An invasive inspection is generally recommended when a building and pest inspector identifies an area of concern that requires further investigation during a visual inspection. Unfortunately, there is no tool available that allows our inspectors to see behind walls or other solid structures. As such, an invasive inspection may be necessary when an area of concern was inaccessible during the initial inspection. Such as a wall cavity, ceiling, or subfloor.
In this blog, the type of invasive inspection referred to one where a camera is inserted into a wall.
What is an Invasive Inspection?
An invasive inspection is a term used to describe any inspection that is carried out on a home that goes beyond a visual inspection. It is also sometimes known simply as "an invasive". It may involve moving items or drilling holes into structures to gain access to a concealed area. For example, drilling holes into the plaster to gain access to the wall cavity. The area is then assessed with a borescope to determine what’s happening behind the wall.
Why is an Invasive Inspection necessary?
As mentioned above, there is no tool available for building and pest inspectors to use which enables them to see behind walls and other structures. Therefore, an invasive may be necessary when an inspector has identified a concern that requires further investigation.
An invasive inspection may be necessary under the following conditions:
- There is a considerable risk of live termites or termite damage behind a structure
- To determine the extent of termite damage within the home
- Visible timber damage has occurred but the inspector is unsure whether the damage has been caused by wood rot or termites
- The inspector has seen an anomaly on the thermal imaging camera and is unsure whether it’s fungal timber decay, termite activity or water damage
Generally, an invasive is carried out only upon the recommendation of a building or pest inspector. However, there are rare occasions when we conduct an invasive at a client's request for other reasons.
What's involved in an Invasive Inspection?
Before the invasive can take place, permission must be given from the vendor. As the invasive inspection can involve drilling holes into plaster or removing items on their property. Upon arrival, the inspector will assess the best method of undertaking the invasive inspection. In most cases, the inspector will drill a small hole(s) into the plaster before inserting a camera (borescope) into the hole to see what’s happening in the wall cavity. Wherever possible, the inspectors will avoid drilling holes by removing vents or other items.
Once complete, the inspector will cover any holes that have been drilled. However, further minor patching and paint repairs will be required. This can usually be done by either yourself or a tradesperson.
After the inspection has taken place, a report with the inspector’s findings and recommendations will be sent to you electronically. The most common recommendations are a spot treatment (if live termites have been found) or for another tradesperson to be engaged. This is sometimes required if the damage found is caused by wood rot from an unidentified water leak.
How much does an Invasive Inspection cost?
Invasive inspections are considered an additional inspection and are not included in a regular building and pest inspection or annual timber pest inspection. Invasive inspections start from $295 inc. GST.
Contact us today
If you would like to learn more or have any questions about invasive inspections, contact us on 07 3807 0122 or via our website.
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