Protect Your Business with the Termite Inspection Bootcamp

Rapid Solutions is running a pilot bootcamp event to upskill termite professionals in the areas of inspection and reporting. 

When people buy a home, it’s usually the biggest investment they’ll ever make, emotionally and financially. If things go wrong, especially with hidden termite damage, the first question is often: “Who’s to blame?” If termite damage is concealed or occurs long after the pre-purchase inspection, there are a number of scenarios where a termite inspector could still take the blame.

Sharpen your inspection skills

Rapid’s Termite Inspection Bootcamp will enhance termite professionals’ skills on how to inspect and write comprehensive reports to protect themselves and their business from the cost and inconvenience of claims. This brand-new, one-day bootcamp is created especially for qualified termite inspectors who want to stay sharp, understand and reduce their risk, and grow their business with confidence.

Even when an inspector feels like they’ve done everything right in their pre-purchase report, they can still face complaints or claims. This course shows how to go beyond the minimum standard and write clear, useful reports that help customers understand the termite risks at the property – which also helps in legal defence if problems do arise down the line.

Highlighting this problem is a real-life claims case from Rapid Solutions, where an inspector didn’t pick up a warning sign, resulting in a costly claim.

A real-life claim

A buyer hired an inspector to check a home for timber pests (following Australian Standard AS 4349.3). The inspector noted some major defects but didn’t see any signs of termites or structural issues. A few months later, the tenant noticed a sagging beam in the lounge. Another inspector confirmed the worst: termites were actively damaging the beam, which was close to collapsing.

On review, the first inspector had actually photographed the sagging beam but had dismissed it as just cosmetic. The tenant had even mentioned past termite issues, but this warning was ignored. No follow-up checks or recommendations were made – steps that could have helped protect the inspector’s livelihood as well as informing the buyer of potential repairs required.

The repairs ended up costing over $110,000, and the homeowner sued the inspector. The inspector’s insurer, Rapid Solutions, stepped in and helped manage the claim, bringing in legal and technical experts. The final settlement was less than $70,000, but the total cost that Rapid Solutions carried was over $112,000.

This case shows why good (risk-aware) reporting and communication are so important and how easily something small can turn into a big problem. Other real-life claims that illustrate the need for comprehensive reporting can be found online on the Rapid Solutions blog, including the case of the $140,000 leaking shower and its lessons about identifying major defects.

Get educated about claims

The Rapid Termite Inspection Bootcamp is hands-on, practical and based on real-life experience. Termite inspectors will learn how to understand and apply the Australian Standards more effectively and recognise their duty of care under Australian Consumer Law; conduct thorough, risk-based termite inspections (not just looking for obvious damage!); and write clear, specific reports with strong recommendations. The course will utilise the details of real claims made against others in the industry to highlight the important learning points. Attendees will even do a live inspection during the day and review their reports with other participants.

This course is open to inspectors who have already completed the Unit 8 Timber Pest Inspection qualification. It’s not a beginner course – it’s for people who are currently performing timber pest inspections and want to understand the current risks based on claims and the litigation landscape.

Aside from the hands-on learning and expert guidance, attendees benefit from learning smarter termite inspection and reporting techniques. They will gain the tools to reduce the risk of claims against them, get a better understanding of their duty of care under the law and receive ongoing professional development and peer support.

Building a better pest business

Belinda Wellings, CEO of Rapid Solutions, said “This isn’t just another training session – it’s a smarter way to work, reduce your risks, and build a stronger business.

“Termite professionals who are interested in protecting their businesses against potential claims can also take a look at Rapid Solutions’ quality professional indemnity insurance and general liability insurance. We offer personalised customer service and our in-house claims team is focused on fast turnaround times.

“We look forward to seeing many of you at our bootcamp events across the country in 2025-26.”