Accessible area
An area that can be entered or viewed safely and reasonably at the inspection time without destructive work, moving heavy items or creating an unacceptable risk.
Plain-English definitions
Building inspection glossary.
Search common construction, defect, moisture, roofing and timber pest terms used in Queensland property inspection reports.
Report terminology
Understand the words used to describe observable property condition.
Terms are explained in plain language for residential property buyers. The meaning of a finding depends on its location, extent, evidence, classification and the report as a whole.
37 terms shown
Active termites
Live termites present at the inspection time. Activity should not be disturbed before a licensed termite management contractor assesses it.
Ant cap
A metal shield at the top of a subfloor support intended to expose termite entry paths; it does not prevent termites.
Balustrade
A protective barrier beside a stair, landing, balcony, deck or other fall edge.
Bearer
A horizontal structural member supporting floor joists.
Building element
A part of a building such as a roof, wall, floor, footing, window, stair or drainage component.
Condition Conducive to Deterioration
An observable condition that may promote decay, corrosion, moisture damage or premature material breakdown.
Condition Conducive to Timber Pest Attack
An observable condition that can increase timber pest risk, such as moisture, timber-soil contact or obstructed inspection zones.
Corrosion
Deterioration of metal through chemical or environmental action, commonly visible as rusting, section loss or surface breakdown.
Deflection
Bending or displacement of a member or surface from its expected alignment.
Delamination
Separation of bonded layers within a sheet, coating, panel or engineered product.
Efflorescence
A white crystalline salt deposit commonly associated with moisture moving through masonry or concrete.
Fascia
The board or metal section fixed along the roof edge, often supporting the gutter.
Flashing
A material installed to redirect water at joints, penetrations, changes of direction and roof or wall intersections.
Fungal decay
Timber deterioration caused by fungi where suitable moisture and environmental conditions exist.
Further Investigation Required and Repair Recommended
A classification used where visible evidence cannot be fully resolved within a visual inspection and specialist assessment and appropriate repair are recommended.
Gutter
A channel that collects roof water and directs it to downpipes or outlets.
Joist
A repeated horizontal structural member supporting a floor, ceiling or deck surface.
Maintenance Item
Work required to preserve condition, reduce deterioration or restore normal upkeep rather than correct a significant defect.
Major Defect
A defect of sufficient magnitude that it may require urgent or significant repair to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of function or substantial deterioration.
Minor Defect
A defect that is not assessed as major at the inspection time but may require repair, adjustment or monitoring.
Moisture meter
A screening instrument used for comparative readings. It does not identify the moisture source or prove concealed damage by itself.
Non-invasive inspection
An inspection that does not cut, drill, dismantle, excavate, lift finishes or otherwise expose concealed construction.
Overflow relief gully (ORG)
A plumbing fitting intended to provide an external relief point if the sewer drains surcharge, subject to correct installation and maintenance.
Ponding
Water remaining in a localised area because of inadequate falls, drainage, obstruction or settlement.
Rafter
A sloping roof member supporting roof battens, sheeting or other roof components.
Retaining wall
A structure that supports soil or other material at different ground levels.
Roof underlay
A pliable membrane beneath roof cladding that assists with weather protection and condensation management.
Safety Hazard
An observable condition presenting an unreasonable risk of injury and requiring prompt action.
Serviceability
The ability of an element to perform its intended normal function at the inspection time; it is not a warranty of future performance.
Spalling
Breaking, flaking or loss of surface material from concrete, masonry, stone or coatings.
Subfloor
The area beneath a suspended floor, including supports, bearers, joists, ventilation and ground conditions.
Termite management system
A physical or chemical system intended to deter concealed termite entry or make entry more visible; it does not make a building termite-proof.
Thermal imaging
Comparative infrared screening that shows surface-temperature patterns. Patterns require interpretation and do not prove moisture or termites by themselves.
Timber pest damage
Observable damage associated with termites, borers or fungal decay, subject to the evidence and accessible inspection scope.
Weep hole
An opening intended to drain or ventilate a masonry cavity. Covering or bridging it may affect moisture and termite inspection.
Wood rot
Common wording for fungal decay in timber caused by prolonged suitable moisture conditions.
Use the whole report: Written findings, photographs, classifications, recommendations, inspection scope and limitations must be read together. A glossary definition does not determine the significance of a specific condition.
Reference material
Standards and supporting information.
National Construction Code
QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide
Premise building and pest inspection terms
Reviewed 10 August 2026
HouseWorthy packages
ONE PROPERTY
Best value
THREE PROPERTIES
Research the property before the physical inspection.
$29
Property Intelligence Report
Property, planning, environmental, utility and buyer due-diligence information with practical next checks.
View the $29 report$59
Buyer Shortlist
Three report credits to compare risks, advantages and next checks across different properties.
View the $59 shortlist
$50 Premise inspection offer: purchase an eligible HouseWorthy package, then book and complete a combined Premise building and timber pest inspection for the same property within 30 days. Supply the purchase email or Stripe receipt when booking. Conditions apply.
HouseWorthy is a property information service by Premise Inspections. It is not a building and timber pest inspection, valuation, engineering assessment, approval search, certification or guarantee.
Request an inspection quote
Provide the available property details and we will email an indicative quotation. Final pricing may vary with the property’s size, construction, age, condition, location and accessibility.
Premise Inspections
Independent building and timber pest inspections
Reports generally available within 24 hours
What happens next
- 1Receive your indicative quoteWe email the estimate using the property details supplied.
- 2Reply if you wish to proceedProvide the selling agent’s name and contact details.
- 3Confirm the bookingWe coordinate access and confirm the inspection arrangements.
Prefer to speak directly?
Call 1300 396 585
info@ppbi.com.au
Get the facts before you commit.
Request a clear written quote for your property inspection.