There are lots of red flags you should watch out for when you are going to buy a property. Flooring issues, roofing problems and plumbing issues are just examples that would give you apprehensions when purchasing a house. How about a house with termite damage? Well, it is a serious issue and can be a deal-breaker.
Damages caused by termite can be costly. Homeowners spend hundreds of dollars for repairs, and sometimes the amount goes up depending on the degree of damage. The bad news is, damages caused by termites are usually not covered by most home insurance. That is why, if you are buying a house, you should watch out for termite issues along with other problems you should look into.
It would be difficult to spot a termite issue or if the house has a termite infestation. This is because termites are perfect at hiding. They can create major problems in the house without leaving evidence. The damage would be unnoticeable from simple observation or checking. Termites have the ability to chew on wood on the flooring or walls without making a sound that is why it is hard to know they are there. And when the damage becomes visible, it tends to become worse than it looks. In fact, it would take years before you notice the damage they create. Unless you have knowledge and experience with dealing with termites, you should not depend on your own observation when inspecting a house. You should hire professional inspectors to conduct an inspection and investigation on the house that you are planning to buy. To spot termite infestation is best left to the experts.
AABI has the best termite inspectors
We will conduct a thorough inspection of the property from the basement to the attic. Every area will be explored, and we will make sure that no questionable area or part is left behind. We will find obvious signs of termite infestation.
During the inspection, you can expect our inspectors to spend at least 1 to 2 hours of careful inspection on the property. Of course, the time varies depending on the size of the house to be inspected. Not only will our inspectors check the interior of the house but also the exterior and its surroundings. They will check for signs of termite infestation such as droppings, damaged wood, broken wings and mud tubes. These signs look like dirt to those with untrained eyes; that is why most homeowners simply overlook them.
After inspection, our inspectors will tell you their findings. You will also be given an inspection report that contains all the necessary information bout the property as well as issues found. In the case of termite infestation, you will be given recommendations about the appropriate treatment that should be done. But even if there is no infestation, our inspectors will also recommend preventative measure to avoid termites in the future. Some good practices that we recommend are getting rid of moisture, keeping the house and surrounding clean, repairs if there are issues on the flooring and roofing, and so on,
Hiring All About Building Inspection service can spot early signs of termite infestation that you may have overlooked, and we will be able to give suggestions regarding treatment and preventative measures. Getting home and termite inspection service is, therefore, an ideal step when buying a house.
Should I proceed with the purchase if there is termite infestation?
If the seller discloses the termite issue on the property, it is still best to get a home inspection service for you know the extent of the damage. We will tell you if the property had undergone termite treatment in the past. There may be termite damage that was concealed intentionally, and we will reveal this to you. You will be made aware of the damages caused by previous termite infestation, and we will let you know if repairs are possible or if certain structures need replacements. You will also be given an estimated cost of the possible repairs that should be done.
We have tools that will help our inspectors identify the kind of treatment done by the previous owner and if a certain termite shield system has been installed. Once the inspection report is handed to you, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether you should buy the house or not.
One crucial factor that can help you decide is to identify where the termite damage is located. If the damage is located on the surfaces, then it can be considered minimal and can be fixed with simple repairs that are not necessarily costly. However, if the damage is found deeper like under the flooring, behind the walls or in the foundations of the house, then consider these to be severe damages, and you might be facing costly problems. You can expect to shell out a few thousand dollars or even more for extensive repairs.
Conclusion
Buying a property is not an easy process, especially if the one you like has termite damage. You should be willing to put in a lot of time and extra effort to know the condition of the property and also the structural state of the building. Getting a Building and Pest Inspection might be a burden, but the process and the cost is nothing compared to the termite problems you might face if you skip the inspection process 1.
