Tuesday, July 10, 2007

The Nitty Gritty



So, What Happens at a Structural Pest Inspection?

One of the most important inspections that can happen during a property sale transaction is the structural pest inspection. Often times, the first question you might hear when selling a home is "How much is the pest?" So, what is going on here?

The structural pest inspection investigates a home for termite damage, dry rot, and other related problems. Sometimes the seller will have this inspection, but not always. If a home you are interested in has not had a structural pest inspection, it is advisable to spend a few hundred dollars on getting one done.

When looking at an inspection report, you will see descriptions of any problems found and an estimate to repair each problem. So, you are looking for the lowest number possible. Section one, which investigates current damage, is the most important section to look at closely. Section two looks at the potential for future damage.

Repair work on a house with significant damage can include anything from tenting a house for fumigation to replacing a deck. And, the costs for extensive repair work can easily escalate into the $10,000-$20,000 range. So, you can see how important this can be. But don't worry too much, as the pest report is often clear or might just require very minor work.


Inspections are not required by the state, but many lenders will require this as part of the appraisal and approval process. For more information, please visit the state's handy structural pest control website. Or, just contact me at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net. I'm always happy to help.

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