Home & Termite Inspections
What is a Home & Termite Inspection?
A Whole House Inspection provides information about the current condition of a house. It includes information about the structural and mechanical components of the house. It is not a building Code inspection, and therefore does not have mandatory repair deadlines. It is a professional observation, opinion and recommendation process for the client’s information and consideration.
Structural components are the parts of a house that are fastened together or set in place. Examples are: the foundation, the walls, the floors, the ceilings, the doors and windows, and the roof systems.
Mechanical components are the systems of the house that deliver and utilize electricity, water, natural gas, etc.
Mechanical Component Examples:
- Fresh water piping
- Waste water piping
- Electrical systems
- Heating / cooling systems
Properly conducted Home Inspections are performed to National and/or State Home Inspection Standards. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the oldest, largest and highest profile organization in North America.
As an ASHI Certified Inspector (#249843), you have Rob’s promise that he will conduct thorough and professional Whole House Inspections on the house of your choosing, and quickly report his observations, opinions and recommendations to you.
Owners of homes for sale are ahead of the competition by having a Home & Termite Inspection performed before the purchase offer and inspection period request. Documenting the current condition of the house with an Inspection Report, along with the Sellers’ Disclosure information, will likely increase the perceived value of the house, may shorten the time a prospective buyer takes to make an offer to purchase the house, and take stress out of the buyers’ inspection period request. With an Inspection Report in hand, the Owners are able to decide on making needed repairs, not repairing certain items, or ready to negotiate on specific repairs that were recommended in the report.
Termite Inspection
Subterranean termites are commonly found in the Mid Missouri area. They are social insects that live in large groups, share an underground nest, and divide up the biological roles of the group. Termites feed on plant material (cellulose) that is provided by nature, your yard, or your wood frame house. Approximately 2.5 billion dollars are spent annually in the United States to control subterranean termites and repair associated damage to houses.
Termite Inspection and Reporting is the first step to identifying a house with termites. Observing damage caused by termites is also important. Observation may indicate an active presence of termites, past evidence of termite activity, or no evidence of termites observed. Evidence of previous treatment of termites may also be observed, along with documents provided by the pest control company.
The State of Missouri has licensing requirements for termite inspectors. To become liscensed, inspectors must undergo specialized education, testing, and continuing education requirements. As a licensed termite inspector in Missouri (#N5717), Rob promises to perform a thorough visual inspection of the interior and exterior portions of your house and make a report with recommendations to you quickly. Rob does not conduct termite treatment, so you won’t experience hype or pressure sales. Reports are based on the facts and recommendations are made to protect the structure of the house and your investment.
When should I have my home inspected for termites?
Having a Termite Inspection Scout and Report performed at the time of the Home Inspection is common. It provides important house condition information and may be used in further negotiations for the purchase of the property. Please consult with your Realtor, as every transaction is unique.
What if I don’t have termite damage?
Remember, even if no termite activity is observed, if the house is in a wooded setting or an older neighborhood there is an increased likelihood that they may find their into your house. To prevent infestation, eliminate any direct wood to soil contact around the house by removing old wood or mulch from around the yard. Always keep an eye out for the signs of termite activity nearby (this also includes the neighboring properties). It is important to remember that “anything that eats trees… is something that you want to keep away from your house”.
Contact us for additional information or advice.