FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
What does a building and pest inspection cover?
A combined inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment of all reasonably accessible areas of the property — interior, exterior, roof space, subfloor and the site — carried out to Australian Standards AS 4349.1 (building) and AS 4349.3 (timber pest). The building side looks for structural issues, defects and safety hazards; the pest side looks for evidence of termites and other timber pests, past or present.
How much does a building and pest inspection cost?
Combined building and pest inspections start from $350, depending on the size, type and location of the property. Call 0431 114 815 and we will confirm a fixed price before you book.
How long does the inspection take?
Most homes take around one to two hours on site, depending on the size of the property and how accessible the roof space and subfloor are.
When do I get the report?
The same day. The full written report, with photos, is emailed to you before the day is out — and you can call us to talk through anything in it.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes. The most useful time is towards the end of the inspection. Anything we point out on site is confirmed in the written report — that is the formal record of our findings, and it is in your inbox the same day.
Are you licensed?
Yes — CYTE inspectors are QBCC licensed (licence 1519 2537) and inspections are carried out in line with Australian Standards AS 4349.1 and AS 4349.3.
Which areas do you cover?
The Gold Coast is home base. We also service Brisbane and Northern NSW, including Byron Bay.
Do you inspect units and apartments?
Houses, townhouses, duplexes and low-rise units — yes. For apartments in high-rise buildings, give us a call first and we will point you in the right direction.
What does a unit or apartment inspection cover?
For a strata or company title unit, the inspection covers the building interior of the unit and the building exterior immediately associated with it — wet areas, balconies and courtyards included — to AS 4349.1 and AS 4349.3. Common areas of the building are not inspected. The written photo report is delivered the same day.
Do apartments really need a pest inspection?
Yes — particularly ground-floor and garden-level units, older walk-up blocks, and any building with garden beds against the slab. The timber pest inspection to AS 4349.3 looks for visible activity, damage and the conducive conditions that invite it.
Does the body corporate cover defects inside my unit?
Generally the body corporate maintains common property, while everything inside your lot is the owner's responsibility — which is why a pre-purchase inspection of the unit itself matters. For what the scheme covers at a specific building, speak with your conveyancer.
How do I book?
Call 0431 114 815, or send the form on this site with the property address and your preferred day. We will confirm the booking by phone or SMS.
Do I really need a building and pest inspection?
A home is usually the largest purchase you will ever make, and most defects and timber pest evidence are not visible at an open home. An independent inspection gives you the property’s visible condition in writing before you commit — so any decision you make, you make informed.
What is the difference between a building inspection and a pest inspection?
The building inspection (AS 4349.1) assesses the structure and condition — defects, safety hazards, drainage, roof space and subfloor. The timber pest inspection (AS 4349.3) looks for evidence of termites, borers and fungal decay, plus conditions that attract them. A combined inspection covers both in one visit and one report.
What is a pre-inspection agreement?
A short agreement, required by the Australian Standards, that sets out exactly what the inspection covers and its limitations before we attend. Every CYTE booking includes one — it protects both you and us, and it means you know precisely what you are paying for.
What does "visual and non-invasive" mean?
We assess every reasonably accessible area without cutting, drilling or moving stored items — that is what the Australian Standards require. We supplement the visual assessment with professional tools such as a FLIR thermal imaging camera and moisture meter to help identify issues that are not obvious to the untrained eye.
What happens if the inspection finds problems?
Most reports find something — the question is how significant it is. Your written report sets out what we observed with photos and plain-English explanations, and you can call us to talk it through. Buyers commonly use the findings to negotiate, budget for repairs, or reconsider within their cooling-off period.
Are termites really a problem on the Gold Coast?
Yes. The subtropical climate keeps termites active year-round in South-East Queensland, and home insurance does not generally cover termite damage. That is why a timber pest inspection to AS 4349.3 is part of every combined inspection, and why annual inspections are recommended for homeowners.
The seller already has a report. Can I just use that?
You can read it, but remember who the inspector was working for. A vendor-supplied report may be accurate, yet it carries limitations for a buyer relying on it. An independent inspection is carried out for you, with a pre-inspection agreement in your name and an inspector answerable to you.