Home Inspection

A home inspection is required to find the extent of damage before treatment. But it is good insurance to have your home inspected to find problems that have gone unnoticed, before they turn into expensive headaches. An inspection report is also required for most real estate transactions. A wood destroying organisms and conditions report, is typically called a termite report. A termite report includes the findings of a careful and thorough inspection of the home – sometimes including decks, garages, and other structures. The report will list any wood destroying pests or evidence, wood destroying conditions, or potential problems that are found. Active infestations or adverse conditions will be labeled as “section 1″ items. Conditions that could cause a later problem or infestation are labeled “section 2″. Recommendations will be made in the report to correct the problem. Every inspection is unique, but some things that can be found in an inspection are the following:

Subarea:

• Dampness or standing water, which encourages fungus, rot, and some wood destroying pests. This may require drainage work, a vapor barrier, or added ventilation to correct.
• Water stains which could indicate a previous standing water problem, that may reoccur during certain times of the year – but which aren’t present during inspection.
• Cellulose debris, and concrete form lumber left in place in contact with the ground will attract subterranean termites to feed.
• Leaky plumbing, and any damage it may have caused to flooring or otherwise. This could be under bathroom toilets, showers, tubs, or kitchen.
• Evidence of wood destroying pests; frass, mud tubes, holes in the wood, body parts, etc. Once identified, try and determine if the infestation is active or not.
• Disconnected or broken ductwork (heating or otherwise).
• Areas that are not currently able to be inspected. Some areas may be inaccessible or covered in insulation.

Inside the home:

• Water damage present around leaky doors or windows.
• Damaged floors around dishwashers, toilets, tubs, or showers.
• Leaky plumbing, loose tiles, or loose flooring around toilets, tubs, and showers.
• Leaky counters that have caused damage to materials underneath.

Various evidence of wood destroying pests.

Outside:

• Faulty grade conditions which are causing, or could lead to damage to the house.
• Evidence of termites, beetle or rot in exterior wood.
• Eaves or rafter ends damaged by water or pests.
• Incorrect flashing, or earth to wood contacts.
• Poor condition of paint or caulking.
• Doors that are excessively weathered showing signs of rot or infestation.