Purchasing a new home is a lifetime goal for many people and it has to be perfect in all aspects. Scheduling a termite inspection might not be the first thing in your to-do list but it should be. Before buying and moving into your new home, make sure that you hire a professional termite company to do a termite inspection.

Why Is Termite Inspection Important for New Homes?

Termites are not an attention-seeking insect species and as a result, it is hard to spot them. In some cases, it might even take many years to find the termite infestation on a property.

But one thing to keep in mind is the earlier you detect the infestation, the lesser the damage. When you are buying a new home, you are spending a huge amount of your savings on the property. Any homeowner would hate to discover a termite infestation after purchasing the home. A termite inspection done by a professional will eliminate this element of an unpleasant surprise.

What Happens During a Termite Inspection?

The process typically lasts up to an hour during which the termite inspector will thoroughly inspect the whole property for any possible signs of termite activity or termite damage.

As we mentioned before, termites are silent creatures that stay hidden from people. They tend to build their homes in the most remote of places. It is easy for an untrained person to miss these places but a professionally trained termite inspector will know just the right places to check.

The places that the inspector will check include attics, basements, wallpapers, floorings, windows, doors, crawl spaces, cabinets, furniture, and also the outer yard and garden.

This thorough inspection of the property will reveal any termite activity if present. The inspector will also check the possible entry and exit points for termites. For example, termites might enter the house through drainage connections, foundation walls, or even windows and doors. The inspector will also appraise the wood-to-soil contact, which can play a role in the home being infested by termites.

Also Read: Selling a House with a Termite Infestation? Here Are Your Options

What Are Some of the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

While the termite inspector will perform a thorough search for an infestation throughout the whole property, there are also some obvious signs of termite infestation that you can spot yourself. These include:

• Mud Tubes– These are usually found near the foundation wall or the cracks on the surface of the house.
• Frass– Termite droppings that look like wood shavings.
• Hollow Wood– If you hear a hollow sound when you knock on the wood surface, it can be due to a termite infestation.
• Indentations on the wallpapers and drywall.
• Bulging paint.
• Doors and windows that don’t close properly.

When to Schedule a Termite Inspection for a House You Are Going to Buy?

Termite inspection should be on your mind right from the time you decide to buy a house. When you like a property, make sure you visit it and do a simple check for termite infestation.

If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of infestation, it is best to schedule a professional termite inspection as soon as possible. You could also ask the previous owner for a termite letter.

A termite letter is a document that is given after the completion of a termite inspection and it will have the details like the type of termite infestation and the extent of termite damage found in the property. Most homeowners tend to have the termite letter and this will make it easy for you to know the history of termite activity in the house.

Depending on the reports in the termite letter, you could negotiate the price for the property. The termite letter is valid only for a certain period so make sure to check when the report was made.

Never buy a house without knowing the termite status of the property. 

Also Read: Frequently Asked Questions by Homeowners Answered - Termite Control

Is Termite Inspection Necessary for a Newly Constructed House?

Even if it is a new house that has just been constructed, it is still important to check the property for a termite infestation. The house might be free from termites but the same cannot be said about the yard and garden areas. Hence, it is better to schedule a termite inspection to avoid future infestations.

You can also ask the builder about the termite prevention methods employed and how long the effects will last. Soil treatment and termite baits are some of the most popular termite prevention methods used for new houses.

HiTech Termite Control

Termites can be such a nuisance, especially when they disrupt the happiness that comes with moving into a new home. Schedule a termite inspection with us and our termite inspection expert will help you find the termite infestation at the budding stage. Contact us here.