Wood-borer inspections and certificates in Port Elizabeth
If you've been asked for a wood-borer inspection and certificate, tell us the address and your deadline. Most of our wood-borer calls are from people buying or selling.
I need access to the property so I can visually inspect the accessible timber. Having a key for the locked room or outside building makes a difference.
Written by Diederik Visser
Operations, marketing and pest control at True Clean. Seven years in pest control.
First-hand information recorded .
Which timber do you inspect?
We try to visually inspect every piece of timber we can access, rather than only the spot the owner is worried about. Roof timbers, floors, skirtings and staircases are part of that, along with accessible wooden elements around the property.
Outside buildings, fascia boards, barge boards, sheds, garages and wooden fences need access too. A visual inspection can only describe what we have actually been able to inspect, so we'll discuss anything concealed or inaccessible.
What should I arrange before you arrive?
Arrange for locked areas to be open when I arrive, or have someone there with the keys who can open them during the visit. Full property access matters: if the main house is open but the garage or an outbuilding isn't, we still can't inspect the timber inside that building.
Tell us what the inspection has been requested for and any deadline or scope your attorney or agent has given you. Have those requirements available so we can plan the appointment around the actual job.
What happens if you find suspected activity?
We explain what we found and where, along with the inspection's access limits. Any next steps depend on the findings. Show us the areas that prompted your concern if you suspect activity.
Certificate requirements and any further work need to be confirmed for the property. We don't promise an automatic issue date before seeing what's there, so tell us about the paperwork and deadline when arranging the visit.
Is a commercial wood-borer inspection different?
For wood borer, the inspection process is the same as for a house. We still work through the accessible timber across the property, including the relevant rooms and outbuildings.
The building and access arrangements decide the practical scope. Tell us about locks or arrangements for entering the premises before the appointment so we can plan the visit.
Questions we get asked
Can you inspect a locked outbuilding without the key?
No. Arrange access while we're there, otherwise we can't claim to have visually inspected the timber inside.
Can you confirm certificate requirements before I book?
Tell us what your attorney or agent has requested and your deadline. The requirements and timing need to be confirmed for the property.
What does the work cost?
The listed price covers the inspection and certificate. VAT is included. Travel charges outside Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha are listed separately.
R978 for inspection and certificate, VAT included.
See the travel charges by area for work outside Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha.
Prices can change. We keep the site up to date as best we can, and the price we quote you before we start is the one you pay.
Arrange your inspection and certificate
Send us the property address, your deadline and what your attorney or agent has requested. Tell us about any locked rooms or outbuildings so we can arrange access.
Or phone 061 905 0514 if you'd rather talk to a person.