Finding your ideal home can be a great feeling, but you do not want to jump into the deal without performing several crucial checks, one of which is the termite inspection. Going through a termite inspection before buying a home is mandatory in certain states, but it is not a federal law, with other states leaving the decision up to you. In this article, we’re going to make the case for performing a termite inspection before you purchase a home.
- It may be required by your lender
Mortgage lenders will sometimes require a termite clearance letter, which states that the property has been inspected for termites by a pest control company. This is particularly true in areas of the country with high levels of termite infestation, where private lenders almost always follow the lead of government agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The mandated inspection is called a Wood Destroying Insect inspection and it includes a visual verification for termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and carpenter bees.
- Termites can be active without any outward signs
Did you know that termites may be present for up to five years in a building before they start doing any real damage? During this time, it’s very hard to detect an infestation without help from pest control specialists. Termites will start eating the wood where it is in contact with the ground, and over time, the damage can rack up costs in the thousands of dollars, with extreme cases requiring demolition.
- Termite damage is not usually covered by homeowner insurance
Not only can termite damage be expensive to repair, it is also not covered by homeowner insurance unless you opt for the additional coverage plan. This is why it’s important to detect a termite infestation early on, and to have regular termite inspections. Otherwise, the termite colony will have enough time to develop, deal extensive damage, and you will be left with the bill.
- Termites can cause very expensive damage
We’ve already mentioned that the costs of fixing termite damage can run very high, but let’s take a look at the actual numbers. It is estimated that US residents spend $5 billion each year to repair the damage done by termites and to control their population. Controlling the infestation is expensive itself as well. A small infestation can cost up to $20 for every linear foot of infested wood, while large infestations can take a budget of thousands of dollars to treat. That price does not include repairs! An inspection on the other hand is only a fraction of the cost.
Are you looking to buy a new home?
The last thing you want to find after buying a home is termite damage. That cost will add thousands of dollars to the initial price tag. All this extra expense can be avoided however with a simple termite inspection. If you would like to set up an appointment with a pest control specialist, contact us today.