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The short answer
Combined building and pest inspections published by Brisbane firms range from about $450 to $800. That covers two reports: a building inspection and a timber pest inspection. Bruin Pest Management does the timber pest side only, to AS 4349.3, and quotes it per property. We don't do the building inspection.
How much does a building and pest inspection cost in Brisbane?
Combined building and pest inspection prices published by Brisbane firms such as North Brisbane B&P Inspections, Owner Inspections, A1 and Inspect My Home range from about $450 to $800. That's a combined price for both reports, booked together. We haven't set those prices and they change, so check a current quote before you commit.
Where a firm sits in that range usually comes down to the size of the home, how hard it is to get into the roof and subfloor, and whether the price is for one report or two. Prices as at September 2026.
What does Bruin do, and what don't we do?
We'll be straight about this. Bruin is a family-owned pest and termite business based in Wavell Heights. For a purchase, we carry out the timber pest inspection to AS 4349.3, which looks for termites, borers and timber decay, and we give you a written report.
We do not do the structural building inspection, which is covered by AS 4349.1. For that you'll need a licensed building inspector. Plenty of buyers book the two separately, so each report comes from someone who does that work every day. Our pre-purchase inspections are quoted per property, and you can call 1300 349 177 or book online.
Why are the building and pest reports separate?
They look at different things, under different standards, and are written by people with different training. A combined booking is often one appointment that produces two reports.
| Report | Standard | What it looks at | Who does it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building inspection | AS 4349.1 | Structure, roof, cracks, drainage, visible defects | Licensed building inspector |
| Timber pest inspection | AS 4349.3 | Termites, borers, timber decay, conducive conditions | Timber pest specialist such as Bruin |
A building inspector can tell you the stumps are sagging. They aren't looking for the reason inside the timber. A timber pest inspector can find a mud lead in the subfloor. They aren't assessing whether the roof needs work.
What drives the cost of an inspection?
No two Brisbane homes are the same, and the price follows the work involved. These are the main drivers.
- Size of the home, including how many levels and rooms
- Type of build, for example a high-set Queenslander on stumps or a slab-on-ground brick home
- Access to the roof void and subfloor, and how cluttered they are
- Land size and extras such as sheds, retaining walls, decks and pergolas
- House, townhouse or unit, since a unit has less to inspect but shared areas to consider
- Whether you book one firm for both reports or two firms separately
Timber pest work has one more variable. A Queenslander with a tall, open subfloor takes longer than a low slab home, and older timber homes near bushland need more attention. That's why we quote each property rather than publishing one number.
Should you get both reports before you buy?
In our experience, yes. Termite damage starts hidden inside timber and can be hidden behind paint and plaster, so it isn't something you'd spot at an open home. A timber pest report gives you a written record of what was found, what wasn't accessible, and what conditions might invite termites in.
It's also useful for negotiation. A report that finds activity or damage gives you facts to take to your conveyancer or agent. Our guide on what happens at a termite inspection walks through what the inspector actually does on site.
Questions to ask before you book a combined inspection
A cheap combined price can hide a thin pest report. These questions will show you what you're actually buying.
- Who signs the timber pest report, and what licence do they hold?
- Is the pest report done to AS 4349.3?
- Will they get into the roof void and subfloor, and will the report say where they couldn't?
- What tools do they use to check for hidden activity?
- Do I get a written report, and how soon after the inspection?
- Is the pest report done by a specialist, or added on by the building inspector?
Who pays and whether the cost is claimable are common questions. The buyer normally books and pays for the inspection. Whether it's tax deductible depends on your situation, so ask your accountant or check the ATO's guidance.
Sources and further reading
- Standards Australia: AS 4349 inspection of buildings
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
- Queensland Government: buying a home
General information for South East Queensland conditions. Every property is different; a licensed inspection is the only way to know what is going on in yours.