Termite Inspection

If you’re in the market for a new home or are planning on selling your place, you will have to deal with termite inspection. Termites are one of the biggest factors that affect a home’s value. A house or building can look solid and flawless but the inside may be rotten and falling apart. Sellers are also often legally required to inform buyers of any defects the house or building might have.

Although you could probably perform a basic termite inspection yourself, it is not a weekend do-it-yourself project. To have a reference for a valid evaluation for a home, building or structure, a professional termite inspection should be performed.

Here are some of the things you can inspect from a termite inspection:

What it does

A termite inspection is basically a visual check of a home or building in order to determine its integrity and safety. If you’re selling, this is typically performed about 2 weeks prior to signing a contract. Generally, the type of inspection used for this purpose is the structural pest control inspection. Only a professional inspector who has been licensed by the state can do this.

A termite or home inspection, when done professionally, will be able to reveal any problems in the systems or structure of a building. A reliable termite inspection should be sourced from a reputable company who has the necessary license, permits and certifications to perform the job.

A termite inspection should cover checking and inspection of the structure’s foundation, window and wall frames, wall panels, ceilings, roof rafters and other wooden or cellulose-based materials. It should also inspect the building’s structure for any cracks, which are often used by termites to enter a structure.

What a termite inspection is not

A termite inspection will not directly determine a home’s value. You can’t, for example, use it as an only basis for pricing or for buying. It may be used as a basis for value, though. A termite inspection helps reveal any problems that may need treatment or solutions.

A termite inspector will be able to uncover any serious damages and give the right recommendation and advice. He can, for example, recommend pest treatments for control, such as baiting or chemical spraying.

Why you need termite inspection

Termite inspection is often required when a home or building owner wishes to sell or rent out the structure. It is also performed prior to refinancing, since majority of lending companies require infestation reports to be filed. If pest infestation is present, these companies will often require that the structure be treated first.

A termite inspection that has been professionally performed is important for every home or building owner. It helps impose preventive measures in order to correct any problems that might exist immediately. Termite treatment and protection are often best applied in the early stages of infestation. This helps prevent any serious (and potentially expensive) damage later.

An inspection can also help identify the type of pest that is present in the premises. Sometimes, there are other insects and organisms that contribute to the damage in a home, such as bugs or fungi.

A termite inspection can also protect both the buyer and the seller of the home. Once a contract has been signed, for example, a buyer essentially accepts the condition of the purchase. If he is unaware of termite damage or infestation, that is to his disadvantage.