How to prepare your property—and your mindset—for building and pest inspections that help seal the deal
For most buyers, falling in love with a home is just the beginning. Before they sign on the dotted line (or finalise a conditional contract), they’ll want certainty—and that’s where building and pest inspections come in.
While this step can cause anxiety for sellers, it doesn’t have to. In fact, inspections can work in your favour—especially if you’ve done the right preparation. A clean report builds trust. A well-handled minor issue shows transparency. And a confident seller creates confident buyers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare your home, understand what buyers are looking for, and avoid the common missteps that can derail a great offer.
What Are Building and Pest Inspections?
These inspections are typically ordered by the buyer once an offer has been made (or in some cases, before submitting an offer). In Queensland and most parts of Australia, they’re standard conditions in residential contracts.
What they assess:
- Building inspections look at structural integrity—walls, ceilings, floors, roof structure, plumbing, drainage, moisture issues, ventilation, and safety hazards.
- Pest inspections focus on identifying termite activity, timber rot, borer damage, and risks of infestation.
🔎 Buyers want to know: Is this property safe, sound, and free of expensive hidden problems?
Why This Step Is Crucial for Sellers
These inspections can be make-or-break. They’re one of the final opportunities for buyers to change their minds—or renegotiate—so they hold a lot of weight.
A smooth inspection experience can:
- Keep your contract moving toward unconditional
- Prevent price renegotiations
- Reduce buyer anxiety and second-guessing
- Speed up timeframes and improve settlement confidence
- Build a strong foundation for a smooth handover
On the flip side, even small issues—like a patch of mould, a water stain, or loose pavers—can raise red flags if left unaddressed or poorly explained.
💡 The more confident a buyer feels about the condition of your property, the more likely they are to follow through without delays or discounts.
Step 1: Inspect Your Property Through the Eyes of a Buyer
Before any professional steps foot inside, take a tour of your home yourself—or better yet, with your agent.
Look critically at:
- Walls and ceilings for cracks or water stains
- The bathroom and laundry for signs of damp or mildew
- Under sinks for plumbing leaks or mould
- Floors for soft spots, movement, or rot (especially timber)
- Doors and windows for sticking or misalignment
- Outdoor areas like decks, stairs, railings, and retaining walls
🧠 Write down anything that might be picked up and decide whether it needs to be fixed, disclosed, or explained.
Step 2: Fix the Fixable (and Be Smart About It)
Not every small defect is worth worrying about—but many are easily fixed and can remove buyer doubt.
Easy wins before inspection day:
- Replace or tighten loose fittings (door handles, taps, towel rails)
- Reseal wet areas if the silicone is peeling or mouldy
- Clean or repaint stained ceilings
- Reattach loose tiles or pavers
- Unclog gutters and ensure downpipes drain properly
- Remove dead vegetation touching the house or roof
💬 You don’t need to overhaul your home—but resolving the little things creates a picture of good upkeep.
Step 3: Address (or Anticipate) Pest Concerns
No one wants to hear the word “termites”—but in Australia, it’s a common concern. That’s why a pest inspection is standard in almost all residential contracts.
What to do:
- Remove risk items: Firewood stacks, old timber sleepers, or mulch pressed against the exterior wall can raise alarm bells
- Keep under-house areas dry and ventilated
- Seal external gaps or weep holes where pests might enter
- Disclose any previous termite treatment or damage, along with supporting documentation
🧠 If you’re unsure about the state of your home, it may be wise to get your own pest inspection before listing. That way, you’re in control of the narrative.
Step 4: Prepare Documentation Ahead of Time
When buyers see that your home has been cared for and maintained, they feel more comfortable committing to the purchase—even if a minor issue pops up in the report.
Helpful documents include:
- Termite barrier certificates or pest treatment history
- Structural repair records (roof work, waterproofing, restumping)
- Renovation approvals and permits
- Building warranty insurance (if recent work was completed)
- Maintenance history for air conditioning, hot water, etc.
💡 If you’ve dealt with an issue in the past—like a leaking bathroom or cracking retaining wall—showing that it was professionally resolved adds peace of mind.
Step 5: Clean, Clear, and Make Access Easy
Inspectors will need to access:
- The roof space
- Under the house (if it’s a lowset with a subfloor)
- All rooms, cupboards, and storage spaces
- The garage or shed
- The property perimeter
Before the inspection:
- Clear away stored items from under sinks and manholes
- Trim garden overgrowth around the house
- Remove personal belongings or pets
- Tidy wet areas and laundry spaces
- Make sure keys are available for external doors or sheds
📸 It’s also a good idea to present the home as you would for an open home—clean, tidy, and welcoming.
Step 6: Work With Your Agent to Address Any Findings
Even well-maintained homes can attract minor inspection findings. What matters most is how they’re handled.
If issues arise:
- Stay calm and don’t take it personally
- Review the report thoroughly with your agent
- Offer context or proof of past repairs where relevant
- Be open to discussion—but firm if the concern is minor or already reflected in the asking price
- Consider pre-emptive quotes for repair if buyers show hesitation
💬 An experienced agent can help buyers see the bigger picture, reduce overreactions, and keep negotiations constructive.
Final Thoughts
Building and pest inspections are not a threat—they’re a tool. When handled well, they actually reinforce buyer confidence, help you stand by your price, and move your sale forward with fewer surprises.
By getting ahead of concerns, preparing your home, and staying proactive, you’ll be able to navigate this final hurdle with less stress and more control.
🔗 Next up: You’ve got an offer and a buyer who’s ready to proceed—what’s next? Head over to From Offer to Settlement: What to Expect for a complete guide on everything that happens between signing and settlement day.