Termites are nasty intruders. They’re completely silent, almost invisible, but have enough potential to cause extensive damage to the house before you even realize that there’s a termite issue going on. Just listening to the word “termite damage” makes some homeowners cautious, and rightly so. These uninvited guests are active in 49 out of the 50 states, as Alaska is too cold to have this issue. This also causes more than $50 billion in property damage annually.
If you’re buying a home, then yes, you really need to conduct a termite inspection, as this will save you from headaches later. And if you’re planning on taking out a mortgage, then there is a high chance that your lender will need you to have a termite inspection besides a general home inspection.
In this blog, we’ll cover the major reasons why you better make an appointment for an inspection.
Your Lender Might Require It
When you’re buying a home through a mortgage lender, then you may be required to present a termite clearance letter. This letter highlights that a pest control company inspected the prospective house for termites and there was no evidence found of the infestation or the damage caused. However, this “lender requirement” usually varies from region to region.
Uncover Hidden Damage
Most of the time, termites are to blame for the major issues caused within the property. And the worst part is that homeowners don’t even realize that. These pests usually infest areas that aren’t easily visible, like under floors, inside walls, and in the attic. This surely makes it difficult to detect their activity without specialized knowledge and tools.
This is why, before buying a property, you need to ensure that there isn’t anything hidden that you must be aware of. A professional termite inspection can always help you in this case. The inspectors uncover the hidden infestations and structural damages that might not be visible during general home inspections. With early identification of these invaders, you can ask the seller to address the issue, saving you from future headaches and financial surprises (we’ll talk about this ahead).
Prevent Costly Repairs
Fixing termite damage and the issues caused by it are some major expenses. It involves extensive work on the wood framing, flooring, and other significant parts of the home. Identifying a termite problem before you buy a property lets you proactively take care of it. You choose to either negotiate repairs or get a price reduction in the home’s selling price. Both of these options will help you save thousands of dollars, as fixing termite issues can range from $250 to $8000. So, getting a termite inspection not only protects your financial investment but also ensures that your prospective home is safe and structurally sound. This is one important step that you can take to prevent unexpected expenses and surprises in the future.
Ensure Safety and Structural Integrity
One area that is severely compromised by termites is your home’s structural integrity. Over time, termites relentlessly chew on the structural components like:
- Beams
- Joists
- Supports
This makes it unsafe for you and your family, but with an inspection, you can ensure that these pests haven’t compromised the home’s foundation and overall stability. With an inspection, you can thoroughly examine the property for any signs of damage or termite activity. This way, you get the assurance that the home is structurally sound and safe to live in. You can translate termite inspection as a preventative measure that helps protect the long-term structural soundness of your prospective home and the physical safety of you and your family.
Protect Property Value
When you’re investing – buying a property, you need to protect it at all costs. And with termite inspections this becomes relatively easier. Note that termite infestations can be a reason for the decline in the property’s value. Even after the termites have been handled and dealt with, the effects of the infestation can still linger and impact the property’s resale value. Once you know that the property is termite-free before buying it, you can mitigate the risk of facing different problems in the long run, saving the long-term value of your investment. It’s fair to say that termite inspections not only give you financial security but also peace of mind that your home will maintain its worth in the market.
Now that you’ve made up your mind about getting a termite inspection let’s discuss what goes on during a termite inspection.
What Happens During A Termite Inspection?
Termite inspection isn’t a long process, but thorough.
Now, how long does a termite inspection take? It can last for a couple of hours, depending on the home’s size. During the process, the inspector looks at the home’s interior and exterior and checks for signs of apparent termite infestation:
- Mud tubes
- Damaged wood
- Broken wings
- Droppings
Whereas, the process involves accessing every area of the home, including the attic, garage, crawl space, and basement. The inspector will be more attentive towards bathrooms and kitchens as usually, termites get access to the home through the plumbing. They will also closely inspect the following:
- Windows
- Walls
- Baseboards
- Cabinets
- Closets
Additionally, the inspector will check your home’s exterior, where they will pay close attention to the walls and foundation. They will look for any signs of damage done to the wood or if there are any mud tubes in the foundation.
In the end, the inspector will check the property’s surrounding and yard to ensure that they’re free from termite activity (if they are).
Conclusion
A termite inspection is an important step when buying a home. With these inspections in place, you can get invaluable insights into the property’s structural integrity, which potentially saves you from costly repairs and future headaches.
Termites can cause major damage to the property and it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. This is why, as a homebuyer, it is ideal to play smarter. By scheduling a termite infestation, you can make informed decisions, negotiate better terms, and ensure the long-term safety and value of your new home.
Also, a termite inspection offers you peace of mind and financial protection that is enough to outweigh the initial cost of the inspection, as most homebuyers think of it as an extra expense. So, it’s fair to say that a termite inspection is a wise and necessary investment that you need to make when buying a property.
Don’t let hidden termite damage compromise your new home. Schedule a comprehensive termite inspection with Linkhorn Home Inspections today. Our expert inspectors will uncover hidden infestations and provide detailed reports. Safeguard your investment and ensure a sound home. Contact us now to book your termite inspection!
