How much does a building and pest inspection cost?

Essential details you need to know before booking your inspection

Thinking about buying a home or investment property? One of the smartest moves you can make is booking a comprehensive building and pest inspection before you settle. 

A building and pest inspection can provide reassurance by uncovering potential defects and pest infestations that, gone undetected, could result in costly repairs in the future. Additionally, it can assist in improving the safety of your household by identifying hazards such as excessive moisture, structural issues, or termite activity, before they escalate into significant risks.

What is the average cost of a building and pest inspection?

The cost of a building and pest inspection usually depends on the property size, condition and location. Large or more complex properties may attract additional costs as the building inspector will need extra time to undertake the inspection.

Generally, an inspection for a standard residential property, such as an apartment or house, is priced according to the scope and intricacy of the assessment required. Pricing not only reflects the size of the property, but also factors such as age, accessibility, and the potential need for more thorough building inspection techniques if any issues are suspected.

It’s important to note that investing in a comprehensive property inspection can help identify structural concerns or pest activity early, potentially saving buyers significant cost and stress down the track.

Average costs for building inspections on common property types across the market, as at January 2026:

What affects the cost of a building and pest inspection?

• Property size and condition: the cost of a building and pest inspection usually increases with property size and condition. Larger homes or those with multiple outbuildings like sheds take longer to assess, generally resulting in higher inspection fees. 
• Combined vs separate inspections: it's typically more affordable to book both building and pest inspections together, rather than hiring different companies for each service.
• Inspection tools used: a professional inspector will use inspection tools such as a tapper, crack gauge, moisture meter and thermal imaging camera to assist with defect and pest detection. Additional tools such as a drone may be available for roof assessments which may influence price.

What does a building and pest inspection include?

The building and pest inspector will visually check all accessible areas of the property. Only spaces that are unobstructed and safe to enter will be inspected, ensuring a thorough visual inspection without risking damage to the property or safety of the inspector and house occupants. Here are the most common steps to a building and pest inspection:

• Interior: visually checking ceilings, floors, walls, windows, doors, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas for safety issues as well as signs of structural weakness, moisture, or water damage.
• Exterior: visual inspection of walls, foundations, drainage, retaining walls, driveways, external cladding, decks, patios, verandas, and fencing for safety issues, signs of structural weakness, moisture, or damage. A drone may be available for an additional cost to inspect the roof exterior.
• Roof space/roof void: if accessible, the building inspector will visually investigate insulation, ventilation, framing, and look for signs of leaks or pests.
• Subfloor inspection: if the property has one, and it is accessible (usually via the crawl space), the building inspector will visually check for ventilation, drainage, evidence of timber damage, excessive moisture, and pest activity in the subfloor.
• Pest assessment: looking for visible evidence of active termites, borer activity, wood rot, or possible signs of these.

The building inspector will use their professional judgement to assess the property according to the Australian Standard for inspections to zero in on potential issues. They will document their findings in the report software with notes and photographs, compiling a comprehensive building inspection report for you to receive.

How to choose a building and pest inspector?

Choosing the right building and pest inspector is a crucial step when purchasing a property. With many providers in the market, it can be challenging to know which inspector will offer a thorough, reliable, and unbiased assessment. By understanding what to look for, you can feel confident that your property is in good hands.

• Training and licensing: most inspectors have a trade background, providing them with strong industry knowledge and attention to detail. In states such as Queensland, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission mandates that both the building inspector and the inspection company hold the appropriate license in order to conduct building and pest inspections. Ensure you check your local state requirements before booking your inspection.
• Insurance coverage: before engaging a building and pest inspection company, confirm that they have current professional indemnity and public liability insurance. This protects you in case of errors or omissions in the inspection report, as well as any accidental damage to your property during the inspection.
• Sample report: opting for a building and pest inspection company that provides a sample report offers greater transparency and peace of mind. It is a sign that the company stands behind their work and is committed to clear communication, helping you make an informed decision.
• Customer reviews: customer reviews are invaluable when selecting a building and pest inspector, as they offer genuine feedback from people who have already experienced the service. By reading reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot or Google, you gain insight into the company’s attention to detail, professionalism and communication skills, helping you avoid uncertainty and choose a provider with a proven track record. 

When choosing a building and pest inspection company, check sample reports for detail, and read customer reviews to ensure you find someone reliable and thorough for your property purchase.

Frequently asked questions about building and pest inspections

When do I need to book a building inspection?

Ideally, you should book your building inspection as soon as possible after signing the contract, usually within the cooling-off period. If your contract includes a building and pest inspection clause, make sure the inspection is completed within the specified timeframe, so you can address any findings with the seller before your obligation to proceed is locked in. Acting early helps you avoid delays and ensures you have all the information needed to make a confident decision. 

How long does a building and pest inspection take?

For a typical residential property, such as an average sized house or apartment, a combined building and pest inspection usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. However, this timeframe is only a general estimate.

Can I attend the inspection?

We’ll organise access to the property direct with the real estate agent, so you don’t need to be there. If you would like to, you’re welcome to come along to meet your building and pest inspector and discuss any questions on completion of the inspection. If you choose not to attend, you can always get in touch your inspector after the inspection to discuss any findings or clarify details in your report.

We prefer to discuss questions at the end of the inspection as it allows the building inspector to complete the inspection first, ensuring a thorough, bias-free report. 

Is the pest inspection separate from the building inspection?

In most cases, a combined building and pest inspection is offered for convenience and is usually more cost effective. This approach allows the building inspector to uncover evidence of both structural issues and pest problems - such as termite damage - during a single visit. However, you can request separate inspections from one or multiple firms if you prefer.

Does the building and pest inspection include strata or common areas?

Standard building and pest inspections typically focus on the interior and exterior of the individual unit or lot you’re purchasing, not the strata or common areas shared by all residents. If you’d like these communal spaces, such as hallways, gardens, stairs or storage areas checked for defects or pest issues, you can arrange for them to be included, generally at an extra cost. It’s a good idea to clarify this at the time of booking, so you know exactly what’s covered in your report and can budget accordingly. 

When will I receive my inspection report?

You will receive your building and pest inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection (business hours, Monday to Friday), as long as you’ve paid in full. This includes a comprehensive report that has been prepared by your expert inspector and verified by another member of our team.

What should I do if I don’t understand parts of my property inspection report?

If you’re unsure about your property’s condition after receiving a detailed report, don’t worry—this is quite common. Typically, your building inspector is happy to explain the findings, clarify technical terms, and discuss which serious problems require attention or a qualified professional to investigate. Reviewing the summary and photos can help, but always ask questions if you’re unsure. Understanding your report helps you avoid nasty surprises and make informed decisions about repair costs or negotiations.

How can I book with Rapid Building Inspections?

Taking time for a proper building inspection is a smart move—it helps you avoid any surprises or hidden costs after you buy a place. If you know how things work and what to expect, you’ll be ready to make confident, well-informed choices about your property investment.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in real estate, don’t overlook just how important a thorough pre purchase building inspection really is. Give yourself plenty of time, pick skilled inspectors, and use your property inspection report to help with negotiations. This way, you can protect your finances down the road.

If you want to book a building and pest inspection or need more info, contact our friendly team by calling 1300 407 341. Our inspectors cover Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, so wherever you need us, we’ve got you covered.