Termite
Inspection
The termite inspection is performed to
locate any damage and infestation of the property due to termites and other
wood-destroying organisms. The inspection and subsequent repair of any item found will
ensure that the property is now or becomes free of such damage prior to the transfer of
title.
Your pre-sale home inspection report will
probably also include references to any damage due to wood-destroying organisms and will
give you a chance to replace and/or repair such damage before your home goes on the
market.
If you choose to have the pest control
report performed prior to locating a buyer, it will preclude any surprises during escrow.
The termite report is traditionally paid for by the seller, but it is negotiable.
A Termite Inspector will be sent to the
property to perform the inspection and provide the principals with a written report of his
findings.
These are some of the things he will be on
the alert for:
Termites are uncommon in some areas of the country, but there are two types often found in
residential structures. Most commonly found: subterranean termites and dry wood termites
It is usually not necessary to be unduly alarmed if your inspection notes their existence,
but you will probably be required to have them eradicated before the close of sale.
Moisture can be a great threat and attract
infestation. The inspector will look for all plumbing leaks as a top priority, such as
floors in kitchen and bath areas, as well as any other area where plumbing exists. All
areas which are exposed to moisture should be caulked, painted, sealed, and ventilated. It
is also important that drainage around the property be adequate.
Landscaping such as trees, bushes and
especially climbing vines should be held away from all structures. Plants can provide a
home for wood-destroying pests and organisms, as well as having the potential to cause
physical damage on their own. The Inspector will look closely at any such condition.
Outdoor storage should be kept to a minimum, as this also creates possible health and
safety problems as hiding places for rodents and routes for termites from soil to wood.
It' s better not to store paper products such as empty boxes, paper bags, and wood, as
these items house a host of insects, and wood stored directly on the ground and against
the siding of a building provides a direct avenue for termites and wood
destroying-organisms.
Outside exposed wooden structures such as
patios, decks and wood fencing will also be inspected. (Materials best used in such
structures are aluminum, concrete, or other non-cellulose products. while redwood and
cedar do carry natural extractives to help protect against degradation, they are not
impervious to decay and infestation.) Should the property now include any such structure
that is attached to the main residence, the Inspector will check them for possible
earth-to-wood contact such as buried footings not set in concrete, and the homeowner will
probably need to take steps to repair any such condition found .
Problem areas located during this
inspection will be repaired and paid for according to the agreement in the purchase
agreement. The termite company will provide a written report to escrow verifying that the
work has been done.
Thinking of buying or selling real
estate? Visit the
Appalachian Mountain Realty Guide.
Realtor and For Sale by Owner real estate listings with a great selection of mountain homes and land
for sale.
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