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Termites
Focus Home Inspection - Same peace of mind, one inspection at a time
Termites are destructive insects that feed on cellulose, a primary component of wood, paper, and other plant-based materials. They are often called "silent destroyers" because they can chew through a home's wooden structure from the inside out, causing extensive damage without any visible signs for a long time. There are several different kinds of termites, but the most common in the United States are subterranean termites, which live in underground colonies and build distinctive mud tubes to access a home's wood; drywood termites, which live entirely within the wood they consume and do not require contact with the soil; and dampwood termites, which infest wood with a high moisture content.
The harm that termites pose for a house is significant and can be devastating to a homeowner's investment. By consuming the wooden components of a home, termites can compromise its structural integrity, leading to weakened support beams, damaged floors, and even the collapse of ceilings or walls. This damage can be incredibly expensive to repair, often costing thousands of dollars, and is typically not covered by standard homeowner's insurance policies. Because termites work from the inside out, the damage can go unnoticed for years, allowing a minor infestation to become a major structural problem.
There are several treatment methods for a termite infestation, and the choice depends on the type of termite and the extent of the damage. For subterranean termites, common treatments include liquid termiticides, which are applied to the soil around the home's foundation to create a protective barrier. Baiting systems are another method, using cellulose-based bait with a slow-acting poison that the termites carry back to their colony to eliminate it. For drywood termites, treatments can include fumigation, where the entire home is tented and filled with a gas to kill all the termites inside the wood, or localized spot treatments for smaller infestations.
In most states, including California, there is a clear legal distinction between a home inspector and a pest and termite inspector. A home inspector is not legally allowed to perform a termite inspection. Their role is to conduct a general, visual inspection of the home's accessible systems and components. While they may note signs of what looks like termite activity, they are required by law to state in their report that they are not licensed pest inspectors and to recommend that a licensed professional be hired for a specialized inspection. Only a licensed and state-certified termite inspector has the training, experience, and legal authority to identify the type of infestation, determine the extent of the damage, and propose a treatment plan.
In the real estate world, "Section 1 clearance" is a critical term that pertains to a termite inspection report. A "Section 1" finding refers to active infestations or existing damage caused by wood-destroying pests. When a report has a Section 1 finding, it means that a licensed termite inspector has found evidence of active termites or other wood-destroying pests that require immediate treatment or repair. A "clearance" report means that there are no Section 1 findings, and the property is considered free of active infestations. In California, it is common practice for a seller to provide a clear Section 1 report to a buyer before the close of escrow.
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The risks of not getting a termite inspection are substantial and can lead to a financial nightmare for a homebuyer. Without a professional inspection, you are flying blind, leaving yourself vulnerable to purchasing a home that is actively being eaten from the inside out. The cost of a termite inspection is a small fraction of what a full-scale treatment and repair could cost. Ignoring this crucial step could mean inheriting a costly problem that standard homeowner's insurance will not cover, putting your most significant financial asset at risk.
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There is no debate about it: getting a termite inspection before removing contingencies is a must-do and a non-negotiable step in the home buying process. This is your final chance to uncover a potentially hidden and devastating problem. A professional termite inspection provides you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the home's structure is sound. If an infestation is found, it gives you the leverage to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a credit before the sale is finalized. Do not rely on a home inspector's limited visual observations; trust the expertise of a licensed termite professional. This simple, affordable step protects you from a costly and stressful surprise down the road, ensuring that your dream home doesn't become a financial burden.
Modern, Mobile Friendly Reporting
Immediate report publication gets you off to the races faster
We commit to immediate reporting. All observations are documented in real time ensuring that your report is complete and ready for review at the end of the inspection.
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Web based HTML reports with the option to download to PDF
You and your client have the option to view the report online in full resolution and detail, or to download the report to PDF for an old fashioned kinetic approach to study and ease of sharing.
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High resolution images and video reporting
Photos and video ensure all parties involved have a firm grasp on the reality of the situation. Be sure to tell us if your client is out of town so that your inspector can make video observation on important and often confusing items.
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Informative observations illustrate and educate
Our formula for reporting is simple: the observation, the implication, and our recommendation. While other companies look for shortcuts in their reporting by employing "such as but not limited to" comments, we use specific comments for each defect observed. This means that you and your client learn about the reality of the defect observed and what your next steps are.