Have you been looking for a property to make into your home and business? If so, you already know how stressful the whole process is. There are so many things to think about, and with all likelihood, thinking about whether your dream property is inhabited by pests is probably low on your list of concerns.
However, not considering whether there are uninvited guests in your new home or premises can lead to huge problems and additional financial costs.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of a pre-purchase termite and timber pest inspection and how this can save you time and money.
Uncovering Hidden Damage Before You Commit
A pre-purchase termite and timber pest inspection is a specialist service where a professional pest control technician examines a property for signs of pests before you purchase the property.
This in-depth service will look for:
- Active termite and timber pests. Ongoing termite activity or other pest infestations.
- Pest Damage: Evidence of present or past damage to timber, foundation and walls.
- Conditions That May Encourage Pests: High moisture, timber to soil contact, poor ventilation or other conditions that may attract pests.
- Prevention: Document existing pest control measures like termite treatment zones.
- As part of the inspection, the following areas will be tackled:
- Crawlspaces and Basements: These tend to be dark and damp, making them ideal for many pests.
- Roof Voids: Roof voids are often perfect habitats for bats, rodents and other wildlife.
- Wood Structures: Framing joists and beams will be tapped and probed to check for damage from termites or other wood-boring pests.
- Exterior Perimeter: In addition to checking inside the house, the inspector will check outside of the property for entry points, ideal environments for pests like high moisture, and signs of insect activity or nests.
Why a Separate Pest Inspection is Crucial
Some may be tempted to include a termite and timber pest inspection as part of a building pre-purchase inspection. However, building inspectors only assess the property’s overall structural integrity and major defects. They are typically not licensed or trained in comprehensive termite and timber pest inspections. Therefore, having a separate pre-purchase termite and timber pest inspection performed by a qualified pest control professional is vital.
Having a specialist pest inspection can:
Uncover Hidden Damage
Pests like termites are experts at destroying timber foundations and frames in the home without any visible damage. A professional pest inspector uses specialised tools to uncover hidden damage and insect activity.
Offer Financial Protection
While not having a pest inspection can save money temporarily, hidden pest problems can lead to thousands in repair costs. This is often left to the home or property owner to pay, as many home insurance policies do not cover pests.
Give Peace of Mind and Safety
Pests can not only cause damage, but they also pose health and safety hazards. Professional inspections provide peace of mind that your property is pest-free.
Negotiating Power: Using the Inspection Report as a Tool
A pre-purchase termite and timber pest inspection report is a very powerful negotiation tool. If an active infestation or severe structural damage from past infestations is found, you gain crucial leverage over the negotiations. Typically, the seller is responsible for treatment if an active infestation is found. Knowing if pests are a problem within the property can help you make an informed decision about the property’s true cost and risk.
Typically, the following will occur for properties where pest infestation has been identified:
- The seller takes on the responsibility to treat active termites and make structural repairs.
- The price of the property is reduced to cover the cost of treatments or repairs.
- You may decide to withdraw from negotiations about the property.
Do you need a Pre-Purchase termite and timber pest inspection?
Control Pest Management is highly experienced in conducting pre-purchase termite and timber pest inspections. Contact us on 1300 357 246, info@controlpestmanagement.com.au or fill in the form on our Contact page.