Inspection Process

What Are We Looking For and What Can You Expect?

Several conditions we are looking for when we perform an inspection include: active termite infestation (subterranean, damp wood, or dry wood termites), fungus infections and damaged wood, contributing water leaks, and other types of pest infestation (carpenter ants, powder post beetles, carpenter bees). When you order a termite inspection, there are a few preparations necessary to ensure that all areas of your home are inspected thoroughly. The following is a walk through of the inspection process and any preparation that might assist us in performing a complete inspection.

• Exterior inspection: includes roof eaves, decks and patio covers (unless otherwise omitted),
  attached planters, columns and posts, window trim, siding, and any accessible wood members
  within 10' of the ground.
  
• Garage inspection: includes interior of the garage. Storage must be moved, if possible, at least
  two feet from all walls to provide access to any footings, exposed framing, wall surfaces or cabinet interiors.
  
• Interior inspection of the structure: includes floors, baseboards, window sills, all fixtures and faucets,
  shower/tub water tests. Please remove items from under sinks and away from plumbing fixtures,
  if possible.
  
• Attic: If there is no insulation covering the ceiling joists, the attic will be inspected. Please make
  sure the attic access is available to the inspector.
  
• Substructure Inspection: please remove any storage from on top of the access covers so the subarea can be inspected.
  

Once your inspection is completed, you will have an opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns with your inspector. Since we provide our termite reports in PDF format, you should receive your report via email within 48 hours*.

Included in this report will be a diagram of your home with all findings listed in number-letter format (e.g.2A,28,2C, etc.) The inspection report will be followed by a Work Authorization Contract which will include any bids for recommended repairs and/or treatments.

*If you do not have email, we can also send your report through fax or US Mail.

Should you have any further questions about what is included in the inspection or any

additional preparation measures, please feel free to contact our office and we will be

happy to assist you.

Reading and understanding a Wood Destroying Pest and Organism report. Simply put "A Termite Report"

All termite inspection reports are required to follow a specific guideline to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the structural pest control act, rules, and regulations. Termite inspectors have been trained to identify wood destroying pests and organisms, and to identify the structural damage caused by termites, beetles, and fungus, along with making recommendations to correct conditions deemed likely to lead to infections or infestations. There are three major categories that all findings are categorized under:
SECTION l, SECTION 2, and FURTHER INSPECTION.

l. ltems listed under Section I are items where there is evidence of infestation, infection, or conditions which have contributed to or resulted from infections or infestations. Items listed in this category are important for the homeowner to focus on and make corrections to rectify to preserve the structural integrity. When these items are left uncorrected, they usually continue to cause damage to the structure and repair costs will increase' sometimes dramatically. Most items are usually identified on the diagram of the first page of the report with corresponding item numbers.

2. ltems listed under Section 2 are items which are deemed likely to lead to infections, or infestations, but where no visible evidence of such was found. These items are generally listed as maintenance items. lt is just as important for the homeowner to correct Section 2 findings, as it is just a matter of time before the conditions can start causing structural damage. For instance, the finding listed as 4A on the example report refers to a faulty grade condition on the right side exterior (see diagram page I of report). Although the inspector noted no infections, or infestations visible at that time to justify a Section 1 finding, if this grade level is not corrected, it may cause or contribute to future fungus damage, or allow termites to enter the structure. Correcting Section 2 items as soon as possible can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in structural damage.

3. ltems listed under Further lnspection are defined as recommendations to inspect areas which were not accessible at the time of the original inspection, and where the inspector could not represent and item to fall under the Section I or Section 2 category.

On the example report you will see on Page 5 item 5A refers to the interior of the garage being inaccessible for complete inspection due to stored personal property. lt is important for the homeowner or potential home buyer to have the further inspection performed so a thorough inspection report can be made and all structural damage, if any, can be identified.

Homeowners or other interested parties should contact the termite inspector, or operator, and ask any questions regarding the inspection report they may not understand or may need clarification. lt is important to understand the report and make corrections to protect the most important financial investment you will make in your lifetime. I hope this information enables all those who read it, the ability to read and better understand the findings and recommendations outlined in inspection reports.