Why should I do an annual termite inspection?
As a homeowner, you face many expenses from insurance, rates and annual services to maintain your home. So why should you budget for an annual termite inspection? Mean to say; the last inspection said there were no signs of termites.
Reasons why you should get annual termite inspections?
- A lot can happen in 12 months
- There are no absolutes with termite treatments
- Warranty requirement for a New Build
- If it is a rental, the tenants won’t be as vigilant as you
- Get a professional that has the experience and equipment to do a proper job
- You gain Peace of Mind
Why is it recommended to get a termite inspection every 12 months - Who say you should?
The 12-month period to get your home checked for termites derives from a raft of authorities.
The first and leading advocate was the Australian Standards 3660.2 & 4349.3, which states that the minimum frequency of inspections should be 12 months. And in some cases, due to high-risk or conducive conditions, more frequently.
In Queensland, the QBCC (Queensland Building Construction Commission) stipulates that a licensed inspector should inspect your new home to ensure no concealed termite entry through the footings (concrete slab).
A lot can happen in 12 months
If you have had a termite inspection done, you hopefully have heard or read this statement: “There is no visual evidence of live termites at the time of inspection”. The key point being “at the time of the inspection”.
Too many homeowners hang their hats on this, thinking it gives them clearance to be termite free for another 12 months. Termites can enter your home the evening after the inspection!
New conducive conditions like moisture and water leaks also need to be checked. Or has the chemical treatment been compromised by a plumber or new landscaping? And there is always the naughty dog who likes to dig.
There are no absolutes with termite treatments
Having a current chemical treatment drastically reduces the probability of getting attacked by termites. If you have Termidor HE applied, the chances drop from 60 % chance to 1 %.
But there are no absolutes; you must stay vigilant and complete annual inspections. This will maintain Conquer’s ‘Treatment Warranty’ and enable us to offer recommendations to reduce the chances as they arise.
Warranty requirement for a New Build
As mentioned, the QBCC (Queensland Building Construction Commission) stipulates that a licensed inspector should inspect your new home to ensure no concealed termite entry through the footings (concrete slab).
*Remember, this is just for the slab; usually, there is no installation for the external perimeter on new builds.
If it is a new build, it is a requirement to maintain your Termite Management System under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. This is a cover administrated by QBCC for residential construction work for fixed-price and cost-plus on residential contracts. It has a limited six years and six months cover period.
All Termite Management Systems installed on New Builds to stop concealed entry through the slab must last 50 years. This is known as the ‘Life of Structure’.
Some of the manufacturers of these products will offer a warranty, conditional on annual termite inspection. You must check with your Builder and ensure you are dealing with a legitimate Termite company.
If it is a rental, the tenants won’t be as vigilant as you
Tenants won’t have the same concern for your asset as you do. Their radar isn’t on to notice that soft piece of timber in the bathroom door or the strange sounds coming from the wall.
And if they do, it’s generally once the bathroom door drops off!
Get the professional that has the experience and equipment to do a proper job
At Conquer Termites, we have Thermal Cameras and Termatrac Detection devices to conduct a professional inspection. Plus, we will get into difficult spots like the roof void and subfloor areas.
How we do a Termite Inspection video
You gain real Peace of Mind
You will sleep well with the peace of mind knowing your home has been inspected thoroughly by an experienced, licensed professional. Now that’s worth the money!
