| Articles & Links: Inspections |
| Time for Inspections Once you have a contract, you need to get inspections done in a timely matter. It's recommended to have a termite, property and roof inspection at a minimum. Condition, location, type, personal knowledge and other factors should dictate to you what other inspections to order. Inspections can save you money and prevent you from making a poor investment. Your real estate agent can help arrange the different inspections you want. Types of Inspections Termite, roof, property, pool, spa, chimney, geological, wells, septic, radon, lead, asbestos, structural engineering are a number that could be recommended. Termite Vs. Property Inspections These distinct inspections require different skills. The industries are quite dissimilar. For example, termite inspectors estimate the cost to cure Section I and II type work and usually solicit contracts for the corrective work. Property inspection firms don't perform corrective work. The purposes of termite reports and property inspection reports are not compatible and should not be combined. Termite Inspection Most lenders require a termite clearance and most buyers want to know the house they purchase is going to be free from infestation. A termite report covers two areas of concern called "sections". Section I is concerned with actual termite or beetle infestation and dry-rot, caused by moisture. Examples: Termites in joists and studs. Dry rot (spongy floor) around the base of a toilet. Section II concerns itself with preventive measures that could lead to Section I type condition. Examples: Dirt or wood in contact with wooden structures of the house, allowing termites access. A slow plumbing leak that could lead to dry-rot. |