Buying or maintaining a home in Queensland comes with its own unique
set of challenges, from humid coastal conditions to storm damage and termites. At Co-Spec Building & Pest Inspections, we’ve inspected hundreds of properties across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, and certain issues come up time and time again.
Here are the 10 most common building and pest problems we find and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Termite Activity in Humid Conditions
Queensland’s warm, humid climate is ideal for termite activity. Homes with timber decks, fences, garden beds or mulch close to the structure are particularly at risk.
Even new homes can experience termite ingress through slab penetrations, wall voids or roof framing.
What helps:
• Keep garden beds and mulch and stored items away from the external walls.
• Ensure regular termite inspections at least once a year.
• Co-Spec uses thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to detect potential termite activity or conducive moisture ingress early, before major damage occurs.
2. Moisture Intrusion & Rising Damp
We often find moisture issues in homes with poor drainage, blocked weep holes, or ground levels built up too high. Over time, this leads to internal wall damage, peeling paint, and even structural deterioration.
Prevention tips:
• Maintain good drainage away from the slab edge.
• Keep soil and garden levels at least 75mm below weep holes.
• Check for pluming leaks / stormwater damage and/or blockages and water pooling near external walls after heavy rain.
3. Roof Leaks and Storm Damage
Queensland storms can be brutal and even minor roof issues can quickly lead to internal water damage. Common findings include cracked or displaced roof tiles, rusted / cracked or deteriorating flashings, service penetrations and blocked gutters or downpipes. Damaged silicon sealant in box gutters is another big one to monitor and maintain.
What you can do:
• Clean gutters regularly, especially before the wet season.
• Replace cracked silicon or rusted / deteriorated roof materials early.
• Have your roof inspected if you notice ceiling stains or mould.
4. Structural Cracking & Building Movement
Some cracking is cosmetic, but movement in slabs, brickwork or retaining walls can signal more serious foundation or drainage issues. Homes built on reactive clay soils or sloping sites are especially prone.
Co-Spec’s approach:
We assess cracks in context, noting their width, pattern and position to determine whether they’re likely to be structural, settlement-related or purely aesthetic. If needed, we’ll recommend a structural engineer for further evaluation.
5. Poor Ventilation Under Floors & Roof Spaces
Insufficient airflow under subfloors or in roof cavities can trap moisture, leading to mould, timber decay and pest attraction. This is a hidden issue that many homeowners don’t notice until there’s visible damage.
Solution:
• Ensure vents and weep holes are unobstructed.
• Consider installing mechanical ventilation if airflow is poor.
• Be sure to monitor any potential water ingress or drainage issues in subfloor areas and prevent any excessive dampness.
6. Plumbing Leaks and Water Damage
Slow plumbing leaks are one of the most common (and costly) problems we detect. They often occur under showers, behind walls or beneath sinks and can go unnoticed for months.
What we do:
Using a Tramex moisture meter and/or FLIR Thermal imaging camera we can pick up dampness or leaks that aren’t visible to the naked eye. If moisture readings are elevated, further investigation by a licensed plumber or leak detection specialist is recommended and it is always wise to do a further invasive inspection to the problem area.
7. Roof Space and Ceiling Defects
Roof spaces are often neglected but can hide insulation gaps, water damage, electrical hazards, or signs of pests. In Queensland, roof void temperatures can soar, accelerating deterioration of materials.
Tip:
Ensure any roof repairs or insulation works are completed by qualified trades and have your roof space inspected every few years.
8. Pest Hotspots: Ants, Rodents & Cockroaches
While termites are the biggest concern, other pests can cause hygiene and maintenance issues too. Ants and cockroaches often nest in wall cavities, rodents damage insulation and wiring, and cockroaches thrive in warm, damp areas.
Prevention:
• Keep food sealed and bins covered.
• Regularly clean kitchen and bathroom drains.
• Seal gaps around pipes, vents and roof penetrations.
9. Electrical & Safety Issues
During building inspections, we commonly identify outdated switchboards, unprotected circuits, exposed electrical wiring , or DIY electrical work. These can pose serious safety risks and are often overlooked by buyers.
Action:
If defects or outdated electrical components are noted in your report, have them checked promptly by a licensed electrician. Electrical safety should always be prioritised.
10. Lack of Preventive Maintenance
Many costly building problems come down to poor maintenance, small leaks or lack of external weatherproofing, blocked gutters, or vegetation against walls. These small oversights often lead to larger issues over time.
Simple prevention tips:
• Conduct an annual property inspection before storm season.
• Clear debris and vegetation away from the home.
• Address minor defects promptly before they escalate.
Why Choose Co-Spec for Your Building & Pest Inspection
At Co-Spec Building & Pest Inspections, we’re proud to deliver thorough, easy-to-read reportsthat help you make confident property decisions.
We use advanced tools like thermal imaging cameras and Tramex moisture meters to detect what the eye can’t see, ensuring every inspection is backed by experience, precision and local knowledge. We specialize in pre-purchase / pre-sale building inspections on the Gold Coast with hundreds of local inspections being completed every year.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining your home, we provide honest advice and practical solutions because protecting your investment is what we do best.
Book Your Next Inspection
Based on the Gold Coast and servicing all of South East Queensland, Co-Spec offers comprehensive Building & Pest Inspections, Pool Safety Inspections, and Pre-Purchase Reports.
Call Robert at Co-Spec on 0409 693 974
Email: info@co-spec.com.au
Website: www.co-spec.com.au
