What is a wood infestation report?
Also known as a "termite letter," an official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report documents any visible signs of active or previous infestations of subterranean termites, dry wood termites, powder post beetles, wood-boring beetles or wood-decaying fungi. It also details any existing damage, notes areas that are inaccessible and reports conditions that are conducive to a potential infestation in the future.
It's important to obtain a Georgia Wood Infestation Report from a licensed pest control company that specifically holds a license in dealing with wood-destroying organisms. To be valid, this report must contain specific information, including details about the company, the address of the structure and the names of the buyer and seller of the property.
What doesn't the report cover?
During a termite letter inspection, the pest company inspector will examine the entire structure, including the attic and the area beneath the house. Although the inspector will report structural problems, note that they are only looking for pest-related damage. Any structural or electrical issues such as poor plumbing or leaks are not covered by these pest control inspections. Most importantly, only licensed home inspectors can document these problems.
Why do you need a Georgia Wood Infestation Report?
Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year, according to the National Pest Management Association. Unfortunately, this expense is not typically covered by homeowner insurance.
Just like a home inspection report, the main purpose of the infestation report is to inform the seller and buyer of any problems before the purchase occurs. This prevents people from unknowingly buying homes with prior or current insect infestations and discovering the problem down the road. Many banks and lending institutions also mandate that all homes need to be inspected for damage from termites or other wood-eating insects before they will loan money for the home.
If you require a report, it's important to choose a reputable pest control company. Whether you're buying or selling, contact the experts at Inspect-All Services today to schedule a wood infestation inspection.