The current practice of one person undertaking building and pest at the same time, is creating more issues than benefits for customer and the inspectors.

Increased pressure from the property and real estate sectors in rushing through pre-purchase inspections has resulted in some building inspectors taking-on the role of pest inspectors and vice versa.

While in some cases, this approach seems logical and time efficient, specialist insurer to the pest and building sectors, Rapid Solutions, has noticed a worrying trend.

Rapid Solutions Claims Manager, Basil Taylor, said that the organisation had noticed an increase in the number of claims.

“The claims are being made against the liability and professional indemnity policies of inspectors who are performing multiple tasks and inspections,” Basil said.

“Increased time, cost and efficiency pressures are resulting in home buyers and the real estate sector setting expectations that make it very difficult for thorough, detailed inspections to be undertaken in expected time frame and within budget restraints.

“The issue is that both inspections are very detailed and require different skill sets and levels of experience and qualification.

“Pest inspectors undergo a high level of specialist training that takes time to complete. The training is matched to on-the-job experience in their local area. This ensures that pest inspectors can provide the most thorough service to the customer,” he said.

Over the past two to three years Rapid Solutions has seen a rise in the number of claims where one inspector has taken on both roles while trying to maintain reporting quality to the relevant Australian Standard.

“Some of these have included claims against the entire purchase price of the property. This is because the process of one inspector carrying out dual inspections for building and timber pests, failed to identify and report alleged damage and or alleged defects in accordance with relevant standard,” Basil said.

From a claims experience, two separate technicians carrying out respective building and timber pest inspections independently, directly correlate to a better outcome for the homeowner, inspector and ultimately lower risk for a potential claim.