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Why Inspect?
Every year thousands of homes are attacked by termites or other woodboring pests. Home purchasers need to know if these pests are present before investing their money. Therefore, it is wise to have the property inspected by a representative of a certified inspection service who can detect the presence of wood destroying pests and provide a report on his findings.
Who Orders an Inspection?
An inspection service firm may be selected by the seller or his agent, lending institution, or buyer, depending on the state's real estate laws or established practice. As a purchaser, you should be advised as to which company is doing the inspection and in some cases as a buyer you can make the selection.
Is the Report for Termites Only?
Not always. The Subterranean termite is the number one wood destroying pest in the United States; hence, its name is often attached to the so-called "Termite Report". There are other wood destroying insects, including some other species of termites that may also be included in the report, such as:
Drywood Termites - Usually found in southern and southwestern areas of the country; and
Dampwood Termites - Found in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California; and
Beetles:
- Powder Post Beetles - small beetles whose larvae feed in hardwood as oak,
- Anoblid Beetles - small beetles whose larvae feed in softwood such as pine, and
- Old House Borers - whose larvae feed in softwood timbers;
- Carpenter Ants - Usually evident when moisture problems are prevalent.
In some areas, the report may include wood rot - this is caused by a combination of moisture and fungal growth and can be very destructive.
Are these insects found in all houses throughout the United States?
The distribution and occurrence of these insects is regional. Subterranean termites are distributed throughout the United States; however, as described above, drywood and dampwood termites are localized in specific parts of the United State. The beetles can also be regional. A local inspection service company or your state university cooperative extension office can tell you about the occurrence and importance of these insects in your region.
What does the inspection entail?
A qualified representative from the certified inspection company will perform the inspection. He inspects all visible areas of the structure which are readily accessible to him. If he finds evidence of an infestation, he reports these evidences on a specific form. An inspection may include sounding or probing areas where infestations are suspected. The inspection is performed for a I nominal fee, usually paid for by the buyer.
The inspector cannot see behind walls, paneling, into voids of cinder block walls or under carpeting. Infestation here may remain undetected.
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Does a clearance report guarantee there is no infestation?
No! The report gives the finds of a trained inspector who searched for visual evidence of these pests in the accessible areas of the structure. It states that wood destroying pests were or were not found by the inspector in these visible areas. The possibility that an infestation may be hidden inside a wall void or beam is present.
What if evidence of infestation is found?
The company will recommend and usually propose appropriate treatment to control the pest. For termites, a treatment is usually guaranteed for a year or longer, meaning if an infestation is found while the guarantee is in effect, the company will retreat at no charge to you!
What happens if damage created by these pests is observed?
"Damage" is an alarming term. It may be superficial or quire extensive. Damage is evidence of infestation, but evidence may or may not include damage. Some companies make estimates on the repair of the damage if they feel it is necessary. Most companies do not have the expertise and will recommend a qualified building contractor.
How do I select a firm to conduct the inspection?
Recommendations from people who have had satisfactory experiences with an inspection company in the past is one method of selecting a firm. Be cautious to avoid firms with conflict of interest, I.e., those that inspect and also remediate insects "if" present.
Look for experience, business history, and accreditation. Construction firms are not inspection firms. Inquire about professional liability insurance coverage, and the quality and training of personnel. Remember -there is no substitute for a thorough, professional inspection service.
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