Why a Termite Inspection Is Essential Before Buying a Home

You’ve finally found a new home for your family. It’s located in a good neighborhood and there are plenty of good schools nearby. It’s just the right size, but with enough room for growth. Plus, it’s being sold at a reasonable price. You think that your search for a home is over and you are ready to sign on the dotted line. But before you do, there is one important thing that you need to do first: consider different types of termite inspections that could help prevent a pest disaster for your new home.

The Best Investment When Buying a Home

One of the biggest mistakes a potential home buyer can make is to seal the deal without having the property inspected by a trained and qualified expert. A lot of structural problems and potential issues are invisible to an untrained eye. Everything may seem to be in good order, but after a short while, when these problems begin cropping up, you can end up paying up more than you should. Simply put, by paying up a few extra dollars for a property inspection, you can make an informed purchasing decision and save more money over the long term.

Types of Termite Inspections

There are two types of termite inspections that can be done on a home that is being put out for sale. In the first types, a basic home inspection, a home inspector will look at the structural condition of the home. This inspection covers the roofing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Some inspectors will even include checking the appliances as well as the areas beneath the sink.

The second type of inspection that should be conducted on the home you are planning to buy is called the WDO inspection or inspection for wood destroying organisms. Commonly called a termite inspection (an actual misnomer), a WDO inspection will cover key areas in the home including the attic, the foundations and the lower levels of a home. The report generated from the inspection will also alert the home buyer about conducive conditions that can lead to a potential termite invasion.

WDO Inspection

But why should you subject a property to a WDO inspection if it has already been subjected to a basic home inspection?

WDO inspections cannot be legally performed by all home inspectors. This type of inspection requires inspectors to work for a licensed pest control company.

What To Do When You Find Termites

If the inspector finds signs of wood destroying organisms, including termites, in the property, there are two ways that you can proceed. You can either walk away from the negotiation or start off a new round of negotiations and ask for the seller to pay for the necessary treatments and repairs or simply ask for a lower asking price for the property. Either way, both types of home inspections can empower you and allow you to make a good purchasing decision.

If you are looking into buying a new home, or even if you have been in your home for awhile, call AAI Pest Control to have a professional come out and make sure you do not have a potential termite problem.