Wood borer inspection: what am I paying for?

What does the inspection cover?

We try to visually inspect every piece of timber we can access. That includes roofs, floors, skirtings and staircases, along with timber in outside buildings, garages, sheds and fences.

The appointment is more than looking at the one hole that first caught your eye. Access around the property is part of being able to do that work.

Fascia boards and barge boards are part of the accessible exterior timber to consider too. The work moves through the property, including its outside buildings, rather than ending after the roof or the one suspicious piece has been checked.

Why do locked areas matter?

If an area is locked, arrange for it to be open when I arrive or for someone to open it during the visit. We can't claim to have visually inspected concealed or inaccessible timber.

For example, the main house may be available while a garage or shed is still locked. We need the key, or someone who can open it during the appointment, to inspect the timber there. Access limits need to be recorded clearly; an unopened room can't be described as having been checked.

What if the inspection is for a sale?

Most of our wood-borer calls are from people buying or selling. Tell us what your attorney or agent has requested and the deadline, so the scope and timing can be discussed.

The same visual inspection approach applies to a commercial property. We still need access to the timber around the building and any relevant outbuildings. The type of premises changes the access arrangements, rather than removing the need to check the accessible wood.

What happens if something needs attention?

We explain what we found, where it is and what access limits affected the inspection. Any next steps and certificate requirements need confirming for the property, rather than promising automatic issue before looking.