When buying a house, you should get a general home inspection. The foundation, construction of the home, heating and air system, roof and windows, and even the plumbing, all should be inspected. On the other hand, the primary house inspection isn’t the only inspection you should conduct on your potential new & old home.
When doing a general house inspection, there are many things that a professional inspector will overlook. Inspecting for pests or pest damage is one of those things. However, the inspector may suggest additional examinations, such as a termite inspection, after finishing their report.
This post will discuss if a termite inspection is essential in all homes.
What are Termites?
A termite is an insect that eats wood. Due to their resemblance to a typical home insect, it is, sometimes known as “white ants.” Termites do not poison humans. They can, however, cause significant damage to a home.
Termites can ruin a home from the inside out since many homes in the United States are made chiefly of wood. They can harm the joists and walls of the house and the insulation, cabinets, and any other wood-based component.
Termites can eat papers, books, and boxes, among other things, in your home. They can also eat the trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in the area around your house.
Is it necessary to hire a termite inspector?
There is no federal requirement requiring a termite examination when purchasing a home. Even though a few states mandate a termite inspection, many lenders will not approve a loan without one.
A termite clearance letter may be required if you’re buying a house with the help of a mortgage lender.
A termite clearance letter states that a pest treatment company has investigated the property for termites and discovered no evidence of termites or termite damage at this time.
It’s important to remember that just because a termite inspection was conducted and no termites are now present doesn’t indicate there hasn’t been an issue in the past. If there is evidence of previous termite damage, talk to the seller about it and figure out who will be responsible for restoring it.
Termite Inspection: Why Do You Need One?
Even if a termite inspection is not necessary, there are several reasons why we believe it is a vital part of the home-buying process.
- Even if you don’t see them, termites may be present
In the United States, termites are thought to cause damage to 600,000 homes each year. That doesn’t account for any other wood-destructing organisms. They can do a lot of damage, yet spotting them is tough. This is one of the reasons why a qualified termite inspector is recommended.
Before the colonies are large enough to inflict real damage, the insects can be present for five years. So, just because the insects aren’t visible doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
- The cost of termite damage is high
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites alone cause nearly $5 billion in property damage every year, a cost that homeowners insurance does not cover.
The average cost of repairing termite damage for a homeowner is $3,000. When you compare that to the expense of a simple inspection, it should be clear whether or not you should obtain a termite check before closing on your home.
What happens during termite examination
Depending on the size of the home, an inspection might take anywhere from one to two hours. The inspector will investigate the home’s inside and exterior for visible indicators of a termite infestation, such as mud tubes, damaged wood, broken wings, or droppings.
The inspector will require access to every house component throughout the inspection, including the garage, attic, basement, and crawl space. Termites can utilize the plumbing to enter a home so that the inspector will pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Baseboards, walls, windows, cabinets, and closets will be thoroughly inspected.
The inspector will also examine the home’s exterior, paying particular attention to the external walls and foundation for evidence of wood deterioration or mud tubes on the foundation.
Finally, the inspector will look about the house and yard for evidence of termite activity.
What can you do to avoid termite infestations in the future?
Knowing how to avoid future termite infestations as a homeowner is also a good idea if the termite inspection results in a clean bill of health. Regular inspections, treatments, and prevention strategies are the best ways to avoid a termite infestation in your house.
Conclusion
Are you ready to make a purchase? Working with an agent familiar with termites and knowing what to do if termite issues arise during your home acquisition is critical. When purchasing a home, a professional can assist you in navigating these inspections and negotiating to ensure that termites are addressed if they are present, just hire Pest Control Glebe today.