Pest Inspection
Termite Inspection
First Look recommends a pest inspection & termite inspection with every home inspection. Pests such as termites and carpenter ants are a significant problem in New England and can-do extensive damage without you knowing it. (Sometimes the evidence of an infestation or prior infestation are impossible for the untrained eye to detect.)
Our New Hampshire and Massachusetts home inspectors are fully trained and certified to perform property pest inspections in addition to being State Licensed New Home Inspectors. First Look Home Inspection’s inspectors thoroughly examine the property for evidence of termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powder post beetles, etc. during a pest inspection.pro
First Look Home Inspection offers a pest inspection as an additional addon service to any home inspection. However, during a standard home inspection, your inspector may encounter visual clues to the presence of past or ongoing pest infestations. Your inspector may only look for visual clues and does not actively sound or probe for pests. If visual sings of pests are identified, you will be alerted to these clues and a recommendation for further evaluation by a qualified pest control contractor will be made.
When is a Pest Inspection Required?
If pursuing FHA or VA lending options, buyers are typically required to have this type of “visual, sounding and probing” inspection for Wood Destroying Insects. An FHA Loan (Federal Housing Association) or a VA Loan (Veterans Association), usually requires its borrowers to have this bed bug inspection or wood destroying insect inspection on a specific form (NPMA-33) and signed by a Certified Pest Inspector. If you are not sure what your lending requires, you should check with your Mortgage Broker, Realtor or Attorney.
If you’re loan is NOT going through FHA or VA lending, there are some key benefits to your home inspector performing a pest inspection such as discovering hidden structural damage and insect infestation. This way, if an infestation is found, repairs could potentially be negotiated with the seller.
How is a Pest Inspection Different From a Home Inspection?
After your offer is accepted, you will most likely order a professional home inspection for the property. During your home inspection, the inspector will look for any hazards, safety threats, or major defects but pest detection and reporting are limited to visual identification only. The inspector may raise red flags like wood rot or moisture problems, and then recommend a specialist take a closer look. Your home inspector will not specifically sound or probe trouble areas for signs of pests. In addition, a home inspection without an added pest inspection does not include the NPMA-33 form as required by some lending options.
During a pest inspection, a First Look home inspector will check the exterior and interior of the property for any signs of infestation, damage, or areas that are attractive to pests. Often, the actual insect is not observed, rather the environment that those insects are attracted to is present. For example, wood in soil contact.