Whenever a licensed company does an inspection, it is required to post a tag that contains the company name and inspection date, in the area inspected. If any termite control has been done, another tag must be placed next to the first one containing the company name, the date on which the pest control was completed and the chemicals used. The pest control company must also note on the inspection report the details of any inspections done in the last 2 years. Details of home inspections in California can be found on the Structural Pest Control Board website.
Are there any areas that the report will not cover?
Areas that cannot be inspected without opening the structure or because there are objects blocking access are considered to be inaccessible and are not covered in the report. In general these include attics and /or subareas that do not have adequate crawl space, slab foundations without openings, wall covered by shelves and cabinets and carpeted floors. The inspection report must list all the areas that were not inspected and recommend any further action, if required.
What information is in the report?
California law mandates that the inspection report contain details of any wood destroying insects and fungus that may be found. It must also contain information on any structural damage that may be seen. Any existing conditions that could lead to pest infestation in the future must also be noted in the report. This includes issues like faulty grade levels, earth to wood contact and excess moisture. A diagram that clearly shows which areas were inspected and which were not must form part of the report. For example, unless specifically asked for, outbuildings are not normally inspected. If such areas are to be inspected, specific instruction must be given to the inspector. If you did not order the report and are using one provided by the seller, check to see if it is a limited or complete report and if it is limited, consider having an additional inspection done to give you a complete inspection report.
Do the recommendations have to be complied with?
In California there are no laws that require that the recommendations in an inspection report must be complied with. However, financial institutions will usually require that the recommendations in a report be complied with, before agreeing to any loan. The exact nature of the requirements to be met with will vary from institution to institution. Ensure that the report you are using meets all the requirements of the lender you will be dealing with.
How long is the report valid?
Inspection reports and completion notices are valid for 2 years.
Ensuring that proper termite inspection is done before investing in a house is essential. Without it, the major investment you are making – one that will affect your family’s future – may be an insecure one. To ensure that you are fully protected, have the inspection and subsequent termite control, if required, done by a professional termite control company that uses cutting edge technology and state of the art equipment.
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