Real Estate Termite & Moisture Reports: What Are They?

Moisture problems and termite invasions create costly disasters in numerous Virginia homes. It’s crucial to discover them before the effects become catastrophic. A minor termite infestation may not produce significant damage if a professional quickly eradicates the insects. On the other hand, many affected homeowners must spend around $2,000 to $4,000 on repairs. This pest occasionally damages a building so severely that it’s more economical to demolish the house and construct a new dwelling.

Almost one out of five American homes contain damaging water leaks. About 47 percent experience problems with mold or dampness, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. These conditions can degrade the air quality in your house and trigger various ailments. Unwanted moisture damages insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall and many other building materials. Dampness and pest invasions often go together; most termites prefer moist wood.

Inspections

Fortunately, you can avoid or mitigate these problems by requesting a real estate termite and moisture report. A professional inspector will visit your home and examine it for about 45 to 90 minutes. This expert looks for subtle signs of insects and excess water. He or she will find dampness caused by steam, plumbing defects or roof leaks. Potential symptoms of a termite invasion range from mud tubes to bubbles in paint. The inspector develops a report with details on any problems and their points of origin.

Benefits

It makes sense for Virginia homeowners to schedule inspections every 12 months. If you can’t afford annual reports, request them every three years. Both wood-boring insects and excess moisture frequently remain hidden until the consequences turn severe. When you consider how much it costs to remove and replace entire walls, it’s clearly worth paying for the inspection. Home insurers seldom cover repairs necessitated by roof leaks or infestations.

It’s also wise to obtain a termite and moisture report before buying a building. Don’t make the disastrous mistake of purchasing a house with serious structural damage or hidden mold problems. You can’t rely on a standard home inspection to reveal termites. Most building inspectors don’t have the skills or equipment needed to detect hidden pests. It becomes rather difficult to gain any type of compensation if you discover defects after the closing.

Solutions

When an inspector informs you about any significant problems, he or she will recommend various ways to correct them. Pesticide treatments can eradicate termites, but it’s vital to prevent reinfestation by repairing damage and eliminating conditions that attract these pests. Depending on its source and location, excess moisture may necessitate a sump pump, vapor barrier, vent, drain or dehumidifier.

If you’d like to schedule an inspection, contact Accel Pest and Termite Control. Our technicians carefully examine homes and provide comprehensive reports. We offer thorough repair, moisture control and extermination services. Accel has more than five decades of experience in eastern Virginia. Over 150 customers rated us an average of 4.74 stars on HomeAdvisor, and we’ve earned an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. Please contact us for a free quote.