- 8942 Garden Grove Blvd. Suite #210, Garden Grove, CA 92844
- kevin@firstgoldstars.com
- (714) 467-5298
Often referred to as a "TERMITE REPORT" the structural pest control inspection is conducted by a licensed inspector. In addition to actual termite damage, the pest report will indicate any type of wood destroying organisms that may be present, including fungi (sometimes call "dry rot"), that generally results from excessive moisture. Most pest reports classify conditions as Section 1 or Section 2 items.
Section 1 conditions are those that are "active", or currently causing damage to the property. Generally, Section 1 items need to be corrected before a lender will make a loan on a home.
Those that are not currently causing damage, but are likely to if left unattended, are Section 2 items. A typical Section 2 item is a plumbing leak where the moisture has not yet caused fungus decay. Who Pays? The purchase contract will specify who is responsible for the inspection and make these corrections. This is a negotiable item and should be considered carefully.
The physical inspection clause in your purchase contract, when initialed by both parties, gives permission to have the property thoroughly inspected. This is usually done through a General Home Inspection. The inspection and the resulting report provide an overall assessment of the present condition of the property.
The home inspection covers items such as exterior siding, paint, flooring, appliances, water heater, furnace, electrical service, plumbing, and other visible features of the property. This is a general inspection and will call for additional trade specific inspections, such as roof and furnace inspections.
If conditions warrant, the home inspector may recommend a structural engineers report. Such a report would identify structural failures and detail recommended corrections. Who Pays? Typically, this inspection is paid by the buyer.
You may also elect to have a Geological Inspection to educate yourselves as to the soil conditions at the home. This inspection is performed by a Geological Engineer and involves not only physically inspecting the property but also researching past geological activity in the area. The primary purpose of a geological inspection is to determine the stability of the ground under and around the home. Who Pays? Typically, the buyer pays, but as with other inspections, this is negotiable according to the contract.
Home protection plans are available for purchase by a buyer or seller. Such plans may provide additional protection of certain systems and appliances in the home.