Do You Know What A Termite Inspector Does?
Sometimes when we think of a termite inspector, we think of a glorified salesperson. However, that is usually a misconception. A termite inspector is a professional with specialized knowledge and training to help you protect and preserve the structure of your home.
It is always best to try to find one who is not affiliated with a pest control company whenever possible to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest and to give you some assurance that you are not being set up for a sale pitch.
These professionals not only have specialized knowledge and training, they also have particular tools of the trade and you should look for such tools as one way of determining whether the inspector who comes to your home is in fact a professional. First, you should ask to see their license. You should see if the person is wearing coveralls or a white lab suit or coat. Does the person have a mask, a flashlight, a pen and writing tablet, and other tools such as a temperature gauge, a small hammer, and possibly a screwdriver and an ice pick or similar tool.
You should accompany this person on the inspection of your home. Does the inspector walk around your house and observe the foundation and walls for signs of termites such as a cluster of wings, mud tubes, wood powder, and damage to wood? If not, send the person packing. To do an adequate job, the person should crawl underneath your house and inspect support structures very closely for signs of infestation. Your attic and basement, if you have either or both, should also be carefully examined. In other words, you want to make sure that the person does a detailed inspection of your house and yard.
Any inspector should be concerned with not only whether your property has been invaded by termites, but also whether there are conditions present which make your property vulnerable to such an attack. That is yet another reason why you should accompany the inspector on the tour of your property.
Processing your request, Please wait....
