February 19, 2024 • 31 mins
Finding that sweet spot between passion and profession isn't always a walk in the park, but for Darren Colquist of Jim's Building Inspections, it's a reality woven with diversity and dedication. On Beyond the Signboard, we're thrilled to welcome Darren to discuss his astounding journey through a myriad of careers, landing him in the niche yet vital world of building inspections. As a former military man who transitioned into the bustling hospitality sector before anchoring himself in the real estate industry, Darren brings a refreshing perspective on chasing a harmonious work-life balance and how the lessons from his past have set the foundation for impeccable service and timely insights in his current role.
Have you ever considered what lies beneath the surface of a property sale? This episode peels back the layers, revealing how vendor building inspections can be a game-changer for sellers and buyers alike. Darren shares the ins and outs of joining a franchise like Jim's, where he found the guidance crucial for navigating the new terrain of timber and termite inspections. We delve into how tackling minor property issues preemptively can lead to smoother transactions and increased transparency, themes that resonate deeply for anyone in the real estate market. With Darren's anecdotes, you'll find yourself equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions whether you're looking to buy or sell.
As we wrap up our chat with Darren, the conversation naturally flows from the professional tips to the personal triumphs. We chat about the significance of regular property maintenance, the battle against the relentless coastal elements, and how to fortify your home against termite invasions—a must-hear for Queensland homeowners. But it's not all about the nuts and bolts; Darren opens up about his passion for home renovations and his dream to explore the Australian landscape. For those about to embark on a property journey or just curious about the importance of building and pest inspections, this episode is an indispensable resource filled with heartfelt advice and expert wisdom. Join us on Beyond the Signboard to hear Darren's story and gather invaluable insights into your own real estate adventures.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amy Bennett (00:02):
Welcome to Beyond the Signboard, where you get the
opportunity to learn all thereis to know about your real
estate journey fromprofessionals who are passionate
about property.
I'm Amy Bennett, your host, andI look forward to providing you
with education,behind-the-scenes a a look at
the world of real estate.
Well, good morning and welcometo Beyond the Signboard with Amy
(00:31):
Bennett.
I am delighted this morning tobe joined by Darren Colquist
from Jim's Building Inspectionshere today.
Welcome, Darren.
Darren Colquist (00:39):
Thanks, Amy.
Thanks for inviting me.
Amy Bennett (00:41):
My pleasure.
Normally we're found under ahouse (or you are), o n a roof,
in a subfloor, with humidity andeverything.
So it's nice to be in arelaxing office and coffee and
everything.
Darren Colquist (00:53):
Very nice.
Amy Bennett (00:54):
I'm delighted to have you here, Darren.
Being a pest inspector is sucha key component to a contract
and it's something that you'repassionate about and that's what
I wanted to share with ouraudience today.
But before we get into thetermites and moisture and all of
that fun stuff, can you shareyour career journey with the
(01:14):
audience?
Darren Colquist (01:15):
Yes, yes, I left school and joined the Army
straight away and did anapprenticeship mechanic and
enjoyed but it wasn't for me.
So when I got out I went andworked at my father's hotel in
the Adelaide Hills and learnedabout hospitality and bottle
shops and then worked forvintage sellers for a while just
(01:38):
in bottle shops, and ended upmanaging bottle shops here and
then Caloundra Hotel and allStewarts pubs here in the 80s
and 90s and decided that wasn'treally for me as well.
And once I started working fora friend of mine, I started
doing some building work and hedid everything from the ground
(01:58):
up.
So we learned every skill therewas and I enjoyed the finished
projects and when you finishedsomething you were satisfied and
I really enjoyed that part ofit, and I still do.
If my body could handle workingon the tools, still, yeah, and
I think also I probably ourhumidity and the heat.
Amy Bennett (02:20):
There's a few factors involved.
So let's just step back alittle bit to the bottle shops,
and that was probably aninteresting time here on the
coast in the 90s.
You said interesting characters.
I'm sure you'd have a few yarnsto tell.
Darren Colquist (02:35):
Yes, and it used to be a different way back
then.
There was no security, so youhad to after your own properties
, and I was the assistantmanager of pubs as well, so you
had to take people out and theydidn't like it.
When you say there's no moredrinks, yeah, so it used to be
an old Caloundra Hotel, used tobe a bikie/ druggie pub and it
used to be Felly Fallon and thenWyd Band patrons from that one
(03:00):
and then they go to the KingsBeach and then they'd ban them
and come back to us.
Amy Bennett (03:03):
Yeah, no safe night precincts back in the era?
Darren Colquist (03:05):
No, it was totally different.
Amy Bennett (03:06):
Yeah, amazing.
So I mean I've been on thecoast my whole life, sans a few
years.
So definitely remember theearly 90s of Caloundra.
You know we both love this partof the world, which is really
special, and you're inCurrimundi.
Darren Colquist (03:21):
I'm at Karamundi and I met my wife at
Mooloolaba Hotel before it gotknocked down there.
Now it's a Woolies there.
Amy Bennett (03:29):
Okay, there we go.
Darren Colquist (03:30):
So that's where I met when we were 17, 18.
Amy Bennett (03:31):
Amazing what a credit! We'll get to your family
, because there's a few of them,which is exciting, with a few
guinea pigs and everything.
But look, let's fast forwardfrom your transition from
building into your buildinginspector role.
What was it that was that realcatalyst to move into that
position?
Darren Colquist (03:50):
Well, in 2018, I rebuilt my home and spent a
year with my son just rebuildingit from the ground up and
realised I couldn't keep workingon the tools it was hard work,
from doing all the bricklayingand all the timber work and
framework and everything and Iwas doing a few decks at the
time for friends and for ourother customers and realised my
(04:15):
back can't handle this and Ineed to do something else that I
enjoy and use your expertiseand things you've learnt over
all the years and I alwaysthought I've been a building
inspector before this, but whenI looked at it I thought this
could be something I could dointo my 60s and still work at
the pace.
Work life balance I can do oneinspection a day or, when I get
(04:38):
a bit older, I can do two orthree a day, but you just work
what suits you and fit yourlifestyle in more.
Amy Bennett (04:45):
Yeah, amazing, and I think probably there's been a
theme throughout your career hasbeen being of service, but also
being around people.
I think that's very much.
I mean, we always have a greattime when we're at a property
and, gosh, we've done quite afew together and we've had a few
little challenges, but you knowit's always great to work
(05:05):
together.
You're always on time or if notearly, and you're always really
amazing with your reports andgetting those out.
So it's really evident that youlove what you do.
Darren Colquist (05:15):
Yep, I do, and if you're not 15 minutes early,
you're late.
Amy Bennett (05:19):
I'm always late then, Darren, when we catch up.
You are not.
What I would love to ask is whyJim's, you know, really
intrigued and I know you'regoing to explain to me a little
bit about the differences withbuilding inspections in other
states, because obviously, we dohave quite a few buyers and
sellers that may not have had anexperience here in Queensland.
(05:39):
So let's delve a little bitinto Jim's decision and then
also some points of difference.
Darren Colquist (05:45):
Every state varies in your licensing but
Jim's their training's all donein Melbourne, except for
(during) COVID where they haveto do it on Zoom and a lot of
other things.
But it's the training's allequal and it's a benefit being
with a big company where peopletrust with all the other areas
that are out there now.
(06:05):
Jim's has has got a good name.
With the actual training partit's very thorough and that's
what you want to have.
Amy Bennett (06:15):
Yeah, absolutely.
So uou mentioned some thingsabout being licensed as well.
Yeah, and it also helps yeah,with Jim's.
Darren Colquist (06:23):
It helps you with your insurance because
you're a big organisation aswell and being part of a group
instead of being out by yourself, which would be very hard to do
straight away.
You need that support.
You need to fake it to you makeit" really at the start because
you're learning on the go and alot of it is logbooking and
learning and learning,especially the timber and
termite and timber pest side.
(06:44):
I think it's where I didn'thave all that expertise.
It was all in building you'vegot to learn and it takes a
while to learn.
So you learn off other guys.
You go out with these guys andalso, when you're actually doing
, you've got to have some timeoff.
You can have guys you can trustto take over your area and to
say, hey, look after my clients.
Amy Bennett (07:05):
And you can step back in.
Darren Colquist (07:06):
Yeah, so you've got that backup as well.
Amy Bennett (07:09):
That's great, and also that mentorship as well,
because we don't know everythingand I think it's really
important to be able to ask forhelp or support or get a second
opinion we have team meetingsevery six weeks.
Darren Colquist (07:20):
So, we all catch up.
There's inspectors all overQueensland, but from our region
we pick areas because we've gotthem in Harvey Bay down to
Brisbane and all around.
So we just have a meetinggenerally at the banana bender
at the moment.
Amy Bennett (07:34):
Good central spot -
Darren Colquist (07:36):
Yes, so we have a meeting there or if not, we
go to Harvey Bay or wherever,and that's where you look at
other people's reports.
We discuss things, problemswe're having or things that have
been good, and you learn offeach other.
So it's having that.
It'd be lonely if you weren'tpart of the group.
Amy Bennett (07:53):
I think that's a really important factor and I
think you'd see commonalities,wouldn't you, with mass weather
events.
I know we've spoken, actually,quite at length recently with
recent rain events and then,consequently, mould and
everything like that water leaksyeah, awesome.
So let's get into building andpest inspections.
Who should get a building andpest inspection?
Darren Colquist (08:13):
Well, anyone buying or selling really?
Amy Bennett (08:15):
A trick question.
So we're gonna delve down;there's two I guess, key
components with the building andpest.
We're gonna chat first about avendor.
So a pre-sale building and pestinspection.
So it's something that we asagents get asked quite a bit.
Is it something that the sellershould do?
I know it's something that youdo quite a lot, so I just wanted
(08:38):
you to sort of chat about whyyou would recommend that a
vendor does it.
Maybe give us a few examples ofhow that's been of benefit to
clients.
Darren Colquist (08:47):
Well, within the last couple of years I'm
doing sometimes 70 or 80% of mywork is vendor building and pest
inspections lately.
So you can go out and it's agood service.
You're about to go out and meetthe sellers and go through
their properties, explain tothem what condition it's in,
where they can actually fix upbefore they sell minor things
(09:10):
from silicon issues to grout orvegetation to clean the gutters
just minor things.
And if I find anything major,say no, that's structural, that
needs to be fixed in a dressbeforehand otherwise you're not
gonna get top dollar.
If you've got roofs that tiledroofs roofs that need repointing
and sealing and need to beweather-proofed and waterproofed
, leaks and showers, then youdiscuss and go through it.
(09:33):
Then, when you have actuallywalked through and then send the
report out, at least when thebuyers, they can show people
before they come, they know whatcondition the house is in and
they don't need to negotiateanymore when whatever price they
put in is gonna be the pricebecause there's nothing hidden.
From the fencing if its majordefects, and there's fencing
that needs to be done.
There's nothing hidden.
Amy Bennett (09:54):
I think also, too, it probably goes off in two
different streams there, Darren.
So the first thing is reallythe rectification for the vendor
.
So you're giving hints and tipsand suggestions where you're
saying, for example, attend tothe gutters.
This could be may not be a makeor break, but it's something
that's gonna help with thepresentation.
Get in your maintenance, yes,exactly, and then also it's
gonna be something that presentsin any building and pest
(10:16):
inspection.
But the other element thatyou're giving as well, which you
mentioned, which is great, isthat the seller can actually
provide that building and pestinspection to prospective buyers
, which is wonderful because, asan agent as well, what it does
is it allows us to be reallytransparent with the buyers and
let them know.
So, for example, we justrecently worked on a property,
(10:36):
didn't we?
Where there was two or threethings that we were able to
identify that would be thingsthat a buyer would need to
probably to attend to as as soonas possible.
As a result, we've then sincegone, got quotes for those, so
we have a really goodunderstanding of what that price
point's going to be.
So if we hadn't undertaken thatprocess and the buyer started
that journey, they may thinkthat the A the job's too hard.
(10:59):
B it's gonna cost a lot ofmoney.
We still do have a little bitof fear of, you know, ability to
get trades, so I love thatcomponent about it.
Darren Colquist (11:07):
So because they could be subject to building a
pest and some things if you'rejust not addressed and they can
be simple.
Amy Bennett (11:21):
Yeah, so that's a really great unique.
I think it's a unique point ofdifference for you.
Darren is.
Darren and I on-site meet ata property.
He will, yeah, get on the roofand whether it's sweaty or dirty
and dusty, I'll always try andmake sure there's a cold drink.
He always comes prepared andthen the buyers will actually
meet us on site.
Darren Colquist (11:41):
We always encourage that.
And if they can't attend,especially when they're overseas
or inter state, then even ifthey're in Brisbane or something
they can't make it workcommitments then I like to
always spend time, always gothrough my findings and
recommendations on the phone andalways have the out the the
same day.
Amy Bennett (11:58):
Yeah, look, I think that's just an absolute.
Well, that's why we worktogether.
It's that really high level ofcare, but it's also about
speaking to people as humanbeings.
You know, there's nothinggreater than listening to you
explain.
Darren Colquist (12:10):
You know things , a common sense and I think
they don't understand buildingterms.
A lot of people sometimes.
Amy Bennett (12:14):
if they're tradies, then I can go through it, but
when they're not, you put it inlayman terms Sometimes I don't
even understand, Darren we weretalking sarking and pointing of
roofs but I think also itinstills confidence in them,
because the reports can be alittle bit scary, can't they?
Yeah, so I think that's areally great key point of
difference for you is thatconversation being of service
(12:36):
and being able to explain, butphysically being on site as well
?
Darren Colquist (12:40):
It makes the report clear.
As I say, even though you'vegot coloured photos and you've
put an explanation, what it is,where it is, who can fix?
It it's really good to walksomeone through a property.
Amy Bennett (12:50):
Yeah, and I think also too, one of the things I
love with you on the back ofyour business card is your
measuring for cracks as well,but physically showing that to
the clients Also I was going tosuggest.
One of the things I reallyadmire about you is also your
ability to offer solutions soyou very much can say look,
that's going to be a plumber.
I would anticipate this is whatit would look like, and
(13:13):
obviously I have a really greattrusted professional network as
well.
Darren Colquist (13:17):
That I recommend.
Yes, that's the best thing too.
You've got a network of peoplethat you like to use that.
Over the years, you've got arelationship and it's a business
relationship, but it also helpseveryone out and it helps the
buyers and the sellers out.
Amy Bennett (13:31):
Yeah, so I think together we're always really
united on that and making sureso from a buyer's.
So we've spoken about theseller or vendor with the seller
one and the vendor one alsoit's very important in a report
to put positives.
Darren Colquist (13:44):
So that's why I like to do a lot of green
arrows.
You know whirly birds, fittedinsulation, property, the solar
panels, and then I always loveto put the moisture meter
readings in bathrooms andshowers and adjoining walls and
skirting and show all thepositives, show there's no
moisture or there is, it's a redarrow, and that goes into a
different part of the report butthat's where you put positives
(14:06):
in and that helps people beclear that oh, there was nothing
there and it shows you just youdidn't look at that.
You've looked at everything inthe property.
Amy Bennett (14:12):
Correct, you're not there just to pick it apart
essentially.
No, put the positives in, it'sperfect, and so just circling
back to that, ultimately, youknow when we said about
everybody should get a buildingand pest report.
I want you just to really drilldown on that.
Can you just chat through whatyou?
We mentioned before some of thethings that you're looking for.
Can you chat through that?
Darren Colquist (14:32):
Well, you're looking at structural issues
first.
The major things are structuralsafety hazards in a building.
So that's that can bebalustrating stairs or you know,
major structural elements wherethe safety of the house or the
people that are going to bebuying the home are going to be
complimented because there'sgoing to be.
It's just going to deterioratefurther.
You've got your major defects.
(14:53):
I like to do minor defects andmaintenance issues, just minor
things, just to let people knowthere's some minor things and
this is what's going to beneeded to maintain.
You're probably just to givethem handy hints, just from
silicon and grout and moistureand stuff.
Amy Bennett (15:05):
So what would be probably the most common things?
You know, I know we speak aboutthat often but what would you
be seeing?
Darren Colquist (15:11):
you know commonly here on the Sunshine
commonly it's it's water leaksand where they haven't
maintained the roof.
So you know a tiled roof shouldbe done every 15-20 years,
should be repointed and sealed,and a lot of the homes don't
have sarking underneath toredirect any moisture.
So it's very important towaterproof and seal the roof,
but not just relying on theactual sarking, but commonly.
(15:35):
Lately I've found a lot ofmoisture in showers which can be
just to do with they havingthat use tile or grout grout
sealer and it's just gotmoisture and you're relying on a
waterproofing membrane behindfor water transfer and it's just
high down the bottom, it's justsitting in behind the membrane.
There's nothing going to theother side.
Or I've been getting plumbingleaks or inadequate or older
(15:58):
homes without a membrane andyou're getting that moisture
going.
So you're getting the wood rot,moisture in the walls and the
other side in your frame andthat can bring termites and
that's where they come in,because they love moisture and
love wood rot in buildings.
So that's that's.
They're the worst sort of ones,usually with balconies and
decks and anything with timberstructures where they haven't
(16:18):
been maintained properly or werebuilt properly with the right
materials.
Then you get wood rot andstructural integrity and so,
Darren, no, two days are thesame.
Amy Bennett (16:29):
No properties on the Sunshine Coast.
You, I know, sometimes you'reat $4 million dollar property
and sometimes you're in an olderstyle property.
Darren Colquist (16:36):
That does keep it exciting, for us, though,
does it does, and there's someproperties on the Sunshine Coast
that are over a hundred yearsold, so they're very exciting
and you can see the differencebetween a property that's been
maintained for 130 years to aproperty that's only three years
old and hasn't been maintained,or five years old hasn't been
maintained, and it's a bitdifferent it just shows you what
maintenance is just regular?
Just regular maintenance onproperties can do.
Amy Bennett (16:59):
Yeah, I think it's something that you know time can
slip away kind of and you knowpeople are just um until a
problem presents.
I know one thing with theproximity to the water as well
and the screws on the roof.
You know, quite often I mean,most of us aren't up on our
roofs frequently, so I knowthat's something that.
Yeah, but like you said, youknow, roof maintenance sounds
(17:20):
like a good one to put in thereto do with, especially on the
coast here yeah, with your Colorbond roofing you're going to
have rusted garnering if youlevel debris in and moisture.
Darren Colquist (17:29):
The roof screws that come at one.
You just don't want to haveholes in roof shsheeting ooting
and that the roof screws it justmeans that they just need to be
replaced.
Amy Bennett (17:37):
Yeah, and they're usually the main stem in.
Darren Colquist (17:39):
their main thread is in good conditions,
just the head and the rubbersperish, so it is worth changing
them when they do.
A lot of the properties I findthat are right on the beach have
a lot of different maintenancerequirements because Well, we
are, yeah, we are very muchexposed to the elements here,
yeah, well, we've also seen alot of UV damage as well.
Amy Bennett (18:01):
I know we've we've sort of come across that in the
past, where you know deckshaven't been sealed and
everything.
What I'd love to ask, Darren,is what's one myth or
misconception about yourindustry?
Darren Colquist (18:12):
Well, the biggest thing I think I hear a
lot is when they ring up oh,I've got a house that's only a
couple years old or it'sreasonably new.
Even if it's brand new and theysay, well, will there be
perfect condition, thereshouldn't be anything wrong.
Well, and I don't require abuilding or pest inspection.
So that's the myth I get, andyou just got to explain, because
I do a lot of new constructionas well.
Amy Bennett (18:34):
Yeah, so let's chat through that.
So why would so if some?
If if a property is, say, brandnew or it's, you know, under
two years and it's been throughits certification and everything
, why would they engage abuilding and pest inspector?
Darren Colquist (18:46):
Well, it's still get up in the roof.
In the roof always, you canstill check if they're the
foundations or the drainage.
A lot of them don't have thedrainage.
I find a lot of them don't haveadequate for away from a
building on a property that'sbrand new.
You can go to a brand new houseand the poles are all drummy
because they haven't prepped itproperly.
I did a house at Sunshine Covea year or so ago that was brand
(19:11):
new or one year old and that was40mm difference and those homes
are pretty thin at homes andthere was 30 or 40mm difference
from one side to the other wallon the other side yeah, wow 50mm
from full the from toiletdoor to the back.
That's.
That's.
Some tiler tried to get awaywithout leveling the floor and
yeah, wow.
Amy Bennett (19:31):
So new isn't always perfect, right no, no yeah, um,
I want to really explore alittle bit more about your
passion, which is evident forour listeners and viewers, but
let's chat about termites.
So, obviously, the pestcomponent we've spoken about
building and I know that's areal passion of yours we do have
a lot of.
I mean, I personally work witha lot of interstate purchasers
(19:56):
and they haven't had to gothrough this process.
So can you just sort of chatabout what you're looking for,
what you'd recommend?
Darren Colquist (20:02):
Yeah, because of the same thing.
When they're from the ACT, theydon't know a lot about or
Tasmania, but in Queensland it'svery important to just keep
conducive conditions away, whichis just if any damaged down
pipes or overflows and moisture,debris and gutters.
Vegetation the worst thing weall inspect is fine is garden
beds and mulch over weep holeswhere they can just come
(20:24):
straight into your house.
Even if you've got a termitemanagement system in place.
They can come straight into thehome and eat any of the timber
throughout the property andthat's major, major costing
overhanging branches.
Over hanging yeah, I'd alwayshave to put that in that you
know that causes damage andstorms and that, as well as all
the leaf matter building upmoisture yeah it's just, it's
(20:45):
very important to um, just getrid of all anything conducive
that brings them to your areaand that could be just stored
timbers under the sub floors inbuildings which you go in.
And they just got timbers onthe ground and a moist sort of
area and they've, they've alleaten out yeah, um wood rot.
When things get wood rot in too,you've got to.
Just you're better offreplacing um those timbers.
(21:07):
If they were treated and havewood right like a sleeper or a
retaining wall, the termitesstill eat that.
Amy Bennett (21:12):
They love it yeah, I always think of you.
With the overhanging branches,it's like an express freeway,
isn't it for the termites intothe property?
Darren Colquist (21:19):
yeah, it's more they have and um it's most
properties that are builtnowadays have a termite
management system in place canbe physical, chemical, um a lot,
of, a lot of um older homesthat post construction, um
licensed pest controllers sortof push chemical injection or
reticulated systems around soyou have a chemical barrier
(21:41):
around the property.
but you know just, there's a lotof companies out there that do
monitoring systems.
You don't need to do thechemicals, They'll come out
every three months and do amonitoring.
You can use bait stations orlittle sticks in the ground to
see what is around your area.
So regular monitoring so youcan get a yearly subscription
get them to come out for allyour general pests.
(22:01):
Perfect and then when you domonitoring, so you're not having
all that cost outlay for achemical barrier.
But any system is better thannone, or regular inspections.
Amy Bennett (22:15):
And I think it does vary with the properties.
I mean, we've certainly, on theinspections we've done together
, we've had sort of anything andeverything, sometimes none as
well.
Darren Colquist (22:32):
They're all individuals, so every property
is different.
So where you might want totermite management system, this
one, this might just need amonitoring system.
Yeah, so they all vary.
Amy Bennett (22:40):
Correct.
That's what keeps usentertained, doesn't it?
So, speaking of, what do youlove about your role?
Darren Colquist (22:47):
Well, helping people.
It's the biggest purchase inmost people's life when because
I mainly stick to just buildingand pest purchasing and pool
safety inspections at the momentso I like to talk them through
and it's a big investment andit's usually the biggest
investment in most people'slives, so I like giving people
the peace of mind that, hey,you're buying a property that is
(23:10):
in good condition.
Amy Bennett (23:11):
Yeah, amazing, and even if it is fair condition,
yeah or what's needed to be done.
Correct.
I think that's always.
You're always offering asolution.
Darren Colquist (23:17):
There's always solutions, yeah.
Amy Bennett (23:19):
So you just alluded to there about pool safety
certifications.
So that's a really great thingthat it's always wonderful when
we can provide our client withmultiple options to be able to
have one service provider dothem all.
So in Queensland we need tohave a pool compliance safety
certificate every two years.
Is that correct?
Darren Colquist (23:39):
It's when you're selling, and every two
years if you're renting.
Amy Bennett (23:41):
Perfect.
Thanks, Darren, for clarifying.
So Darren is phenomenal withthat.
So we do that as a pre-sale, sothat is something that Darren
will quite often meet me out onsite.
We'll get that all sorted sothat we have the pool safety
compliance certificate as partof the contract.
Perfect, all right, you loveyour role, but if you weren't
doing it, what would you bedoing?
Darren Colquist (24:03):
Probably what I was doing with my house
renovating and flipping homes.
That's what I'd be doing if Icould still be in the tools.
I love doing building.
I was actually tiling yesterdayand I can hardly move today, so
it's a job I'd put off for awhile myself, and sometimes you
just got to pay the expert.
Yeah, so I'd love to be doingthat, but.
(24:24):
I love doing what I'm doing andsomething I can keep doing and
past my experience on to others.
Amy Bennett (24:28):
Incredible.
I just want to allow ouraudience to get to know you a
little bit better.
What would be your dreamholiday destination?
Darren Colquist (24:38):
Well, we've been a lot of places overseas,
but my dream one at the momentis just caravan or go tripping
around Australia to all theplaces that I haven't had the
pleasure of visiting, and that'slike Tasmania.
I've never been to Tasmania.
Or WA yeah, you know Broomeand Margaret River yeah, you'd
love to.
Amy Bennett (24:53):
My mum lives down there and it's really great.
RV-friendly very , so a lot ofcamping.
What I love about you, Darren,is you do prioritise that time.
You know, I know you enjoy yourfishing and time long weekends
with the families.
That's something I admire aboutyou and I think that's, like
you said, the role.
Now you can sort of control howmany clients and building and
(25:16):
pest inspections you do,although I do know you're a very
busy man.
So you probably have to putthose dates in your diary and
stick to it.
You put it in and then you knowyou're doing that, so it's nice
to have things to look forwardto and having that work life
balance.
Is that something that you'vealways done?
Darren Colquist (25:32):
I've tried to, but sometimes it's out of
control.
Yeah, especially bringing upkids and jobs.
We depended on where I can workaround what I want to do now,
and we've been visiting a lot ofplaces where I can leave on a
Friday and come back on a Monday, two hours or three hours from
the coast here.
Amy Bennett (25:48):
And even just Imbil or
Darren Colquist (25:49):
Kenilworth, and places you haven't been before
in little bit little sites orrivers or yeah, do you prefer
inland or coastal?
Everywhere we just go.
We went to Ballina, you know wego anywhere.
Amy Bennett (26:02):
Yeah, that's awesome.
Darren Colquist (26:03):
Nice, just to get away.
Amy Bennett (26:05):
Yeah, look it's I mean, we do live in paradise, we
are really blessed, but there'ssomething about being away from
it all, isn't?
Darren Colquist (26:12):
Yeah j ust to let the hair down, relax, have a
little fish and a surf.
Your favorite fish to catch?
Well, lately it's flathead onsoft plastics.
That's what I've been doing atthe moment.
Amy Bennett (26:23):
Yes, I do know you're quite renowned for your
fishing techniques and quiteoften get stopped and asked what
you're using.
And did you say to me once thatyou'd sold out of lures or
something that the shop had soldout of.
Darren Colquist (26:35):
Well, when I went to go and get some, I think
I must have been telling toomany people about this
particular brand, but I've beenusing that on the freshwater
dams as well, changing uptechniques and I enjoy all that
as well.
Amy Bennett (26:50):
So I always I think I shared this story that I have
never caught a fish.
In fact, I went to a Barramundifarm and the owner put the
Barramundi on the fishing linefor me Must of been winter time.
I think I'm too.
I'm just too loud.
I don't have the patience tosee them before.
Darren Colquist (27:07):
It wasn't the fishing one here, was it?
Amy Bennett (27:08):
No, it was down in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
I think he felt sorry for meafter three or four hours of I
mean literally, I was fishing ina pond with thousands of
Barramundis.
So anyway, Darren, we havespoken about your family and
love, but I want to know whathas been the most special day of
your life.
Darren Colquist (27:27):
Well, it would have to be days, because I've
got four children and every daysince, and we've got grandkids,
children now.
Amy Bennett (27:35):
So I've got two three year old twins grandkids
yeah amazing fairly full on.
And the kids ages.
What's the span of the ages ofyour kids?
Darren Colquist (27:45):
Well, one's 33, 1994 so thats 30 this year?
And then I've got a son thatwas just 24 and a daughter
that's 22.
Amy Bennett (27:56):
Yeah, amazing.
And you said you mentioned youmet your wife when you were 17.
Darren Colquist (28:00):
Yeah, I met her here.
She's a nurse Amazing A nurseever since.
Amy Bennett (28:03):
Secret, secret to.
It's obviously not arelationship podcast, but secret
to a happy marriage.
Darren Colquist (28:10):
Oh, would they say, happy wife.
No, it's just we do our ownthing.
We're totally different.
We're not clingy to each other.
We never have been, yeah shedoes her thing, I do my thing.
We do a lot of things together.
Amy Bennett (28:23):
And.
Darren Colquist (28:24):
It's a matter of just being happy.
Amy Bennett (28:27):
Amazing.
Well, your kids are absolutelyyour world.
I absolutely know that it's notjust the kids, though I believe
there's some animals that comewith the kids as well.
Darren Colquist (28:36):
Well, between all my kids there's nine dogs.
I've got one of them nine dogsand two guinea pigs and we just
recently had my daughter move upfrom the Gold Coast seller
property to buy a property here.
So they were with us for a fewmonths more than a few months, I
think with the grandkids, andwe had six dogs and two guinea
(28:56):
pigs.
Amy Bennett (28:57):
And I think Christmas time at your place is
always a house as as well, yeah.
So I mean, that's what I reallylove about you know, we've
worked together for a couple ofyears now and it's been really
nice to get to know each other,you know, and really that's the
magic of the Sunshine Coast, itis.
Yeah, let's get a little bitmore insight into you favorite
(29:17):
meals and drinks.
I always love to know what.
Darren Colquist (29:19):
Oh, I love steak and seafood, but I always
loved Chinese is my favorite.
So when it's birthday time,when they say we are, can we
have Chinese?
Amy Bennett (29:29):
and what, what dish ?
I always love asking peoplewith Chinese.
Darren Colquist (29:32):
Well, my all time favorite dish I've had
since I was about 20 is steamedduck combination with seafood
which has scallops andeverything, and they do really
mean one down the main streethere and they've been here for a
long time.
They're Chinese village one.
Amy Bennett (29:46):
Most places 30 plus years.
Darren Colquist (29:48):
I think they have the most places to do a
good one, and the honey prawnsor anything, anything.
I like all the Chinese, but agood steak and seafood as well.
Amy Bennett (29:57):
Yeah, well, look we .
We are very fortunate to havethat.
Both of those are plenty here,and I always love to finish with
your favorite quote or sayingWell, my favorite quote is "be
yourself.
Darren Colquist (30:09):
everyone else is taken" I sure.
Be yourself Everyone else isalready taken.
Amy Bennett (30:17):
It's a.
It's a.
That's an awesome quote.
I think it's so true, you know,and I think authenticity shines
through.
Like you said, all we can do isbe ourselves.
So, darren, that is our podcastcoming to a close.
I would like to hand on heartThank you so much for being
brave and courageous to step infront of the mic and the camera.
(30:38):
For those that are watching,it's an absolute pleasure to
have you here.
I hope that your knowledge hasreally helped people in their
purchasing journey.
Obviously, the building andpest condition is one of the key
components of a contract.
So key, key facts is everybodyshould engage in getting a
building and pest inspectoreither whilst they're in the
(31:00):
sales process, beforehand, andcertainly through their buyer's
journey.
So what we'll do is we'll makesure that everybody has access
to your contact details, andthanks again for being a part of
the podcast.
Darren Colquist (31:13):
Thanks, Amy, and thanks for inviting me, and
it's always a pleasure workingwith you.
Amy Bennett (31:17):
You're the best.
Darren Colquist (31:17):
Thank you.
Amy Bennett (31:20):
Thank you for listening to this episode of
Beyond the Signboard.
We trust you enjoyed it as muchas we enjoyed making it for you
.
If there are any topics youwant covered in the future, make
sure you reach out and let usknow.
Also, feedback and suggestionsare appreciated almost as much
as like shares and downloads.
Welcome to Beyond the Signboard, where you get the
opportunity to learn all thereis to know about your real
estate journey fromprofessionals who are passionate
about property.
I'm Amy Bennett, your host, andI look forward to providing you
with education,behind-the-scenes a a look at
the world of real estate.
Well, good morning and welcometo Beyond the Signboard with Amy
(00:31):
Bennett.
I am delighted this morning tobe joined by Darren Colquist
from Jim's Building Inspectionshere today.
Welcome, Darren.
Darren Colquist (00:39):
Thanks, Amy.
Thanks for inviting me.
Amy Bennett (00:41):
My pleasure.
Normally we're found under ahouse (or you are), o n a roof,
in a subfloor, with humidity andeverything.
So it's nice to be in arelaxing office and coffee and
everything.
Darren Colquist (00:53):
Very nice.
Amy Bennett (00:54):
I'm delighted to have you here, Darren.
Being a pest inspector is sucha key component to a contract
and it's something that you'repassionate about and that's what
I wanted to share with ouraudience today.
But before we get into thetermites and moisture and all of
that fun stuff, can you shareyour career journey with the
(01:14):
audience?
Darren Colquist (01:15):
Yes, yes, I left school and joined the Army
straight away and did anapprenticeship mechanic and
enjoyed but it wasn't for me.
So when I got out I went andworked at my father's hotel in
the Adelaide Hills and learnedabout hospitality and bottle
shops and then worked forvintage sellers for a while just
(01:38):
in bottle shops, and ended upmanaging bottle shops here and
then Caloundra Hotel and allStewarts pubs here in the 80s
and 90s and decided that wasn'treally for me as well.
And once I started working fora friend of mine, I started
doing some building work and hedid everything from the ground
(01:58):
up.
So we learned every skill therewas and I enjoyed the finished
projects and when you finishedsomething you were satisfied and
I really enjoyed that part ofit, and I still do.
If my body could handle workingon the tools, still, yeah, and
I think also I probably ourhumidity and the heat.
Amy Bennett (02:20):
There's a few factors involved.
So let's just step back alittle bit to the bottle shops,
and that was probably aninteresting time here on the
coast in the 90s.
You said interesting characters.
I'm sure you'd have a few yarnsto tell.
Darren Colquist (02:35):
Yes, and it used to be a different way back
then.
There was no security, so youhad to after your own properties
, and I was the assistantmanager of pubs as well, so you
had to take people out and theydidn't like it.
When you say there's no moredrinks, yeah, so it used to be
an old Caloundra Hotel, used tobe a bikie/ druggie pub and it
used to be Felly Fallon and thenWyd Band patrons from that one
(03:00):
and then they go to the KingsBeach and then they'd ban them
and come back to us.
Amy Bennett (03:03):
Yeah, no safe night precincts back in the era?
Darren Colquist (03:05):
No, it was totally different.
Amy Bennett (03:06):
Yeah, amazing.
So I mean I've been on thecoast my whole life, sans a few
years.
So definitely remember theearly 90s of Caloundra.
You know we both love this partof the world, which is really
special, and you're inCurrimundi.
Darren Colquist (03:21):
I'm at Karamundi and I met my wife at
Mooloolaba Hotel before it gotknocked down there.
Now it's a Woolies there.
Amy Bennett (03:29):
Okay, there we go.
Darren Colquist (03:30):
So that's where I met when we were 17, 18.
Amy Bennett (03:31):
Amazing what a credit! We'll get to your family
, because there's a few of them,which is exciting, with a few
guinea pigs and everything.
But look, let's fast forwardfrom your transition from
building into your buildinginspector role.
What was it that was that realcatalyst to move into that
position?
Darren Colquist (03:50):
Well, in 2018, I rebuilt my home and spent a
year with my son just rebuildingit from the ground up and
realised I couldn't keep workingon the tools it was hard work,
from doing all the bricklayingand all the timber work and
framework and everything and Iwas doing a few decks at the
time for friends and for ourother customers and realised my
(04:15):
back can't handle this and Ineed to do something else that I
enjoy and use your expertiseand things you've learnt over
all the years and I alwaysthought I've been a building
inspector before this, but whenI looked at it I thought this
could be something I could dointo my 60s and still work at
the pace.
Work life balance I can do oneinspection a day or, when I get
(04:38):
a bit older, I can do two orthree a day, but you just work
what suits you and fit yourlifestyle in more.
Amy Bennett (04:45):
Yeah, amazing, and I think probably there's been a
theme throughout your career hasbeen being of service, but also
being around people.
I think that's very much.
I mean, we always have a greattime when we're at a property
and, gosh, we've done quite afew together and we've had a few
little challenges, but you knowit's always great to work
(05:05):
together.
You're always on time or if notearly, and you're always really
amazing with your reports andgetting those out.
So it's really evident that youlove what you do.
Darren Colquist (05:15):
Yep, I do, and if you're not 15 minutes early,
you're late.
Amy Bennett (05:19):
I'm always late then, Darren, when we catch up.
You are not.
What I would love to ask is whyJim's, you know, really
intrigued and I know you'regoing to explain to me a little
bit about the differences withbuilding inspections in other
states, because obviously, we dohave quite a few buyers and
sellers that may not have had anexperience here in Queensland.
(05:39):
So let's delve a little bitinto Jim's decision and then
also some points of difference.
Darren Colquist (05:45):
Every state varies in your licensing but
Jim's their training's all donein Melbourne, except for
(during) COVID where they haveto do it on Zoom and a lot of
other things.
But it's the training's allequal and it's a benefit being
with a big company where peopletrust with all the other areas
that are out there now.
(06:05):
Jim's has has got a good name.
With the actual training partit's very thorough and that's
what you want to have.
Amy Bennett (06:15):
Yeah, absolutely.
So uou mentioned some thingsabout being licensed as well.
Yeah, and it also helps yeah,with Jim's.
Darren Colquist (06:23):
It helps you with your insurance because
you're a big organisation aswell and being part of a group
instead of being out by yourself, which would be very hard to do
straight away.
You need that support.
You need to fake it to you makeit" really at the start because
you're learning on the go and alot of it is logbooking and
learning and learning,especially the timber and
termite and timber pest side.
(06:44):
I think it's where I didn'thave all that expertise.
It was all in building you'vegot to learn and it takes a
while to learn.
So you learn off other guys.
You go out with these guys andalso, when you're actually doing
, you've got to have some timeoff.
You can have guys you can trustto take over your area and to
say, hey, look after my clients.
Amy Bennett (07:05):
And you can step back in.
Darren Colquist (07:06):
Yeah, so you've got that backup as well.
Amy Bennett (07:09):
That's great, and also that mentorship as well,
because we don't know everythingand I think it's really
important to be able to ask forhelp or support or get a second
opinion we have team meetingsevery six weeks.
Darren Colquist (07:20):
So, we all catch up.
There's inspectors all overQueensland, but from our region
we pick areas because we've gotthem in Harvey Bay down to
Brisbane and all around.
So we just have a meetinggenerally at the banana bender
at the moment.
Amy Bennett (07:34):
Good central spot -
Darren Colquist (07:36):
Yes, so we have a meeting there or if not, we
go to Harvey Bay or wherever,and that's where you look at
other people's reports.
We discuss things, problemswe're having or things that have
been good, and you learn offeach other.
So it's having that.
It'd be lonely if you weren'tpart of the group.
Amy Bennett (07:53):
I think that's a really important factor and I
think you'd see commonalities,wouldn't you, with mass weather
events.
I know we've spoken, actually,quite at length recently with
recent rain events and then,consequently, mould and
everything like that water leaksyeah, awesome.
So let's get into building andpest inspections.
Who should get a building andpest inspection?
Darren Colquist (08:13):
Well, anyone buying or selling really?
Amy Bennett (08:15):
A trick question.
So we're gonna delve down;there's two I guess, key
components with the building andpest.
We're gonna chat first about avendor.
So a pre-sale building and pestinspection.
So it's something that we asagents get asked quite a bit.
Is it something that the sellershould do?
I know it's something that youdo quite a lot, so I just wanted
(08:38):
you to sort of chat about whyyou would recommend that a
vendor does it.
Maybe give us a few examples ofhow that's been of benefit to
clients.
Darren Colquist (08:47):
Well, within the last couple of years I'm
doing sometimes 70 or 80% of mywork is vendor building and pest
inspections lately.
So you can go out and it's agood service.
You're about to go out and meetthe sellers and go through
their properties, explain tothem what condition it's in,
where they can actually fix upbefore they sell minor things
(09:10):
from silicon issues to grout orvegetation to clean the gutters
just minor things.
And if I find anything major,say no, that's structural, that
needs to be fixed in a dressbeforehand otherwise you're not
gonna get top dollar.
If you've got roofs that tiledroofs roofs that need repointing
and sealing and need to beweather-proofed and waterproofed
, leaks and showers, then youdiscuss and go through it.
(09:33):
Then, when you have actuallywalked through and then send the
report out, at least when thebuyers, they can show people
before they come, they know whatcondition the house is in and
they don't need to negotiateanymore when whatever price they
put in is gonna be the pricebecause there's nothing hidden.
From the fencing if its majordefects, and there's fencing
that needs to be done.
There's nothing hidden.
Amy Bennett (09:54):
I think also, too, it probably goes off in two
different streams there, Darren.
So the first thing is reallythe rectification for the vendor
.
So you're giving hints and tipsand suggestions where you're
saying, for example, attend tothe gutters.
This could be may not be a makeor break, but it's something
that's gonna help with thepresentation.
Get in your maintenance, yes,exactly, and then also it's
gonna be something that presentsin any building and pest
(10:16):
inspection.
But the other element thatyou're giving as well, which you
mentioned, which is great, isthat the seller can actually
provide that building and pestinspection to prospective buyers
, which is wonderful because, asan agent as well, what it does
is it allows us to be reallytransparent with the buyers and
let them know.
So, for example, we justrecently worked on a property,
(10:36):
didn't we?
Where there was two or threethings that we were able to
identify that would be thingsthat a buyer would need to
probably to attend to as as soonas possible.
As a result, we've then sincegone, got quotes for those, so
we have a really goodunderstanding of what that price
point's going to be.
So if we hadn't undertaken thatprocess and the buyer started
that journey, they may thinkthat the A the job's too hard.
(10:59):
B it's gonna cost a lot ofmoney.
We still do have a little bitof fear of, you know, ability to
get trades, so I love thatcomponent about it.
Darren Colquist (11:07):
So because they could be subject to building a
pest and some things if you'rejust not addressed and they can
be simple.
Amy Bennett (11:21):
Yeah, so that's a really great unique.
I think it's a unique point ofdifference for you.
Darren is.
Darren and I on-site meet ata property.
He will, yeah, get on the roofand whether it's sweaty or dirty
and dusty, I'll always try andmake sure there's a cold drink.
He always comes prepared andthen the buyers will actually
meet us on site.
Darren Colquist (11:41):
We always encourage that.
And if they can't attend,especially when they're overseas
or inter state, then even ifthey're in Brisbane or something
they can't make it workcommitments then I like to
always spend time, always gothrough my findings and
recommendations on the phone andalways have the out the the
same day.
Amy Bennett (11:58):
Yeah, look, I think that's just an absolute.
Well, that's why we worktogether.
It's that really high level ofcare, but it's also about
speaking to people as humanbeings.
You know, there's nothinggreater than listening to you
explain.
Darren Colquist (12:10):
You know things , a common sense and I think
they don't understand buildingterms.
A lot of people sometimes.
Amy Bennett (12:14):
if they're tradies, then I can go through it, but
when they're not, you put it inlayman terms Sometimes I don't
even understand, Darren we weretalking sarking and pointing of
roofs but I think also itinstills confidence in them,
because the reports can be alittle bit scary, can't they?
Yeah, so I think that's areally great key point of
difference for you is thatconversation being of service
(12:36):
and being able to explain, butphysically being on site as well
?
Darren Colquist (12:40):
It makes the report clear.
As I say, even though you'vegot coloured photos and you've
put an explanation, what it is,where it is, who can fix?
It it's really good to walksomeone through a property.
Amy Bennett (12:50):
Yeah, and I think also too, one of the things I
love with you on the back ofyour business card is your
measuring for cracks as well,but physically showing that to
the clients Also I was going tosuggest.
One of the things I reallyadmire about you is also your
ability to offer solutions soyou very much can say look,
that's going to be a plumber.
I would anticipate this is whatit would look like, and
(13:13):
obviously I have a really greattrusted professional network as
well.
Darren Colquist (13:17):
That I recommend.
Yes, that's the best thing too.
You've got a network of peoplethat you like to use that.
Over the years, you've got arelationship and it's a business
relationship, but it also helpseveryone out and it helps the
buyers and the sellers out.
Amy Bennett (13:31):
Yeah, so I think together we're always really
united on that and making sureso from a buyer's.
So we've spoken about theseller or vendor with the seller
one and the vendor one alsoit's very important in a report
to put positives.
Darren Colquist (13:44):
So that's why I like to do a lot of green
arrows.
You know whirly birds, fittedinsulation, property, the solar
panels, and then I always loveto put the moisture meter
readings in bathrooms andshowers and adjoining walls and
skirting and show all thepositives, show there's no
moisture or there is, it's a redarrow, and that goes into a
different part of the report butthat's where you put positives
(14:06):
in and that helps people beclear that oh, there was nothing
there and it shows you just youdidn't look at that.
You've looked at everything inthe property.
Amy Bennett (14:12):
Correct, you're not there just to pick it apart
essentially.
No, put the positives in, it'sperfect, and so just circling
back to that, ultimately, youknow when we said about
everybody should get a buildingand pest report.
I want you just to really drilldown on that.
Can you just chat through whatyou?
We mentioned before some of thethings that you're looking for.
Can you chat through that?
Darren Colquist (14:32):
Well, you're looking at structural issues
first.
The major things are structuralsafety hazards in a building.
So that's that can bebalustrating stairs or you know,
major structural elements wherethe safety of the house or the
people that are going to bebuying the home are going to be
complimented because there'sgoing to be.
It's just going to deterioratefurther.
You've got your major defects.
(14:53):
I like to do minor defects andmaintenance issues, just minor
things, just to let people knowthere's some minor things and
this is what's going to beneeded to maintain.
You're probably just to givethem handy hints, just from
silicon and grout and moistureand stuff.
Amy Bennett (15:05):
So what would be probably the most common things?
You know, I know we speak aboutthat often but what would you
be seeing?
Darren Colquist (15:11):
you know commonly here on the Sunshine
commonly it's it's water leaksand where they haven't
maintained the roof.
So you know a tiled roof shouldbe done every 15-20 years,
should be repointed and sealed,and a lot of the homes don't
have sarking underneath toredirect any moisture.
So it's very important towaterproof and seal the roof,
but not just relying on theactual sarking, but commonly.
(15:35):
Lately I've found a lot ofmoisture in showers which can be
just to do with they havingthat use tile or grout grout
sealer and it's just gotmoisture and you're relying on a
waterproofing membrane behindfor water transfer and it's just
high down the bottom, it's justsitting in behind the membrane.
There's nothing going to theother side.
Or I've been getting plumbingleaks or inadequate or older
(15:58):
homes without a membrane andyou're getting that moisture
going.
So you're getting the wood rot,moisture in the walls and the
other side in your frame andthat can bring termites and
that's where they come in,because they love moisture and
love wood rot in buildings.
So that's that's.
They're the worst sort of ones,usually with balconies and
decks and anything with timberstructures where they haven't
(16:18):
been maintained properly or werebuilt properly with the right
materials.
Then you get wood rot andstructural integrity and so,
Darren, no, two days are thesame.
Amy Bennett (16:29):
No properties on the Sunshine Coast.
You, I know, sometimes you'reat $4 million dollar property
and sometimes you're in an olderstyle property.
Darren Colquist (16:36):
That does keep it exciting, for us, though,
does it does, and there's someproperties on the Sunshine Coast
that are over a hundred yearsold, so they're very exciting
and you can see the differencebetween a property that's been
maintained for 130 years to aproperty that's only three years
old and hasn't been maintained,or five years old hasn't been
maintained, and it's a bitdifferent it just shows you what
maintenance is just regular?
Just regular maintenance onproperties can do.
Amy Bennett (16:59):
Yeah, I think it's something that you know time can
slip away kind of and you knowpeople are just um until a
problem presents.
I know one thing with theproximity to the water as well
and the screws on the roof.
You know, quite often I mean,most of us aren't up on our
roofs frequently, so I knowthat's something that.
Yeah, but like you said, youknow, roof maintenance sounds
(17:20):
like a good one to put in thereto do with, especially on the
coast here yeah, with your Colorbond roofing you're going to
have rusted garnering if youlevel debris in and moisture.
Darren Colquist (17:29):
The roof screws that come at one.
You just don't want to haveholes in roof shsheeting ooting
and that the roof screws it justmeans that they just need to be
replaced.
Amy Bennett (17:37):
Yeah, and they're usually the main stem in.
Darren Colquist (17:39):
their main thread is in good conditions,
just the head and the rubbersperish, so it is worth changing
them when they do.
A lot of the properties I findthat are right on the beach have
a lot of different maintenancerequirements because Well, we
are, yeah, we are very muchexposed to the elements here,
yeah, well, we've also seen alot of UV damage as well.
Amy Bennett (18:01):
I know we've we've sort of come across that in the
past, where you know deckshaven't been sealed and
everything.
What I'd love to ask, Darren,is what's one myth or
misconception about yourindustry?
Darren Colquist (18:12):
Well, the biggest thing I think I hear a
lot is when they ring up oh,I've got a house that's only a
couple years old or it'sreasonably new.
Even if it's brand new and theysay, well, will there be
perfect condition, thereshouldn't be anything wrong.
Well, and I don't require abuilding or pest inspection.
So that's the myth I get, andyou just got to explain, because
I do a lot of new constructionas well.
Amy Bennett (18:34):
Yeah, so let's chat through that.
So why would so if some?
If if a property is, say, brandnew or it's, you know, under
two years and it's been throughits certification and everything
, why would they engage abuilding and pest inspector?
Darren Colquist (18:46):
Well, it's still get up in the roof.
In the roof always, you canstill check if they're the
foundations or the drainage.
A lot of them don't have thedrainage.
I find a lot of them don't haveadequate for away from a
building on a property that'sbrand new.
You can go to a brand new houseand the poles are all drummy
because they haven't prepped itproperly.
I did a house at Sunshine Covea year or so ago that was brand
(19:11):
new or one year old and that was40mm difference and those homes
are pretty thin at homes andthere was 30 or 40mm difference
from one side to the other wallon the other side yeah, wow 50mm
from full the from toiletdoor to the back.
That's.
That's.
Some tiler tried to get awaywithout leveling the floor and
yeah, wow.
Amy Bennett (19:31):
So new isn't always perfect, right no, no yeah, um,
I want to really explore alittle bit more about your
passion, which is evident forour listeners and viewers, but
let's chat about termites.
So, obviously, the pestcomponent we've spoken about
building and I know that's areal passion of yours we do have
a lot of.
I mean, I personally work witha lot of interstate purchasers
(19:56):
and they haven't had to gothrough this process.
So can you just sort of chatabout what you're looking for,
what you'd recommend?
Darren Colquist (20:02):
Yeah, because of the same thing.
When they're from the ACT, theydon't know a lot about or
Tasmania, but in Queensland it'svery important to just keep
conducive conditions away, whichis just if any damaged down
pipes or overflows and moisture,debris and gutters.
Vegetation the worst thing weall inspect is fine is garden
beds and mulch over weep holeswhere they can just come
(20:24):
straight into your house.
Even if you've got a termitemanagement system in place.
They can come straight into thehome and eat any of the timber
throughout the property andthat's major, major costing
overhanging branches.
Over hanging yeah, I'd alwayshave to put that in that you
know that causes damage andstorms and that, as well as all
the leaf matter building upmoisture yeah it's just, it's
(20:45):
very important to um, just getrid of all anything conducive
that brings them to your areaand that could be just stored
timbers under the sub floors inbuildings which you go in.
And they just got timbers onthe ground and a moist sort of
area and they've, they've alleaten out yeah, um wood rot.
When things get wood rot in too,you've got to.
Just you're better offreplacing um those timbers.
(21:07):
If they were treated and havewood right like a sleeper or a
retaining wall, the termitesstill eat that.
Amy Bennett (21:12):
They love it yeah, I always think of you.
With the overhanging branches,it's like an express freeway,
isn't it for the termites intothe property?
Darren Colquist (21:19):
yeah, it's more they have and um it's most
properties that are builtnowadays have a termite
management system in place canbe physical, chemical, um a lot,
of, a lot of um older homesthat post construction, um
licensed pest controllers sortof push chemical injection or
reticulated systems around soyou have a chemical barrier
(21:41):
around the property.
but you know just, there's a lotof companies out there that do
monitoring systems.
You don't need to do thechemicals, They'll come out
every three months and do amonitoring.
You can use bait stations orlittle sticks in the ground to
see what is around your area.
So regular monitoring so youcan get a yearly subscription
get them to come out for allyour general pests.
(22:01):
Perfect and then when you domonitoring, so you're not having
all that cost outlay for achemical barrier.
But any system is better thannone, or regular inspections.
Amy Bennett (22:15):
And I think it does vary with the properties.
I mean, we've certainly, on theinspections we've done together
, we've had sort of anything andeverything, sometimes none as
well.
Darren Colquist (22:32):
They're all individuals, so every property
is different.
So where you might want totermite management system, this
one, this might just need amonitoring system.
Yeah, so they all vary.
Amy Bennett (22:40):
Correct.
That's what keeps usentertained, doesn't it?
So, speaking of, what do youlove about your role?
Darren Colquist (22:47):
Well, helping people.
It's the biggest purchase inmost people's life when because
I mainly stick to just buildingand pest purchasing and pool
safety inspections at the momentso I like to talk them through
and it's a big investment andit's usually the biggest
investment in most people'slives, so I like giving people
the peace of mind that, hey,you're buying a property that is
(23:10):
in good condition.
Amy Bennett (23:11):
Yeah, amazing, and even if it is fair condition,
yeah or what's needed to be done.
Correct.
I think that's always.
You're always offering asolution.
Darren Colquist (23:17):
There's always solutions, yeah.
Amy Bennett (23:19):
So you just alluded to there about pool safety
certifications.
So that's a really great thingthat it's always wonderful when
we can provide our client withmultiple options to be able to
have one service provider dothem all.
So in Queensland we need tohave a pool compliance safety
certificate every two years.
Is that correct?
Darren Colquist (23:39):
It's when you're selling, and every two
years if you're renting.
Amy Bennett (23:41):
Perfect.
Thanks, Darren, for clarifying.
So Darren is phenomenal withthat.
So we do that as a pre-sale, sothat is something that Darren
will quite often meet me out onsite.
We'll get that all sorted sothat we have the pool safety
compliance certificate as partof the contract.
Perfect, all right, you loveyour role, but if you weren't
doing it, what would you bedoing?
Darren Colquist (24:03):
Probably what I was doing with my house
renovating and flipping homes.
That's what I'd be doing if Icould still be in the tools.
I love doing building.
I was actually tiling yesterdayand I can hardly move today, so
it's a job I'd put off for awhile myself, and sometimes you
just got to pay the expert.
Yeah, so I'd love to be doingthat, but.
(24:24):
I love doing what I'm doing andsomething I can keep doing and
past my experience on to others.
Amy Bennett (24:28):
Incredible.
I just want to allow ouraudience to get to know you a
little bit better.
What would be your dreamholiday destination?
Darren Colquist (24:38):
Well, we've been a lot of places overseas,
but my dream one at the momentis just caravan or go tripping
around Australia to all theplaces that I haven't had the
pleasure of visiting, and that'slike Tasmania.
I've never been to Tasmania.
Or WA yeah, you know Broomeand Margaret River yeah, you'd
love to.
Amy Bennett (24:53):
My mum lives down there and it's really great.
RV-friendly very , so a lot ofcamping.
What I love about you, Darren,is you do prioritise that time.
You know, I know you enjoy yourfishing and time long weekends
with the families.
That's something I admire aboutyou and I think that's, like
you said, the role.
Now you can sort of control howmany clients and building and
(25:16):
pest inspections you do,although I do know you're a very
busy man.
So you probably have to putthose dates in your diary and
stick to it.
You put it in and then you knowyou're doing that, so it's nice
to have things to look forwardto and having that work life
balance.
Is that something that you'vealways done?
Darren Colquist (25:32):
I've tried to, but sometimes it's out of
control.
Yeah, especially bringing upkids and jobs.
We depended on where I can workaround what I want to do now,
and we've been visiting a lot ofplaces where I can leave on a
Friday and come back on a Monday, two hours or three hours from
the coast here.
Amy Bennett (25:48):
And even just Imbil or
Darren Colquist (25:49):
Kenilworth, and places you haven't been before
in little bit little sites orrivers or yeah, do you prefer
inland or coastal?
Everywhere we just go.
We went to Ballina, you know wego anywhere.
Amy Bennett (26:02):
Yeah, that's awesome.
Darren Colquist (26:03):
Nice, just to get away.
Amy Bennett (26:05):
Yeah, look it's I mean, we do live in paradise, we
are really blessed, but there'ssomething about being away from
it all, isn't?
Darren Colquist (26:12):
Yeah j ust to let the hair down, relax, have a
little fish and a surf.
Your favorite fish to catch?
Well, lately it's flathead onsoft plastics.
That's what I've been doing atthe moment.
Amy Bennett (26:23):
Yes, I do know you're quite renowned for your
fishing techniques and quiteoften get stopped and asked what
you're using.
And did you say to me once thatyou'd sold out of lures or
something that the shop had soldout of.
Darren Colquist (26:35):
Well, when I went to go and get some, I think
I must have been telling toomany people about this
particular brand, but I've beenusing that on the freshwater
dams as well, changing uptechniques and I enjoy all that
as well.
Amy Bennett (26:50):
So I always I think I shared this story that I have
never caught a fish.
In fact, I went to a Barramundifarm and the owner put the
Barramundi on the fishing linefor me Must of been winter time.
I think I'm too.
I'm just too loud.
I don't have the patience tosee them before.
Darren Colquist (27:07):
It wasn't the fishing one here, was it?
Amy Bennett (27:08):
No, it was down in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
I think he felt sorry for meafter three or four hours of I
mean literally, I was fishing ina pond with thousands of
Barramundis.
So anyway, Darren, we havespoken about your family and
love, but I want to know whathas been the most special day of
your life.
Darren Colquist (27:27):
Well, it would have to be days, because I've
got four children and every daysince, and we've got grandkids,
children now.
Amy Bennett (27:35):
So I've got two three year old twins grandkids
yeah amazing fairly full on.
And the kids ages.
What's the span of the ages ofyour kids?
Darren Colquist (27:45):
Well, one's 33, 1994 so thats 30 this year?
And then I've got a son thatwas just 24 and a daughter
that's 22.
Amy Bennett (27:56):
Yeah, amazing.
And you said you mentioned youmet your wife when you were 17.
Darren Colquist (28:00):
Yeah, I met her here.
She's a nurse Amazing A nurseever since.
Amy Bennett (28:03):
Secret, secret to.
It's obviously not arelationship podcast, but secret
to a happy marriage.
Darren Colquist (28:10):
Oh, would they say, happy wife.
No, it's just we do our ownthing.
We're totally different.
We're not clingy to each other.
We never have been, yeah shedoes her thing, I do my thing.
We do a lot of things together.
Amy Bennett (28:23):
And.
Darren Colquist (28:24):
It's a matter of just being happy.
Amy Bennett (28:27):
Amazing.
Well, your kids are absolutelyyour world.
I absolutely know that it's notjust the kids, though I believe
there's some animals that comewith the kids as well.
Darren Colquist (28:36):
Well, between all my kids there's nine dogs.
I've got one of them nine dogsand two guinea pigs and we just
recently had my daughter move upfrom the Gold Coast seller
property to buy a property here.
So they were with us for a fewmonths more than a few months, I
think with the grandkids, andwe had six dogs and two guinea
(28:56):
pigs.
Amy Bennett (28:57):
And I think Christmas time at your place is
always a house as as well, yeah.
So I mean, that's what I reallylove about you know, we've
worked together for a couple ofyears now and it's been really
nice to get to know each other,you know, and really that's the
magic of the Sunshine Coast, itis.
Yeah, let's get a little bitmore insight into you favorite
(29:17):
meals and drinks.
I always love to know what.
Darren Colquist (29:19):
Oh, I love steak and seafood, but I always
loved Chinese is my favorite.
So when it's birthday time,when they say we are, can we
have Chinese?
Amy Bennett (29:29):
and what, what dish ?
I always love asking peoplewith Chinese.
Darren Colquist (29:32):
Well, my all time favorite dish I've had
since I was about 20 is steamedduck combination with seafood
which has scallops andeverything, and they do really
mean one down the main streethere and they've been here for a
long time.
They're Chinese village one.
Amy Bennett (29:46):
Most places 30 plus years.
Darren Colquist (29:48):
I think they have the most places to do a
good one, and the honey prawnsor anything, anything.
I like all the Chinese, but agood steak and seafood as well.
Amy Bennett (29:57):
Yeah, well, look we .
We are very fortunate to havethat.
Both of those are plenty here,and I always love to finish with
your favorite quote or sayingWell, my favorite quote is "be
yourself.
Darren Colquist (30:09):
everyone else is taken" I sure.
Be yourself Everyone else isalready taken.
Amy Bennett (30:17):
It's a.
It's a.
That's an awesome quote.
I think it's so true, you know,and I think authenticity shines
through.
Like you said, all we can do isbe ourselves.
So, darren, that is our podcastcoming to a close.
I would like to hand on heartThank you so much for being
brave and courageous to step infront of the mic and the camera.
(30:38):
For those that are watching,it's an absolute pleasure to
have you here.
I hope that your knowledge hasreally helped people in their
purchasing journey.
Obviously, the building andpest condition is one of the key
components of a contract.
So key, key facts is everybodyshould engage in getting a
building and pest inspectoreither whilst they're in the
(31:00):
sales process, beforehand, andcertainly through their buyer's
journey.
So what we'll do is we'll makesure that everybody has access
to your contact details, andthanks again for being a part of
the podcast.
Darren Colquist (31:13):
Thanks, Amy, and thanks for inviting me, and
it's always a pleasure workingwith you.
Amy Bennett (31:17):
You're the best.
Darren Colquist (31:17):
Thank you.
Amy Bennett (31:20):
Thank you for listening to this episode of
Beyond the Signboard.
We trust you enjoyed it as muchas we enjoyed making it for you
.
If there are any topics youwant covered in the future, make
sure you reach out and let usknow.
Also, feedback and suggestionsare appreciated almost as much
as like shares and downloads.
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