Why nobody can certify a house termite free
The honest answer, which is also the useful one.
In short: Termites work out of sight, so certainty is not on offer at any price.
What the standard covers
Under AS 4349.3 the scope is inspecting and reporting on areas that can be accessed. It makes no provision for declaring a property free of pests.
Why concealment is the issue
They work through the core of timber and behind linings, so an inspection sees surfaces rather than the inside of a member.
What we do instead
Set out what evidence was seen, list the conducive conditions, and name each area that could not be reached with the reason.
What should make you wary
Any guarantee of a pest free property, because the standard being worked to does not support it.
What actually protects you
A regular inspection cycle, conducive conditions kept clear, and a management system put in by a licensed controller.
Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Austral. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
