Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Agreement Scope

These Terms and Conditions govern the engagement and provision of pre-purchase building inspections, timber pest audits, new home construction stage inspections, dilapidation reports, and special diagnostic assessments provided by BEST Building & Pest Inspections Melbourne ("the Inspector", "we", "our", "us") to the client named on the booking confirmation ("the Client", "you").

By booking an inspection via our website, telephone, email, or SMS, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in full.

2. Australian Standards Compliance

All property inspections and compiled reports are conducted strictly in accordance with current Australian Standards:

• AS 4349.1-2007: Inspection of Buildings – Part 1: Pre-purchase inspections – Residential buildings.
• AS 4349.3-2010: Inspection of Buildings – Part 3: Timber pest inspections.
• AS 2870-2011: Residential Slabs and Footings (structural movement benchmarks).
• AS 3660.2: Termite Management – Part 2: In and around existing buildings and structures.

3. Scope & Nature of Inspection (Visual & Non-Invasive)

The inspection is a subjective visual inspection of the readily accessible internal and external areas of the property at the date and time of the audit.

• Non-Invasive Nature: The inspection does not involve destructive testing, cutting, gouging, moving heavy furniture, lifting carpets, or removing wall linings, ceiling panels, insulation batts, or roof sheets.
• Thermal & Moisture Tools: High-resolution FLIR thermal infrared cameras and non-invasive moisture meters are utilized to detect thermal anomalies and elevated moisture levels behind surfaces. These instruments serve as diagnostic indicators and do not replace destructive exploratory invasive investigations.
• Out-of-Scope Items: Unless specifically agreed in writing, standard inspections do not evaluate: concealed electrical wiring, plumbing pipework interiors, sewer lines, swimming pool filtration systems, solar inverters, gas appliances, asbestos air sampling, or boundary title surveys.

4. Reasonable & Safe Access Criteria

In accordance with AS 4349.1, physical access is subject to reasonable safety parameters determined at the inspector's sole professional discretion:

• Roof Cavity: Requires an unobstructed access manhole (min. 400mm x 500mm), accessible from a 3.6m ladder, with minimum crawlspace headroom of 600mm x 600mm.
• Subfloor Crawlspace: Requires an unobstructed access door (min. 400mm x 500mm) and unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 400mm beneath floor bearers.
• Exterior Roof Surfaces: Evaluated from ground level or a secure 3.6m ladder where safe to do so. Roof surfaces exceeding single-storey height, wet tiles, slate, or steeply pitched roofs will be visually inspected from safe vantage points.
• Locked Areas & Obstructions: Locked rooms, dense vegetation, stored personal goods, and unrestrained pets will be noted in the report as access limitations.

5. Report Delivery & Consultations

We guarantee delivery of the completed digital inspection report via email within 24 hours of the physical inspection. The client is provided with direct telephone access to the inspecting licensed practitioner to discuss structural defect severity, localized repair priorities, and contractual considerations.

6. Reliance, Intellectual Property & Third Parties

The inspection report, high-resolution photographs, and associated documentation are prepared solely and exclusively for the named Client.

• No third party (including subsequent property buyers, vendors, or selling real estate agents) may rely upon the report without our prior written consent.
• All intellectual property rights in the report format, photographic evidence, and defect analysis remain the property of BEST Building & Pest Inspections Melbourne.

7. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

We coordinate scheduling directly with selling agents and vendors to ensure timely completion. If you need to cancel or reschedule your booking, we require at least 12 hours' notice prior to the booked inspection time. Cancellations made after our inspector has traveled to the property will incur a travel attendance fee.

8. Limitation of Liability & Insurance

BEST Building & Pest Inspections maintains full Professional Indemnity Insurance ($5,000,000) and Public Liability Insurance in accordance with Victorian Building Authority (VBA) standards.

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian Consumer Law, our liability for any error, omission, or failure in connection with the inspection service is limited to either re-supplying the inspection or refunding the fee paid for the inspection service.

9. Contact Information

For any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions or your inspection agreement, please contact us: