Cairns Pre-Purchase Building Reports and Pest Services
Michael Romano's post-inspection phone calls and in-person walkthroughs — explaining every finding in plain language — appear in review after review as the reason buyers come back.
Buyers consistently mention receiving a phone call or in-person walkthrough after the written report, with Michael explaining findings in plain terms and advising directly on how to approach the seller. Carla's coordination role is mentioned almost as frequently as Michael's inspections: she's repeatedly credited with fitting clients into tight contract timelines, working across public holidays, and handling all communication for interstate purchasers who can't be on the ground. The business has operated across two generations (Kevin Romano preceded Michael), and a number of reviewers are returning clients or buyer's agents who use them across multiple properties — that repeat-use pattern across a 50-review sample is a meaningful signal of confidence. If you're buying remotely or need a fast turnaround within a contract cooling-off window, this team is specifically geared for that scenario.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (227 total)
“Carla moved mountains to make our inspection time work within our contract time frame”
“The report was very detailed with heaps of photos and notes”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 390 pest controls in Cairns
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Cairns Pre-Purchase Building Reports and Pest Services
Run by husband-and-wife team Michael and Carla Romano, this is a family business with roots going back to Michael's father Kevin — longtime customers note that Michael carries on the same exacting standards. Michael handles the on-site inspections: he's known for spending several hours at a property (reviewers mention five-plus hours on site), conducting thorough combined building and pest assessments across residential homes, apartments, new builds, commercial properties, and investment purchases. Carla manages all bookings and client communication, and reviewers single her out specifically for moving schedules around on short notice, working across public holidays, and guiding interstate and overseas buyers through the remote coordination process. What distinguishes them from cheaper competitors is Michael's post-inspection habit of walking clients through every finding in person or following up by phone — sometimes late in the evening — to explain what each issue means in plain language and how to use it in price negotiations. Several reviewers note that Carla proactively advised them against services they didn't actually need, a transparency that stands out in a category where upselling is common. They're particularly well-suited to buyers who are purchasing sight-unseen from interstate or overseas, first home buyers unfamiliar with building defects, and investors needing reliable reports across multiple acquisitions.
Best for: first home buyers navigating their first building and pest inspection, interstate or remote buyers who need thorough on-the-ground representation, investors managing multiple property acquisitions in the Cairns region, and buyers in tight contract windows who need fast turnaround without cutting corners.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Cairns Pre-Purchase Building Reports and Pest Services
Can Cairns Pre-Purchase Building Reports handle inspections for interstate or overseas buyers?+
Yes — this is something they're specifically set up for. Multiple reviewers purchasing from Western Australia, Brisbane, and interstate mention that Carla managed all coordination remotely, including scheduling around public holidays and tight contract deadlines. Michael's detailed photo reports and follow-up phone calls mean buyers can make confident decisions without being physically present at the property.
How quickly are inspection reports delivered?+
Same-day or within 24 hours is the consistent pattern across reviewed clients. Several reviewers mention receiving the report the night of the inspection itself. The reports include clear photos and written explanations of each issue found, along with maintenance recommendations.
Does Michael explain findings after the inspection, or just provide the written report?+
A post-inspection debrief is a consistent part of their service. Reviewers frequently mention Michael either walking them through the property in person at the end of the inspection or following up by phone — sometimes the evening of or the day after — to explain findings in plain language and advise on how to handle issues with the seller. This is mentioned so consistently across reviews that it appears to be standard practice rather than an occasional add-on.
Do they cover new builds as well as existing homes?+
Yes. Reviews mention inspections on established residential homes, apartments on the Cairns Northern Beaches, new builds, and commercial properties. One reviewer notes that Carla proactively advised them that only a building inspection — not a pest inspection — was necessary for their new build, rather than charging for both automatically.
How does their pricing compare to other Cairns inspection services?+
A couple of reviewers note they're priced slightly above some competitors, but frame it positively — one states 'you pay a little bit more than some of the competition, but they go to so much more effort.' Another credits the inspection with saving over $10,000 in avoided purchase costs. Several others describe them as 'very competitively priced,' so pricing appears to sit at or just above market rate depending on the scope of the job.