Termite Inspection – What is it? Termites are little insects that can wreak havoc on a home. They live in wood structures and often infest and eat wood, walls, and even furniture. Termites cause the most damage to a home if they have eaten away at a home’s foundation which require significant repairs.
A Termite Inspection can help identify problem areas, potential issues, and may be required for your home loan.
This is similar to a regular home inspection where a qualified inspector does a visual assessment of a home. The inspector searches for evidence of the existence of termites in readily accessible areas of the house.
For instance, the inspector will examine the interior of a home, such as the basement or crawlspace, as well as the exterior of the property. The entire inspection should take approximately 1 hour to complete, depending on the size of the home.
A termite inspector has a separate certification from a home inspector. He or she will meticulously examine the inside and outside of your home.
Most inspections usually include a visual examination of every room in the house, the subfloor, such as a basement or crawlspace, roof voids, and retaining walls. The inspector may also take a look at any outdoor structures. This would include a shed or garage, fences, or tree stumps.
The trained termite inspector will look for evidence of damage, nests, and existing colonies.
The average termite inspection is approximately $100. Actual costs depend on the size and details of your home. Some companies offer free termite inspection services if the inspection is not tied to the purchase of a home.
Some lenders require a termite inspection for a loan. FHA and VA loans require an investigation if your home appraisal finds evidence of an active infestation. If your state requires one, or if the property is located in a Termite Infestation Probability (TIP) zone, it will also be a requirement.