Most people know to get a home inspection before buying a house, but they don’t necessarily think of getting a pest inspection. The structure of a home is a big component of its overall value, but pests comprise a small portion of it too. If you buy a home that is covered in mice, roaches, termites, and more, you’re going to put a lot more into renovating it than you want to. That’s why you need to get a pest inspection before you buy a house.
What a Pest Inspection Will Do
Some people choose to get a specific type of assessment done, like a termite inspection or mouse inspection. Others choose to have a pest control specialist go over every inch of the home. In either case, the inspector will be looking for signs of infestations, identified by droppings, holes, cracks, soft spots, and more. This person will identify potential problems you may have, or he will directly point out nests/colonies of pests you can’t see at first.
Why Should I Get a Pest Inspection?
A pest inspection will open your mind to the problems you have before you buy a home. If there are a lot of issues that need to be dealt with, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for the property. If there are no problems at all, having an inspection will give you peace of mind about the safety of your home.
Another reason to consider getting a pest inspection is because it could prevent you from buying a home that is not structurally sound. A termite inspector can decide if you will need new framing for the home, which will be a big undertaking for you. If you are not ready for that kind of commitment, you can get out before you ever sign the paperwork.
How to Get a Pest Inspection
When you put an offer in for a home, make sure you have a clause that indicates you can have it inspected. Most realtors will set this up for you, but they may not include pest inspections within the clause. Some are only set up for home inspections. Once you have all of the paperwork in place, contact a pest control expert with experience in pest inspections. That person will go through the home at your convenience and let you know on the spot what the problems are. You can get a quote for any necessary work in the home, and then continue the deal accordingly.
