Structural Pest Control Inspection
Often referred to as a “Termite Report”, the Structural Pest Control Inspection is conducted by a licensed inspector. In addition to actual termite damage, the Pest Report will indicate any type of wood destroying organisms that may be present, including fungus (sometimes called dry rot), which generally results from excessive moisture.
- Section I Conditions
- Most Pest Reports classify conditions as Section I or Section II items. Section I conditions are those which are “active,” or currently causing damage to the property. Generally, Section I items need to be corrected before a lender will make a loan on a home.
- Section II Conditions
- Those which are not currently causing damage, but are likely to, if left unattended. A typical Section II item is a plumbing leak where the moisture has not yet caused fungus decay.
- Who Pays?
- The Purchase Contract will specify who is responsible for the cost of the inspection and making these corrections. This is a negotiable item and should be considered carefully.
Physical Inspection
The Physical Inspection clause in your Purchase Contract, when initialed by both parties, allows the right to have the property thoroughly inspected. This is usually done through a General Home Inspection. While home inspectors are not currently required to have a license, most are, or have been, General Contractors. The inspection and the resulting report provides an overall assessment of the present condition of the property.
- What is Inspected
- The Home Inspection covers items such as exterior siding, paint, flooring, appliances, water heater, furnace, electrical service, plumbing, and other visible features of the property. This is a general inspection and will often call for additional inspections by specific trades, such as roof and furnace inspections.
- Further Inspections
- If conditions warrant, the home inspector may recommend a Structural Engineers Report. Such a report would identify structural failures and detail recommended corrections.
- Who Pays?
- Typically, this inspection is paid for by the Buyer.
Geological Inspection
You may also elect to have a Geological Inspection to educate yourselves as to the soil conditions at the home. This inspection is performed by a Geotechnical Engineer and involves not only physically inspecting the property, but also researching past geological activity in the area. The primary purpose of a Geological Inspection is to determine the stability of the ground under and around the home.
- Who Pays?
- Typically the Buyer pays, but as with other inspections, this is negotiable according to the contract.
Home Warranty
Home Protection Plans are available for purchase by a Buyer or Seller. Such plans may provide additional protection of certain systems and appliances in the home.