Many Gold Coast homeowners believe their builder’s termite protection means they are covered for life. Unfortunately, this assumption leads to thousands of dollars in avoidable damage every year. Builder-installed protection is only a starting point, and it is not designed to provide long-term defence against termite attack. Here’s why relying solely on your builder’s termite treatment is risky, and what you can do to ensure your property remains protected.
What builder protection usually includes
Most new builds are required to have some form of termite protection installed at construction stage to meet minimum compliance standards. This is usually a chemical treatment applied to soil beneath the slab or around service penetrations. It ensures the home passes handover but does not guarantee ongoing protection beyond the early years.
Why builder treatments fail over time
Chemical treatments break down over time, typically within 5–8 years. On the Gold Coast, heavy rain, sandy soil, and landscaping changes speed up this breakdown. Activities like laying new pavers, adding garden beds, or even plumbing repairs can disturb the treated soil and create entry points for termites. Because these barriers are invisible, homeowners may not realise they’ve been compromised until it’s too late.
A false sense of security
Many homeowners skip their annual termite inspection because they assume their builder protection is still working. Unfortunately, termites only need a gap the size of a matchstick to enter a home. By the time damage becomes visible, repairs can cost far more than an ongoing management plan would have.
The role of inspections
Annual inspections are the backbone of termite prevention. A termite inspection identifies whether your builder’s treatment is still intact, whether termites have bridged it, and what risks are present around your property. Without inspections, there is no way to know if your builder’s protection is still doing its job.
Why modern management systems are superior
Unlike one-off builder treatments, modern termite management systems such as chemical barriers or Trelona baiting systems provide long-term, renewable protection. They are monitored, maintained, and designed for continuous coverage, giving you peace of mind year after year.
Insurance and compliance
It’s also worth noting that most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Builders’ warranties typically don’t cover infestations either. That means the responsibility falls to the homeowner to maintain adequate protection. Regular inspections and professional systems are the only way to remain fully covered and compliant.
Builder-installed termite treatments are a compliance measure, not a complete solution. To protect your home on the Gold Coast, you need ongoing inspections and a professional management system designed to last. Don’t risk relying on protection that has likely expired – book
