Home inspections are an essential and critical element in the home buying process. The things that can be discovered can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. It’s important not to confuse a home appraisal and a home inspection, they are two different things. An inspection focuses on the mechanical features and integrity of the home. Plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical and structural elements are the key focus of a home inspection. Inspections also look for any safety or health concerns, and notify the buyer of any repairs that need to be made.
What Does a Home Inspector Do?
Home inspectors look at every inch of the house and its surrounding land to check for signs of damage. Then, they make a list of all of them to show to the potential home buyer. That way, they can make an informed decision about whether or not they still want to buy the property with all of its flaws. One added bonus of hiring Havasu Home Inspection instead of another company is that we are a division of Havasu Pest Control, Inc. So besides checking for electrical, plumbing, foundation and roofing problems, we can also inspect houses for termites and other pests.
Are Two Separate Appointments Needed for Home Inspections and Checking for Termites?
Only one appointment is needed for one of our licensed home inspectors to check the entire house and surrounding property for any repairs that need to be made or termite infestations. This saves home buyers and realtors both time and money because they don’t have to worry about how they are going to miss work or other appointments to get everything done.
Are There Any Guarantees for Termite Inspections?
Included with our Home Inspection we give a one year termite warranty on all clear termite inspections with no evidence of previous termite treatment. This warranty covers the chemical and labor to treat any infestations that may arise during that one year period. The homeowner has the option to continue the warranty on an annual basis after that 1st year.
Why Are Termite Inspections Important?
Termites have a diet that consists primarily of wood fiber. And they breed very quickly. So once they infest a house, they can quickly cause thousands of dollars in damage to the floors, foundation and walls because they are all mainly built with wood. But unless a person knows what to look for, they won’t have a clue that they even have termites because the creatures hide so easily. That means that a potential home buyer could end up being stuck with expensive home renovations that they never counted on.
Aside from identifying obvious infestations and previous treatment, a termite inspection will highlight potential problem areas and conditions conducive to a future termite infestation.
As a protective measure, banks and lending institutions often require that homes be inspected for damage from termites or other wood-destroying insects before closing the sale of the home. A Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Report (WDIIR) is a document prepared only by a licensed pest control business that informs the lending institution and buyer about termite damage or presence.
