You’ve found a property you love. You’ve made an offer. The building and pest building inspections wollongong has been done. Now what?
Many buyers breathe a sigh of relief once the inspection is complete—but that’s just one part of the journey. Understanding what comes after the building and pest inspection is just as important as getting the report in the first place. It’s the moment where informed decisions are made, negotiations are re-opened, or sometimes, hard calls are necessary.
If you’re wondering what to do next, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through the key steps buyers should take after receiving their building and pest report.
1. Read the Report Carefully (And Don’t Panic)
First things first—take your time to read the inspection report thoroughly. These reports can often be filled with technical terms and may list many small issues. Don’t be alarmed if you see pages of defects.
Pro tip: Nearly every property (even brand-new homes!) will have some issues noted. What matters is whether these issues are minor, moderate, or major.
Look out for:
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Structural problems
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Termite activity or damage
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Water leaks or damp areas
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Roofing issues
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Safety hazards
Understanding the severity of each item will help you decide how to move forward.
2. Speak to the Inspector (Ask Questions!)
If there’s anything in the report that seems confusing, don’t guess—call the inspector. A quick phone conversation can clarify the report’s findings and give you professional insight into how serious certain issues really are.
Ask:
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Is this a common issue for properties of this age/type?
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Is it a quick fix or a costly repair?
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Would you consider this a deal-breaker?
Inspectors are usually happy to explain things in plain English and can often give you a better sense of what’s urgent and what’s not.
3. Get Quotes for Repairs or Further Assessments
If the report highlights potential problems—especially structural or pest-related—it’s smart to get quotes from licensed builders, plumbers, electricians, or pest control professionals. This gives you a clearer idea of the potential costs involved.
In some cases, you may need a specialist report, such as:
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Structural engineer (for major cracks or subsidence)
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Plumber (for blocked drains or water leaks)
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Electrician (for outdated wiring)
The more information you have, the more confident you’ll be in your next move.
4. Renegotiate the Purchase Price (If Needed)
Here’s where things get real. If the inspection uncovers issues that could cost a significant amount to fix, you have the option to:
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Renegotiate the sale price
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Request the seller fix certain issues before settlement
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Ask for a credit or concession at closing
For example:
“The report revealed termite damage that will cost around $4,000 to repair. Based on that, we’d like to reduce our offer to reflect the cost of remediation.”
Most sellers expect some negotiation post-inspection, especially if serious issues are revealed. You’re not being difficult—you’re being smart.
5. Decide Whether to Proceed, Walk Away, or Delay
Depending on what the inspection uncovers, you typically have three choices:
Proceed
If the issues are minor or manageable, you can move forward confidently, knowing you’ve done your due diligence.
Walk Away
If the problems are too significant—or you no longer feel comfortable—it may be time to walk away. Most contracts have a building and pest condition that allows you to withdraw without penalty if major concerns are found.
⏳ Delay
In some cases, you might choose to delay settlement to allow time for repairs or further investigation. This usually requires agreement from both parties and a contract amendment.
6. Keep Your Legal or Conveyancing Team in the Loop
Always share the report and any decisions you’re making with your solicitor or conveyancer. They can:
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Help you interpret the terms of your contract
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Draft requests to the seller
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Advise you on your rights to terminate or renegotiate
They’re your safety net—lean on them.
7. Final Check at Pre-Settlement Inspection
Before the property officially becomes yours, you’ll usually have a pre-settlement inspection. This is your chance to make sure:
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The property is in the same condition as when you signed the contract
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Any agreed repairs have been completed
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No new damage has occurred
It’s the final step before the keys are handed over.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Fine Print
Building and pest inspections aren’t just formalities—they’re powerful tools that give you clarity, confidence, and control during one of life’s biggest purchases.
The next steps after the inspection may involve a few extra phone calls, some negotiating, or even tough decisions. But remember: you’d rather uncover issues now than be surprised down the track.
Trust the process, stay informed, and lean on your experts. That dream home? It’ll be worth the effort.
