure.
Even if the termites are long gone, a termite management system should still be installed post-purchase, and yes, this can often be negotiated into the final sale price.
Conditions That Attract Termites
Our termite inspections on the Gold Coast often reveal “conducive conditions”, environmental factors that make a property more appealing to termites. These might include:
- Leaking pipes or taps
- Garden beds against the external walls
- Poor sub-floor ventilation
- Untreated timber or stored wood near the house
Some of these are simple to fix, while others may require trade work. Either way, our inspection arms you with knowledge, and that knowledge is negotiation power.
The Real Value of a Pest Inspection
Some reports can feel overwhelming at first glance. But whether you walk away from a risky purchase or negotiate a better deal, a building and pest inspection on the Gold Coast does exactly what it’s meant to: protect you.
At Top Dog Pest Control, we take pride in offering honest, thorough assessments. Our inspectors are friendly, licensed, and always happy to answer your questions. You’re welcome on site during the inspection, and we make sure you fully understand what we find and what it means for you.
Need expert advice before you buy? Trust Top Dog Pest Control for thorough, reliable termite inspections on the Gold Coast and building and pest inspections on the Gold Coast. Call us today on 1800 737 836 to book your inspection and buy with confidence, not confusion.
