Despite the economic missteps of the last few years, the housing market seems to be recovering nicely. More and more people are ready to buy a home again, and that may mean you’re in the market for a great house. Before you sign the papers on your new home, though, a termite inspection is an absolute must.
Termites 101
A good Florida termite exterminator will tell you that subterranean termites do the most damage to homes in the U.S. Even if they’ve never been a problem in the past, they can reach over from a neighbor’s yard, up to a half-acre away.
The signs of a problem are fairly apparent, too. If you see any swarming in the home you’re considering, you likely have a termite problem. Did you notice tunnels across the home’s foundation or in the basement? Those are called shelter tubes, and termites build them to protect the colony.
If you get a chance, pull the mulch away from the house a bit and look for termite activity. You can also look for hollowed wood near the home or dirt inside the wood. Both are signs termites may be infesting the home that you’re thinking about buying.
Consider Termite Exterminators
If you’re taking out a mortgage on the new property, you’re probably going to be required to contact termite extermination company for an termite inspection before the bank will help you buy the property. In other sales, though, it may not be required. Even in the event it isn’t required, make certain you have a termite inspection done. Even if they find termites in the home you want to buy, don’t worry. There are very effective termite treatment methods, and in most cases, the damage can be dealt with. In fact, you may not even have to delay the sale as a result of the inspector’s findings.