What You Should Know About Termite Inspections

January 10, 2014 Comments Off

In most areas around the country a whole home inspection will require a termite inspection. You hope all you have to pay for is the cost of the inspection. Termite control can become a costly expense for your potential flip if problems go untreated for years. Unfortunately in the business of flipping houses with some not being taken care of for years, termites are a real possibility. Many times symptoms generally appear invisible to the untrained eye. A termite inspection pays for itself with expense-saving prevention.

What termites look like

Termites resemble ants but have broad rather than narrow waists, straight antennae and wings. These sometimes are visible at the initial walk through. Basement walls, bricks and beams that develop a mud-looking substance on the joint show another obvious symptom of termite infestation. In the event that a pest control professional locates the presence of termites, you should hire an engineer to conduct an inspection of structural components. The engineer shall produce a report indicating the level of damage, risks, necessary repairs and estimated costs.

The Inspection

As always, you’ll have an inspection conducted to assess the potential value of the property and pinpoint any existing or looming problems. Home inspectors receive optional certification through the National Association of Home Inspectors indicating basic knowledge, competence and field experience. Many home inspectors offer optional additional inspections, including one for termites. Most lenders require a termite inspection and we would always recommend it. Make sure to get a certificate of inspection from your inspector that you can pass on to the buyers. The minimal investment on the inspection will save you from unexpected long-term future costs and allow you to request modification in sale price or to walk away from a purchase if a problem exists.

Pay for a Professional

Seek a reputable exterminator who belongs to the National Pest Management Association for remedying a termite infestation.

Eradication of termites involves a multi-treatment process that can warrant multiple visits over several months. Be sure your home owners schedule ongoing termite inspections as part of thier annual pest-control efforts as they will be responsible after they acquire the house.

A professional will also be able to tell you for sure it is termites. The breakdown of wood surrounding your home or in your basement doesn’t always mean a termite infestation. There are other wood-destroying organisms like wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants, which take up residence and burrow into damp wood surfaces, but don’t actually eat wood. Some owners have confused excessive moisture with the presence of termites. A thorough inspection will properly identify the culprit.

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Erik Hitzelberger has been Real Estate Investor since 2007. While learning the ropes in the market down-cycle, he now teaches others how to use his systems and leverage other people’s expertise to achieve their own goals.

Erik Hitzelberger – who has written 194 posts on Part Time REI.