The phrase "Termite Inspection" is somewhat misleading because this inspection really addresses fungus damage (often times called dryrot) plus infestations by termites and wood destroying beetles.
A termite inspection should address only those items that have or are deemed likely to cause damage to the wooden structural members of the building due to infestations of pests (termites or beetles) or infections of wood destroying organisms (fungus).
Looking for problem areas...
Termite inspections are the most problematic of all inspections performed in a home sale transaction. This is due to the fact that most termite inspection companies have a tremendous conflict of interest…by doing the inspection and then offering to perform the corrective work on the damage or infestations they find. Often times the inspectors are paid on a commission or on a profit sharing basis based upon the amount of repairs they can sell their clients. The more expensive a repair technique….the more money the company and inspector can earn. These conflicts of interest can literally cost home sellers or buyers thousands of dollars by requiring unnecessary corrective work. (See Money Saving Repair Methods)
It is imperative that (1) you thoroughly understand the scope and requirements of termite inspection reports, and (2) you never hire an inspection company that performs inspections AND corrective work. (See Understanding California Termite Inspection Reports)
All of National Building Inspectors (NBI) inspection reports are completely un-biased which is GUARANTEED by the fact that we do not perform corrective work or chemical treatments on any home we inspect. Click on Frequently Asked Questions to see how needed repairs can be performed.
All pest control companies in California are licensed and regulated by the:
Structural Pest Control Board
1430 Howe Avenue Sacramento,
CA 95825 1-800-737-8188There are four (4) branches of pest control companies:
Branch 1: Fumigation companies These are companies that place rubberized tents over a house and inject lethal gasses for the eradication of drywood termites and wood destroying beetles.
Branch 2: General pest companies These companies treat for household pests such as ants, spiders, cockroaches, mice, etc. All non-wood destroying pests.
Branch 3: Termite inspection companies These companies inspect for wood destroying organisms and pests (fungus, termites and beetles). These are the companies typically involved in a home sale.
Branch 4: Roof care companies These are the roof care companies that power wash wood shake roofs and treat with fungicides. Any company can hold licenses in multiple branches.The qualifying manager in any company must hold an Operator's license, which requires four years of experience and extensive training.
Field Representatives are typically the inspectors or workers for the company. They must hang their licenses with an Operator. (This requirement is very similar to real estate licensees hanging their license with a Broker.)
National Building Inspectors is a Branch 3 licensed pest control company. (See Frequently Asked Questions)
Also See
Click HERE for a sample of NBI's termite inspection report.
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