Do I Need to Be Home for an Inspection

Not for the whole time, no. What actually matters is access, not attendance. I need to get into the subfloor where it's reachable, the roof void where it's safely accessible, every internal room, and right around the outside of the property. If those areas are open to me, the inspection gets done properly whether you're standing next to me or not.

That said, there's a difference between not having to be there and it not mattering at all whether you're there. Here's how I'd think about it.

What I actually need access to

A termite and timber-pest inspection isn't a walk around the yard. I go through:

The subfloor, wherever it can be reached, since that's often where the highest-risk conditions show up first.
The roof void, where it's safely accessible.
Every internal room, not just the ones that seem relevant.
The full external perimeter, including the slab edge, gutters, and anything sitting against the building.

I bring a thermal imaging camera and a moisture meter to every inspection and use both where they help narrow in on an area. None of that needs you standing beside me. What it needs is a clear run at those four areas.

What to sort out before I arrive

A few things make the difference between a smooth inspection and one where I'm working around obstacles:

Unlock what needs unlocking. The subfloor hatch, the roof manhole or access panel, any locked internal doors, a side gate if that's how I reach the back of the property. If it's locked and nobody's there to open it, I can't check what's behind it.

Clear a path to the subfloor hatch and roof access point. Stored boxes, furniture, or garden pots in front of either one slow things down or block access altogether.

Move cars off the driveway if that's where the subfloor or side access sits. I need to get equipment in and get underneath the house without working around a parked car.

Secure dogs somewhere away from the work area. For the dog's sake and mine, I'd rather know where not to expect company while I'm moving through the subfloor and perimeter.

None of this is complicated, it just needs sorting before I get there rather than while I'm standing at a locked gate.

If it's a rental, or you can't be there yourself

For a rental or an investment property, access can be arranged through the real estate agent or property manager instead of the owner. Tenants can usually let me in for the inspection itself, but decisions about what happens next, treatment, follow-up, timing, are really a conversation for the owner or the property manager, not the tenant.

If you genuinely can't attend and nobody else can speak for you on the day, that's still workable as long as access to the subfloor, roof, rooms, and perimeter is arranged in advance, through an agent, a property manager, a key left somewhere agreed, or a neighbour holding one.

What happens with the report if you're not there

I write the report on-site and hand it to you before I leave the property. That's how I work regardless of who's home. If you're not there, I'll still have the full written report ready before I drive away, and I'll sort out with you beforehand how you get it into your hands, whether that's leaving it with whoever granted access, or arranging a way to get it to you directly. Either way, it's not something I email off later after thinking it over. It's written on the day, at the property.

If termites turn up during the inspection, I'd rather talk that through with you directly if I can, even by phone while I'm still on-site, rather than you reading it cold. Worth telling me upfront if that's how you'd want it handled.

Common questions

Can my property manager let you in instead of me?
Yes. As long as they can grant access to the subfloor, roof, rooms, and perimeter, and we've agreed how you'll get the report, that works fine.

What if I forget to unlock the subfloor hatch?
I'll check what I can reach and note in the report exactly what I couldn't access and why. It's better sorted beforehand so nothing gets missed the first time round.

Do I need to be there the whole two hours?
No. If someone else can grant access and you're reachable by phone, that's usually enough, particularly if you'd rather I call you directly if anything significant turns up.

Should I keep my dog inside or outside?
Wherever keeps the dog clear of the subfloor and the perimeter I'll be working through. Just let me know when I arrive so I know where not to expect company.

Book an inspection

Call 0405 790 927 to book a termite and timber-pest inspection. Tell me who'll be granting access on the day, whether that's you, an agent, or someone else, and I'll work around it. I'll inspect the property properly and hand over the written report on-site before I leave.