Why do we need a Termite Inspection?
Many years ago, the purpose of a "termite inspection" was
to look for any infestations of termites and any damage
caused by them. Lenders and a number of government
agencies determined later that it was in the best interest of
the homebuyer and homeowner to identify many other
conditions as well.
Today, in the state of California, we call these Structural Pest
Control Inspections. When an inspector comes to your house
(upon your invitation), he is looking for all wood-destroying pests
and organisms such as termites, beetles, carpenter ants,
carpenter bees, dry rot and fungus and any damage caused by
them. Also, he is looking for any conditions and defects that might
lead to damage, infection and infestation.
Because the inspection needs to be as complete as possible, the inspector will be carefully examining the exterior of your house, the inside of the house including all of the rooms and closets, the garage, the attic and the area underneath the house if there is a crawl space.
By following the ten points discussed below you will make it possible for the pest inspector to complete his examination of your property more thoroughly and in less time. It will also reduce the number of additional inspections and additional expense that might be necessary to provide complete information.
1. Know where your crawl space access is and make sure that access is clear.
Too frequently the outside access doors are blocked by firewood, doghouses and heavy equipment making it difficult for the inspector to gain access. If the crawl space is not conveniently accessible, the inspector will have to list the area as "inaccessible" - a condition that usually requires a repeat visit at a later time once you have cleared away the blockage.
Similarly, if the access point is in a closet, be sure that all items have been clear away and that clothing has been removed from the closet to prevent dust and dirt from the sub-area dirtying these items. It may also be a good idea to spread a drop cloth or plastic near the access whole so that dirt isn't tracked across your floor.
2. Make sure that items are removed from the vicinity of the access to the attic area.
The inspector will need to see up inside the attic. It is best to cover clothing and other items in the closet to prevent contamination by attic insulation and dust.
3. Clear out items stored on the shelves underneath the sinks in the bathrooms and kitchen.
An inspection of the shelves underneath the sinks and the plumbing is necessary to identify areas of moisture damage and the location of any active plumbing leaks.
4. Remove all items from the windowsills.
A careful examination of all windowsills is important in identifying possible moisture problems that result in water staining or damage due to dry rot and fungus and the presence of termite infestations.
In warm, sunny weather the windowsills are often the location of termite swarmers that are attracted to sunlight.
5. If you find evidence of winged insects that are "collecting" on the windowsills, doorsills, around fireplaces or other visible areas around the house, don't remove them.
It is important that the inspector have an opportunity to examine them and attempt to determine the location of any primary infestations.
6. If you find mounds of fine powder that appear to be accumulating, from time to time, underneath wood beams, along baseboards, along the foundation in the garage or in other locations where you normally cannot account for them, don't remove them.
Give the inspector the chance to examine them and identify the source to determine the extent of any infestation.
7. Clear a path around the inside walls of you garage.
A proper inspection will include an examination of the walls and especially the base of the foundation around the inside of the garage. If the inspector cannot make a thorough examination in the garage area because of the stuff you have stored around the perimeter he will have to come back to inspect again once your things are cleared out - resulting in more cost to you and possibly a few unpleasant surprises as well!
8. Tell the inspector about any structural repair work that was done in the past.
If repairs have been made to a stall shower or tub enclosure, if structural repairs have been made to a deck or porch or to portions of the roof, the inspector will give these areas special attention and take that information into account in documenting his findings.
A recent roof repair, for example, may support the inspector's findings that water stains on a ceiling or near a window were caused by past problems which have been corrected.
9. Don't cover up problem areas.
As a homeowner, it's natural to take pride in your home's appearance. It is very tempting to cover up holes in the outside stucco or interior plaster walls with furniture or planters or put waste baskets or carpet over damaged areas of flooring to improve your home's appearance.
Some homeowners have even scraped termite tubes that were noted prior to the inspector's visit or painted over wood that was damaged from moisture.
While such actions may improve a home's appearance, they also make the inspector's job more difficult. Non-disclosure will increase your chances of being sued by the new buyer after the escrow closes and the cover-up is discovered. Believe me, you don't want to go there!
10. Don't worry!
In the long run it's to your advantage to have the pest control inspection done as early in the selling process as possible. The information you obtain will enable you to deal fairly with a buyer. Even if you aren't planning to move right away the inspection will provide you with the information you need to make essential repairs and keep your home in good condition
Because the inspection needs to be as complete as possible, the inspector will be carefully examining the exterior of your house, the inside of the house including all of the rooms and closets, the garage, the attic and the area underneath the house if there is a crawl space.
By following the ten points discussed below you will make it possible for the pest inspector to complete his examination of your property more thoroughly and in less time. It will also reduce the number of additional inspections and additional expense that might be necessary to provide complete information.
1. Know where your crawl space access is and make sure that access is clear.
Too frequently the outside access doors are blocked by firewood, doghouses and heavy equipment making it difficult for the inspector to gain access. If the crawl space is not conveniently accessible, the inspector will have to list the area as "inaccessible" - a condition that usually requires a repeat visit at a later time once you have cleared away the blockage.
Similarly, if the access point is in a closet, be sure that all items have been clear away and that clothing has been removed from the closet to prevent dust and dirt from the sub-area dirtying these items. It may also be a good idea to spread a drop cloth or plastic near the access whole so that dirt isn't tracked across your floor.
2. Make sure that items are removed from the vicinity of the access to the attic area.
The inspector will need to see up inside the attic. It is best to cover clothing and other items in the closet to prevent contamination by attic insulation and dust.
3. Clear out items stored on the shelves underneath the sinks in the bathrooms and kitchen.
An inspection of the shelves underneath the sinks and the plumbing is necessary to identify areas of moisture damage and the location of any active plumbing leaks.
4. Remove all items from the windowsills.
A careful examination of all windowsills is important in identifying possible moisture problems that result in water staining or damage due to dry rot and fungus and the presence of termite infestations.
In warm, sunny weather the windowsills are often the location of termite swarmers that are attracted to sunlight.
5. If you find evidence of winged insects that are "collecting" on the windowsills, doorsills, around fireplaces or other visible areas around the house, don't remove them.
It is important that the inspector have an opportunity to examine them and attempt to determine the location of any primary infestations.
6. If you find mounds of fine powder that appear to be accumulating, from time to time, underneath wood beams, along baseboards, along the foundation in the garage or in other locations where you normally cannot account for them, don't remove them.
Give the inspector the chance to examine them and identify the source to determine the extent of any infestation.
7. Clear a path around the inside walls of you garage.
A proper inspection will include an examination of the walls and especially the base of the foundation around the inside of the garage. If the inspector cannot make a thorough examination in the garage area because of the stuff you have stored around the perimeter he will have to come back to inspect again once your things are cleared out - resulting in more cost to you and possibly a few unpleasant surprises as well!
8. Tell the inspector about any structural repair work that was done in the past.
If repairs have been made to a stall shower or tub enclosure, if structural repairs have been made to a deck or porch or to portions of the roof, the inspector will give these areas special attention and take that information into account in documenting his findings.
A recent roof repair, for example, may support the inspector's findings that water stains on a ceiling or near a window were caused by past problems which have been corrected.
9. Don't cover up problem areas.
As a homeowner, it's natural to take pride in your home's appearance. It is very tempting to cover up holes in the outside stucco or interior plaster walls with furniture or planters or put waste baskets or carpet over damaged areas of flooring to improve your home's appearance.
Some homeowners have even scraped termite tubes that were noted prior to the inspector's visit or painted over wood that was damaged from moisture.
While such actions may improve a home's appearance, they also make the inspector's job more difficult. Non-disclosure will increase your chances of being sued by the new buyer after the escrow closes and the cover-up is discovered. Believe me, you don't want to go there!
10. Don't worry!
In the long run it's to your advantage to have the pest control inspection done as early in the selling process as possible. The information you obtain will enable you to deal fairly with a buyer. Even if you aren't planning to move right away the inspection will provide you with the information you need to make essential repairs and keep your home in good condition