Purchasing a new home in Mobile is always an exciting process, and those who undertake it typically cannot wait until the previous occupants vacate so that they can move. Sadly, many new homeowners discover after moving in that there are some occupants who have no intention of ever leaving.
Termites can cause untold damage to a home’s structure, so much so that their presence alone may be enough to deter any potential sale. Most prospective buyers believe that termite damage is something that will come up during a home inspection, yet that is not always the case.
Potential for missed termite damage during a home inspection
A home inspector’s primary responsibility is to ensure that a home’s physical components are all up to local standards. These components usually include:
- The foundation
- The attic and roof
- The windows and doors
- The electrical system
- The HVAC system
Noticeably absent from that list is termite damage. When there is visible damage, an inspector may note it, but baseline requirements often do not go beyond that. There are certain probing techniques that they can do to check for it, yet according to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, such probing only occurs at the request of the property owner or agent. Some inspectors do offer dedicated pest inspection services but at an additional cost.
Insisting on a pest inspection
All of this information points to one conclusion: prospective homebuyers cannot rely on a home inspection alone to spot potential termite damage. Per the website Homelight.com, only a separate pest inspection performed by a licensed pest control company can guarantee a forewarning of potential termite damage. Thus, those looking to buy a new home should make passing such an inspection contingent on closing the sale.
