What is a Wood Infestation Report?

As an Alabama resident, no one needs to tell you that termites pose a continuing problem in our state. Should you wish to sell your home or buy a new home, termites and the damage they have caused to the home in question can become a major roadblock.

A Wood Infestation Report is an official form that is designed to disclose to home purchasers that an inspection of the home has been conducted, and is further designed to state whether there is visible evidence of an active or previous infestation based on visible and accessible areas that were inspected. Mortgage lenders usually require a Wood Infestation Report before they will lend money on the home.

Who pays for the report

Usually, in Alabama, the seller obtains and pays for the Wood Infestation Report. But remember, this report only assesses the home’s visible damage; it does not guarantee that no termites or other organisms are currently at work. The inspector has no way of determining that if they have not yet caused damage.

A wood infestation inspection report is perhaps the most important document that you will be presented with at closing of the purchase of your home. READ IT CAREFULLY.  If you see signs reflected on the report that there is an active or previous infestation of termites, stop the closing and have the home inspected by a qualified pest control expert and a contractor in order to determine the degree of the infestation and the costs of repair.

You may need to then renegotiate the purchase agreement with the seller. Most people get in trouble because they either receive a false Wood Infestation inspection report or because they do not read the reports that do contain a disclosure of damage at closing.

This is general educational information and not intended to provide legal advice.

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