Gordon's Bay is a harbour village tucked into the corner of False Bay, with houses stacked up the mountainside and holiday flats near the beach.
The local picture in Gordon's Bay
Older homes and holiday cottages with timber floors and roofs can have borer, which turns up in beetle certificate inspections.
Homes are built up the slopes of the Hottentots Holland mountains, many with sea views, split levels and retaining walls. Holiday flats and apartment blocks sit near the beach and harbour, and many homes are holiday properties. Restaurants around the harbour bring commercial work.
Tell-tale signs
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
A note from the field
A blocked or painted-shut roof hatch is one of the most common hold-ups we see. Check yours before the inspector arrives so the visit is not wasted.
How we handle beetle certificate inspection in Gordon's Bay
Our inspector checks all accessible timbers in the roof void, along with exposed woodwork such as floors, skirtings, door frames and built-in cupboards. We look for exit holes, frass, larval galleries and the condition of the timber, and we note any areas that could not be accessed. If the accessible timber is clear, we issue the Certificate of Compliance. If beetle activity is found, we recommend treatment, usually borer injection or spray on the affected timber, or replacement where the wood is too damaged, and re-inspect afterwards before certifying. We will always tell you plainly if something is a cosmetic old hole and if something is active.
- Book early in the sale
Contact us as soon as the offer is accepted so there is time for any treatment before transfer.
- Access arranged
We confirm access to the roof void and other timber areas, and note any parts that are sealed off.
- Inspection
Accessible timbers are checked for exit holes, frass and active borer damage.
- Findings explained
You get a clear answer on whether the timber is clear or what needs treating or replacing.
- Treatment if needed
Affected timber is treated or replaced, then re-inspected.
- Certificate issued
Once the timbers are clear, the Certificate of Compliance is issued for the transfer.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Order the beetle inspection as soon as a sale is agreed rather than leaving it to the week before transfer.
- If you are renovating, use treated timber for any new roof work.
- Keep records of any timber treatment or roof repairs done on the property, as they help explain what the inspector sees.
- Make sure the roof hatch is accessible and not painted shut or blocked by built-in cupboards.
- Keep roof voids dry and well ventilated, since damp timber is more attractive to some borers.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a beetle inspection depends on the size of the property and how easy it is to access the roof void and timbers. Sectional title units, freestanding homes and larger properties with multiple roof spaces take different amounts of time. If beetle activity is found, treatment or timber replacement is quoted separately based on how much timber is affected.
There is no DIY route for a Certificate of Compliance, since the transfer needs an independent inspection. What you can do is look in the roof yourself before listing, so a surprise does not derail the sale. If you see fresh powder or new holes, it is much better to know early.
Questions we get asked in Gordon's Bay
Is a beetle certificate required to sell a house in the Western Cape?
In most Western Cape sales, the sale agreement or the buyer's bank requires a beetle Certificate of Compliance before transfer. Your conveyancer will confirm what your agreement requires.
What is the European house borer?
It is a wood-boring beetle that attacks softwood roof timbers, and it is a notifiable pest in the Western Cape. Finding it means the infested timber must be properly dealt with.
Does the certificate cover the whole house?
It covers the timbers that were accessible at the time of inspection. Areas that could not be reached are noted so everyone knows what was checked.
Do you come out to Gordon's Bay for beetle certificate inspection?
Yes. Gordon's Bay is part of our regular Helderberg route, along with Strand, Somerset West, Helderberg. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Can you treat my Gordon's Bay holiday home while I'm away?
Yes, if access is arranged. We'll send you a post-treatment report with what we found and did.
How long does the inspection take?
Most homes are inspected in a single visit. Our average turnaround for bookings is about 48 hours, which helps when a transfer deadline is close.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
