Timber Pest Inspection Agreement
Terms & Conditions
1. The property to be inspected shall include all timber structures such as, decking, extensions, patios, dividing fences, retaining walls constructed with timber, tree stumps within 30 metres of the nominated building and within the property boundary.
2. The inspection and report will be provided in accordance with the Australian Standards (as amended from time to time) to provide a report on timber pest activity
3. Where the client has requested a pre-purchase Timber Pest Inspections all Timber Pest Inspections will be conducted in accordance with the Australian Standard AS 4349.3-2010 Inspection of buildings -Timber pest inspections
4. Where the client has requested a regular termite Inspection only the inspections will be carried out in accordance with AS 3660.2-2000 -Termite management
5. During all inspections, the inspector may use various tools, including moister meters, tappers, probes, sharp knives, or sharp metal instruments to conduct various tests the Inspector deems necessary on the timber structures.
6. Splinter testing will only be conducted by the owner of the property. It will not be carried for a pre-purchase inspection for a purchaser unless the owner has consented in writing.
7. Any restricted areas, structures, furniture which prevent or hinder visual inspection will not be moved. The inspector will not undertake any invasive digging, cutting, separated, or pulled apart to gain access. A more invasive inspection may only be done during the inspection with the written instructions from the owner.
8. Moisture meters will be used during the inspection to test for high moisture levels as these provide conditions conducive to timber pest activity and evidence of potential timber pest activity. Moisture meters will be used to check wet areas or areas of moisture in particular bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas.
9. (a) The client acknowledges that a building has many concealed areas and there is no access to some roof areas or areas between floors or eaves because they are simply too low. Floor coverings can be restricted by furniture and belongings. Inspections are also limited if prior damage from Pests activity is concealed or hidden by works done before the inspection. It is a condition of inspection that safe and reasonable access is required for an inspection to be conducted. The following information is provided on safe and reasonable access:
a. Access points into roof spaces and subfloor areas: minimum of 400 x 500mm
b. Roof space internal space: minimum of 600 x 600mm
c. Accessible height: accessible from a 3.6m ladder (in place on the ground).
(b) Evidence of timber pest actions or damage may be concealed by repair works undertaken prior to the inspection.
10. Prior to the inspection a purchaser of the property should ask the Seller for historical information relating to any past timber pest or termite activity or treatments or rectification works, and repairs resulting from previous pest activity of the property and provide the information to the Inspector.
11. The Inspector is unable to ascertain the extent or degree of damage caused by Timber Pests as this can only be determined by invasive investigations by other consultants including plumbers, builders, and Engineers
12. The scope of engagement is inspecting for visual Timber pest damage caused by Timber Pests namely Subterranean and dampwood termites, and rot (fungal decay). The aim of the pre-purchase inspection is to identify and report on the properties condition in relation to timber pests:
a. Evidence of timber pests – present and past.
b. Timber pests covered by the inspection are subterranean and dampwood termites, borers of seasoned timber and wood decay fungi.
c. The existence of observable damage caused by timber pests.
d. Susceptibility of the building to timber pests.
e. Requirement for further investigation.
13. Drywood termites are not covered or included in this inspection or report.
14. The property being inspected often may have non-timber destroying pests on the property such as bedbugs, cockroaches, fleas, rodents etc. Accordingly, these are not defined as Timber Pests and so are not covered within the scope of Inspection.
15. The Inspection is not required to provide any preventative advice or action plans.
16. The inspector may not inspector will cease the inspection of a specific area or the entire site if there are hazards observed that make the location unsafe.
17. The Inspection does not include the following:
a. areas which are obstructed or areas which cannot be assessed readily and safely;
b. Serviceability damp defects including rising damp and condensation;
c. Body Corporate common property;
d. Mould;
e. Asbestos materials;
f. Magnesite materials;
18. Mediation. In the event of any claim, dispute or other matter arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the parties shall attempt to resolve any dispute amicably at a meeting to be attended by a person nominated by the Australian Mediations Association Limited. The parties shall bear equally the costs of the mediation
19. Other than inspections conducted in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) third parties cannot rely on this report; see The Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003 ACT as amended establishes a process for the making and exchange of contracts for the sale of residential property in the ACT. The ACT Act details documents that must be obtained and made available to the buyer for inspection before a residential property is offered for sale. These documents include building inspection reports. The aim is to enhance consumer protection by giving buyers all the relevant information about the property they intend to purchase. Building inspectors are also required to advise when reports on a property have been prepared for an intending seller. This information is then recorded in a public register in the ACT only.
Explanation of Terms & Phrases used in this Report
1. The inspection is a non-invasive inspection
The inspection is non-invasive but will include the limited use of items of equipment. Limited invasive procedures will be conducted, and these include:
a. Sounding of timbers to test for hidden timber pest damage.
b. Splinter tests for the identification of timber decay and termite damage.
2. The inspection will be to all accessible areas
The inspection will cover all areas where accessibility is both reasonable and safe at the time of the inspection and within the agreed area of the inspection. Such inspection areas include:
a. Roof voids
b. Interior areas
c. Subfloor spaces
d. Building attachments and outbuildings
e. Garden and landscaping timbers
f. Significant standing timbers
3. Client responsibilities as stated in the standard
The client is responsible for arranging entry and access to all parts of the property. The client is also required to provide any necessary information that is required to allow the inspector to prepare and undertake the inspection. If access is not available recommendations may be made for access to be gained.
4. The client to be made aware of potential limitations to the inspection
All inspections will have limitations, examples may include:
a. Locked doors
b. Pets
c. Security systems
d. Furniture and stored items
e. Floor coverings – carpets, linoleum, bamboo or vinyl slatting etc.
f. Height restrictions – subfloors, roof spaces
g. Repair work undertaken at the site.
h. Vegetation
i. Weather conditions
5. The client is to be made aware of the inclusions in the report
The report will include details of evidence located during the inspection and the following details if applicable:
a. the stated timber pests current or past
b. evidence of damage caused by the stated timber pests
c. hazards resulting from timber pest activity or damage
d. conditions conducive to timber pests
e. An opinion on the property’s susceptibility to timber pests.
f. Recommendations for further investigations.
A copy of this Timber Pest Inspection Agreement will be provided to you on the day of service and a signature will be required prior to commencement of inspection.
