building and pest inspections
Pre-Purchase Inspection in Albury, Wodonga & Rutherglen
All purchasers should obtain a pre-purchase inspection (building and pest) before signing a contract. Pianto’s Pest Control uses the latest inspection technology including moisture, motion detection (radar), and a thermal imaging camera.
Specialist Pre-Purchase Inspection
When you’re deciding who to get for your pre-purchase inspection, you have two options: an inspector or a specialist. It’s almost impossible to find an inspector who specialises in both building inspections and pest inspections.
That’s why we don’t do building inspections. We wouldn’t get a plumber to do our electrical work either.
Pianto’s Pest Control has specialised in termite control in our local area for over 25 years. Moreover, our pest managers know our local termites species and their behaviour very well.
Our team can organise a building inspection on your behalf
We trust Andrew Bowie from Independent Building Reports Victoria to work with us in inspecting your next purchase. If you’re in need of a building inspection our team can book one with Andrew at the same time as you book your pest inspection, saving you the hassle.
The team aims to have your report delivered on the same day as the inspection.
Motion Detection (Radar)
Pianto’s Pest Control pest managers use the Termatrac T3i motion detection device. It can be the best way to find active termites. It’s also used by us to double-check areas of high moisture. However, when we can’t find movement in a wet spot, we recommend an invasive inspection by a plumber.
Our pest managers are accredited users of this device. What’s more, they are used in almost every one of our pre-purchase inspections.
Thermal Imaging Cameras in Our Pre-Purchase Inspection
During inspections, our pest managers use a Flir thermal imaging camera to search for termites. This technology can also be useful for finding water leaks which are a good indicator of potential termite activity.
On their own thermal imaging cameras have their limitations. However, our pest managers use thermal imaging cameras in combination with other tools such as moisture detectors. This ensures accurate data is collected while also meeting the Australian standard.
Thermal imaging cameras are not x-ray cameras
Thermal imaging cameras only detect surface temperature. This can be affected by air conditioners, water leaks, etc., which limits their use in finding termites in difficult conditions. As mentioned above, we use it as a supplementary tool only.
These images were taken with our Flir C3 thermal camera.
We Strive to Exceed the Minimum Pre-purchase Inspection Requirements
All pre-purchase inspections are required to conform to the Australian Standard 4349.3. Most inspectors will meet this minimum requirement.
At Pianto’s Pest Control we always make it a point to exceed this standard for our pre-purchase inspection. Furthermore, our company doesn’t do check-box reports, we take the time to provide more information as part of our duty of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a pre-purchase inspection inspection take?
An inspection of a standard 3-4 bedroom house on a concrete slab should take between 1h 15m and 1h 30m.
More time is required if there is difficulty accessing areas, or if the floor is a suspended floor.
What is included in your report?
Building Description & Areas Inspected
- A description of the building and any access restrictions.
Subterranean Termites
- Termite findings including active termites, termite nests, and any existing inactive termite damage.
- Description of any termite barriers currently installed.
- Timber borers,
- Timber fungal decay (rot)
- Safety hazards associated with termite damage, borer damage, or rot.
Environmental conditions that are conductive to (may attract) termites
- Water leaks.
- Moisture readings.
- Drainage and subfloor ventilation.
- Mould growth.
- Assessment of structural timbers exposed to weather.
- Conditions that could attract termites to the area.
- Inspection of ant caps and other termite barriers.
- Recommendations to reduce your risk of termite attack.
Can I attend the inspection with you?
If the real estate agent and the homeowner or tenant is agreeable, you are more than welcome to attend.
The pest manager on site can answer any questions you may have while on site.
When will I have the report?
Our office staff will always try to send all of our pre-purchase inspection reports on the same day as the inspection.
You will have your report within 24 hours.
How do I arrange a building and pest inspection?
- You can call us on 02 6032 7137 to book it in. We can call the building inspector, the agent, and the homeowner/tenant and book it in on your behalf.
- Call the agent and ask them to arrange a time with Us.
- You can call The Building Investigator and ask Alan to arrange a time with Us.
- Ask your building inspector to arrange it with Us.
Does an inspection protect my home against termites?
An inspection to Australian Standards is only a description of the building at the time of inspection.
It does not guarantee that termites will not enter the building at any time after the inspection.
Inspections are intended to catch termites early before damage becomes extensive, and while the termite colony is hopefully young and easy to treat.
In order to protect your house from termites, you should consider a preventative termite treatment.
Why don't you use thermal cameras all the time?
Thermal imaging cameras have significant limitations:
- Contrary to popular belief, they are not x-ray cameras. They only pick up surface temperature.
- They are less effective if the air conditioner is on.
- They are less effective at picking up termite activity in summer, when the ambient temperature is hot.
- They are less effective when photographing glossy or reflective surfaces.
As mentioned above, we find thermal cameras useful as a part of a full inspection, but do not rely on them entirely. They do not replace the need for a full termite inspection with moisture detection.
What areas do you service?
Pianto’s Pest Control operates throughout the Indigo, Towong, Wodonga, Albury, Greater Hume and Federation Shire areas including but not limited to:
- Pest inspections in Albury, Lavington, Springdale Heights, Thurgoona, Table Top, Ettamogah, Jindera, Gerogery, and Culcairn.
- Termite inspections in Wodonga, Leneva, Baranduda, Bandana.
- Pest inspections in Bellbridge, Tallangatta, Huon, Bethanga, Bonegilla, Ebden, Talgarno, Charleroi, Eskdale, Kergunyah, and Dederang.
- (White Ant) Pest inspections in Beechworth, Wooragee, Yackandandah, Stanley, Indigo Valley, and Wangaratta.
- Pest inspections in Springhurst, Chiltern, Lilliput, Barnawartha, Browns Plains, Boorhaman, and Norong.
- Termite inspections in Rutherglen, Corowa, Wahgunyah, Carlyle, Hopefield, Redlands, Balldale, Lowesdale, Ringwood, and Collendina.
- Pest (White Ant) inspections in Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Rennie, Berrigan, Darlington Point, Jerilderie, Finley, and Burrumbuttock.
If you see a town not listed but nearby please still enquire.