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Real
Estate Agents
I refer to
Neeru Sehgal
Temecula Real Estate
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Termites & Pests
The one inspection which applies to almost every
home sale and purchase is the "Termite" or "Pest" inspection and report. These
are both misnomers but they're the two most common titles used for the "wood
destroying pest and organisms inspection report" on the condition of the
property as of the date it was inspected. During the inspection, the inspector
looks for:
- Actual structural damage caused by moisture, or an infestation of
fungus, termites, beetles or other wood destroying pests, and
- Conditions such as excessive moisture, inadequate ventilation, faulty
grade levels or water leaks, which if left uncorrected, may eventually lead
to infestation or structural damage.
Certain specific areas, unless excluded from the
inspection or not accessible to the inspector, are inspected and outlined in the
report:
- Substructure (the crawl space);
- Stall showers,
- Foundations,
- Porches and steps,
- Ventilation,
- Attic Spaces,
- Garages,
- Decks and Patios,
- Other-Interior and
- Other-Exterior.
A termite report IS NOT a complete physical and
geological inspection of the property. There are many other professionals that
may be consulted to do other inspections in order to ascertain a more complete
picture of the property's condition. Do not look for the termite report to tell
you about:
- Code compliance/violations (including building, zoning, fire, health and
safety codes) unless it involves as pest control issue.
- Plumbing, sewer, septic soundness -- except for noticeable leaks.
- Heating, electrical, appliance, air conditioning, mechanical systems,
pools, spa conditions
- Roof condition
- Soil condition
- Structural integrity beyond pest control concerns
- Environmental hazards
- Cosmetic repairs
- Window or glass conditions
The Inspector's Recommendations
Each finding listed in the report is followed by a
recommendation from the inspector. The report will title each recommendation
with one of 5 titles: Section I, Section II, Further Inspection, Information or
Consult Other Trade.
- Section I means "Damage has occurred, corrective action is needed" --
there is evidence of active infestation or infection damage that has
resulted in or from infestation or infection. Typically sellers are
responsible for correcting these items.
- Section II means "Damage can be expected in the future, but with
corrective action it can be prevented" -- there is a condition that is
likely to lead to infestation or infection but no visible evidence was found
as of the time of the report. Typically, buyers agree to assume
responsibility for Section II repairs, although there is no requirement that
these be completed within any particular time frame.
- Further Inspection means "there may be damage but it is not readily
visible" -- To verify whether or not there is damage will require opening a
wall, lifting a floor, moving the current occupant's personal belonging,
etc. You can request that the further inspection be done, for an additional
fee, and a supplemental report will be issued. Who pays for the further
inspection is typically handled as follows: If no Section I damage is found,
the buyer pays. If Section I damage is found, the seller pays for the
inspection and for the repairs.
- Information -- the item is noted for your information only. These are
typically reminders as to future preventative maintenance which you should
take.
- Consult Other Trade or Another Craft -- this means that there was a
problem noted, but it is beyond the scope of the inspector and so should be
looked at by a specialized craftsperson.
Why is the pest report so important? Most
lenders require you to show that the property has no Section I damage before
they will agree to make a loan on the property. This is called "the clearance."
If the inspector finds no Section I damage the report will include the statement
that "this property is clear of . . ." If the inspector does find Section I
damage, the repairs are made, the inspector comes out again to verify the
repairs and then issues a report which says there is no damage. This report is
called the "clearance."
More info on Termites
Treatment Options
Sentricon Systems
Termidor
Types of Termite
Problem with repellants
CAR Wood Destroying Pest - WPA Form
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