Sometimes it's hard to understand the subtle differences when you're new to the building and pest inspection business.
In order to help you choose the best inspection service, we've set up a list of definitions to help you understand all the different definitions that might be used when it comes to organising your house inspection.
We've separated the definitions into 4 sections:
- Building Inspection Definitions
- Pest Inspection Definitions
- Combined Building and Pest Inspection Definitions
- Other Building Industry Definitions
We've tried to make sure all of our terminology on our service pages link to a definition to help reduce any ambiguity. We have also included other common words and phrases used throughout the building and pest industry to make comparing and choosing your inspector that little bit easier.
If you want any other terms explained or defined then please feel free to contact us.
Building Inspection Definitions
- Building Inspection
- A building inspection is a visual appraisal of the condition of a completed property by a licenced building inspector. The inspector will write a building inspection report highlighting existing defects such as rising damp, cracking, safety hazards and roofing issues. It is not a warranty against future defects.
- Building Inspection Report
- A building inspection report is a formal summary of a property's condition written by a licenced building inspector. Building inspection reports are independent reports that document the findings of a building inspection
- Pre-Purchase Home Inspection
- A pre-purchase building inspection is a building inspection paid for by someone purchasing a property that has signed a conditional contract. After receiving the building inspection report the purchaser can make a decision to go unconditional. Don't confuse pre-purchase home inspection with pre-sale building inspection
- Pre-Purchase Building Inspection
- See Pre-Purchase Home Inspection The word building and property are synonymous when it comes to inspections, however, there is a subtle difference when it comes to strata titles in that the property will be inspected, but not the building
- Building Inspection For Home Purchase
- Again this is synonymous with Pre-Purchase Home Inspection and Pre-Purchase Building Inspection. It's just another way of saying the same thing.
- Residential Building Inspection
- Again this is synonymous with Pre-Purchase Home Inspection Some companies offer commercial property inspections so they differentiate the two by using the words Residential and Commercial.
- Pre-Sale Building Inspection
- A pre-sale building inspection is an inspection paid for by someone selling a property. After receiving the building report the seller can then make a decision to amend any issues or change the price of their house. Either way, it ensures there will be no surprises once a purchaser has been found
- Visual Building Inspection
- A visual building inspection is limited to areas where it is safe and reasonable to access at the time of inspection. Wall linings will not be removed and furniture blocking access may not be moved. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, an inspection is a visual inspection, not an invasive inspection
- Invasive Building Inspection
- An invasive building inspection involves checking everywhere in the building. This often means removing wall linings, cutting holes in walls and moving any furniture. Such extreme methods are common when it is strongly suspected there is structural damage or termites in the building.
- High Quality Building and Pest Inspection
- Accurate Building and Pest Inspection
- Accurate Building and Pest Inspection as opposed to just a Building and Pest Inspection is an inspection that truly reflects the condition on the property. Only a 'licenced' building inspector using the latest technology can produce an accurate report, however they are still limited by the inspection only being a visual inspection and not an invasive one
- Building Inspector
- A Building Inspector is someone that carries out a building inspection on a completed building. In Queensland they must be a licenced building inspector
- Licenced Building Inspector
- A Licenced Building Inspector is someone who works in the building industry in Queensland and has the Building Inspector Licence issued by QBCC. If someone works in the building industry in Queensland, with a few minor exceptions, they need to have a valid licence issued by QBCC. Your building inspector MUST be licensed by QBCC with the Building Inspector Licence.
- Licensed Residential Building Inspector
- Licensed Residential Building Inspector is synonymous with licenced building inspector
- Building Inspector Licence
- A Building Inspector Licence, formally known as a 'Completed Residential Building Inspection licence' is a licence issued by QBCC to allow someone to perform the inspection of a completed building, including an inspection and preparation of a report in accordance with Australian Standard 4349.1 2007 'Inspection of Buildings-Pre-purchase property Inspections-Residential buildings'.
- Australian Standard 4349.1 2007
- The Australian Standard 4349.1 2007 are a set of rules created by Standards Australia. What's important is that QBCC enforce these standards by licence holders and have the power to fine and eject members that do not follow them.
Pest Inspection Definitions
- Pest Inspection
- A pest inspection is a visual appraisal of the condition of a completed property by a licenced pest inspector highlighting damage, or possibility of damage from pests, termites, insects, bugs or dry rot.
- Termite Inspection
- In the Pest Inspection industry a termite inspection is a synonym for a pest inspection. Termites are considered one of many pests that also include borers, wood decay, fungi and mould.
- Pest Inspection Report
- A pest inspection report is a formal summary of a property's condition written by a licenced pest inspector. Pest reports are independent reports that document the findings of a pest inspection
- Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection
- A pre-purchase pest inspection is a pest inspection paid for by someone purchasing a property that has signed a conditional contract. After receiving the pest inspection report the purchaser can make a decision to go unconditional. Don't confuse pre-purchase pest inspection with pre-sale pest inspection
- Pest Inspection For Home Purchase
- A pest inspection for home purchase is a pest inspection paid for by someone purchasing a home. They may have signed a conditional contract dependent on the pest inspection report and can choose to withdraw from the purchase if any major issues are discovered.
- Pest Inspector
- A pest inspector is someone that carries out pest inspections on a completed building. In Queensland they must be a licenced pest inspector
- Licenced Pest Inspector
- A licenced pest inspector is someone who works as a pest inspector in Queensland and has the required pest inspector licence issued by QBCC.
- Pest Inspector Licence
- A licence issued by QBCC to allow someone to perform give advice or a report about termite management systems for the building and termite infestation in the building. There are 2 licences to be aware of Chemical License and Physical License
- QBCC Termite Management - Chemical Licensee
- A QBCC Termite Management - Chemical licence is a licence issued by QBCC to allow someone to perform Pre-slab and perimeter chemical treatment of new building work for termite management and Inspect or investigate a completed building, and give advice or a report about termite management systems for the building and termite infestation in the building.
- QBCCTermite Management – Physical Licensee
- A Termite Management – Physical Licensee is a licence issued by QBCC to allow someone to install a particular material or system designed for the prevention of termite infestation in accordance with the manufacturer's specification or any other applicable standard and inspect or investigate a completed building, and give advice or a report about the use of the particular material or system for the building.
- Sounder
- A Sounder, or Tapper Tool, is a simple and useful piece of equipment used during a pest inspection. It is run along skirting boards and exposed timber and the pest inspector is able to hear a change in tone that often indicates signs of timber damage caused by termites.
Combined Building and Pest Inspection Definitions
- Combined Building and Pest Inspection
- A combined building inspection and pest inspection is when the building inspection is asked for at the same time as the pest inspection. This often allows for financial savings such as travel and administration costs that are only incurred once and is therefore a popular choice for people buying houses or apartments
- Building Pest Inspection
- A Building Pest Inspection is a synonym for Building and Pest Inspection. For some reason many people miss the all important "and" !
- Combined Building Inspections
- A synonym for Building and Pest Inspection. Although the word 'Pest' is missing it is implied. The inspection will be for both building and pest
- Report
- Report means the document and any attachments issued to the paying customer by the inspector. Reports are normally valid for 30 days and can formally act as Proof when it comes to the contract
- Mould Inspection
- A mould inspection is part of a building inspection and also a pest inspection. Mould is a sign that there are damp issues in a property. Whilst there are many innocent and easy remedies to mould, there are also many serious and expensive causes. Mould can also be hazardous to your health.
- Independent Reports
- An independent report is a report written for the sole purpose of identifying issues during a building inspection or a pest inspection service. An independent report will not be influenced by the agent, the vendor or any other party.
- NORTH BRISBANE BUILDING & PEST INSPECTIONS
- NBB&PI
- NBBPI
- Local Building Inspector
- These are all synonyms for North Brisbane Building & Pest Inspections which is the building and pest inspection business Brett has set up under the trading name of BCZ Constructions
Other Building Industry Definitions
- QBCC Licensee Search
- A QBCC licensee search is an online service that allows you to immediately see the details about a licence QBCC contractor or employee. You can, and should, check they have valid licences to carry out your work.
- Contract
- In Queensland most houses are bought and sold using the standard Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) contract. Sometimes additions are made and sections are removed, however in all circumstances, it is highly recommended that buyers and sellers obtain specialist advice about the effect of the contract of sale before signing.
- Conditional Contract
- When signing a contract to buy a house, it is normal to sign it with some conditions. The usual conditions are Finance, Building & Pest. The contract will have a conditional 'date', which is the date the buyer needs to go unconditional or withdraw from the contract with Proof/evidence
- Unconditional Contract
- As per a conditional contract the contract goes unconditional when the buyer has written confirmation from their financial institution that they will lend them the money and also when the buyer is satisfied that the building and pest inspection did not reveal issues of concern
- Completed Building
- A completed building is a property that has already been built. During the build process it generally means the point where all building work is complete or all but completed, in accordance with the contract, and the house is reasonably fit for occupation.
Please note, when signing a contract you should always get legal advice from a qualified legal representative. The author of this document is not a qualified legal representative
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