Why You Should Never Skip a Building and Pest Inspection (Even on New Builds)

It’s easy to assume a brand-new home is flawless. After all, it’s just been built — surely everything is up to standard, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. At Abode Building and Pest, we inspect homes across Queensland every day - and we’re often called out to brand-new properties where buyers are shocked to discover serious, avoidable issues. Some are cosmetic. Some are structural. Others could cost thousands if left undetected.

Whether you’re buying a home off-the-plan, nearing handover of your own build, or purchasing a new investment property, here's why you should never skip a building and pest inspection — even if the home is sparkling and new.

1. New Homes Are Not Always Built to the Standard You Expect

Building codes are in place to ensure safety and basic compliance - but they don’t guarantee quality workmanship. Just because a property has a final certificate doesn't mean everything has been finished properly or to a high standard.

During our new home inspections, we frequently uncover:

• Cracks in walls and ceilings due to slab movement

• Incomplete sealing around wet areas

• Faulty roof drainage and water ponding

• Uneven paving or poorly compacted soil

• Paint touch-ups hiding surface damage or repairs

• Timber debris left in subfloors - attracting termites

  
  

These aren't small issues. Over time, they can affect the value, comfort, and safety of your home - and they’re much harder to fix once you’ve taken possession.

2. Builder Walk-Throughs Are Not Independent Inspections

When you approach the end of a new build, your builder may offer a final "walk-through" inspection. But this isn’t an objective check - it’s a visual once-over from someone who is managing dozens of other jobs, all under time pressure.

That’s why we recommend a handover inspection by a licensed, third-party professional.

At Abode, our pre-handover inspections include:

• Structural and safety assessments

• Roofing, subfloor and moisture checks

• Defect documentation with photos

• Pest risk assessment

• Drainage and water flow evaluation around the property

• Compliance with QBCC guidelines

  
  

We deliver the full report within 24 hours so you can take it straight back to your builder and request fixes before settlement. It’s much easier to get issues addressed before you sign the handover form.

3. Termites Don't Wait for Old Homes

There’s a myth that termites only attack older timber homes. In reality, new homes are just as vulnerable - especially in Queensland’s warm, humid climate.

We’ve inspected homes less than 12 months old and found:

• Active termite nests in garden beds

• Signs of timber rot due to poor drainage

• Pest entry points from unsealed weep holes or slab gaps

• Incomplete or absent termite barriers

  
  

Because new homes are built with treated timber and physical barriers, many buyers assume they’re protected. But those systems require proper installation and maintenance - and we often find they’ve been skipped or compromised.

An Abode pest inspection checks for risk zones, signs of activity, and system failures - before it becomes your problem.

4. Your Inspection Report Is Leverage - and Legal Protection

If you’re buying from a developer or entering a handover, you need documentation. An independent inspection gives you:

• Evidence to request repairs or credits before settlement

• Support in the event of a warranty claim under QBCC or Home Warranty Insurance

• Peace of mind if no issues are found

• A professional reference point for future maintenance

  
  

It’s not just a safety check - it’s a strategic advantage that protects your investment.

5. Even Good Builders Miss Things

Even reputable builders rely on teams of subcontractors - electricians, tilers, plasterers, cabinetmakers - and that means the final quality depends on consistency, communication, and time pressure.

We often find:

• Misaligned cabinetry

• Poorly laid tiles

• Damaged plaster behind fixed fittings

• Loose balustrades

• Roof spaces filled with debris

• Inaccessible inspection points that haven’t been signed off

  
  

Our goal isn’t to criticise your builder - it’s to make sure your home meets the standard you deserve, and that any defects are corrected under warranty.

What Makes Abode Reports Different?

At Abode, we don’t just highlight problems - we guide you through the solution.

Every inspection includes:

• ✅ Over 80 pages (average) of detailed findings

• ✅ Dozens of high-res photos, moisture readings & pest indicators

• ✅ A clear summary up front (perfect for negotiations or handover checklists)

• ✅ Plain-English language (no builder jargon)

• ✅ Fast turnaround - usually within 24 hours

• ✅ Follow-up support to answer your questions

  
  

We treat every inspection like it’s our own home - with care, clarity, and precision.

Final Thought

New homes can look perfect on the surface - but what lies beneath matters. Whether it’s a minor fix or a major defect, it’s always better to know before you settle.

A professional, independent building and pest inspection helps you protect your investment, catch costly issues early, and enter your new home with full confidence.

Need a Pre-Handover or New Build Inspection?

Book with Abode and know you’re covered.

📞 Call us on 0400 241 725💻 [Book Online Now]

Your property. Your future. Protected the Abode way.