We recently shared a few reasons you might consider adding both thermal imaging and ZipLevel measurements to your home inspection when you’re about to invest in a new home or other structure. Because these two techniques help your home inspector identify potential hazards and defects in parts of the home that aren’t visible or accessible – like inside walls and under flooring – they can provide you with confidence that you’re getting the most thorough home inspection possible.
There’s a third service you should also consider adding to a standard home inspection – and it’s likely the most important. A termite inspection, also sometimes referred to as a wood destroying insect or WDI inspection, is a wise investment. Why? In the United States, termites destroy parts of more than 600,000 homes annually in the U.S., according to the USDA. And treatment and repairs can run to over $5 billion annually, according to the National Pest Management Association. A lot of that damage happens right here in the Lone Star State, thanks to our warm, humid climate. In North Texas, about half of homeowners are forced to deal with them at some point.
Termites tend to hide in places you can’t see, and by the time you do find the thousands of tiny thugs, the damage has usually been done – and it can be massive. What might you find? According to a recent article:
- A large colony of subterranean termites can consume about 15 pounds of wood in a week, ruining insulation, plastic pipes, support beams, and foundations. They don’t sleep – eating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
- Formosan termites are the most destructive. They can cause major structural damage to a home in as little as six months – and their numbers are increasing in Texas.
- Drywood termites live inside the wood – in window frames, door frames, and attics, weakening the inner part of the wood, making your home less secure.
- Dampwood termites are attracted to (as you would expect) damp wood. Plumbing and moisture issues attract them, and they can dramatically exacerbate existing conditions.
A termite inspection can catch possible current and past termite activity. It will also inform you of conditions that are conducive to attracting termites and other wood destroying insects. Yes, it’s an added service that will raise the cost of a home inspection slightly – normally around $100 to $200 for most homes in this area, but it will give you so much more peace of mind when you’re making a major investment. And at Stonebriar Property Inspections, if we don’t find termites, we offer a One-Year Termite Warranty. To learn more, please call or text 214-923-7304 or email [email protected].
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About Our Licensed Dallas Home Inspections
At Stonebriar Property Inspections, Dallas home inspector Keith Boggs proudly provides quality home inspections throughout North Texas seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. Contact him at (214) 923-7304 or [email protected].
- Licensed and insured – Texas Real Estate Commission license #9867. TDA licensed termite technician #0572333. PestGo Pest Control LLC TPCL #0770368
- Rated an A+ with the Dallas Better Business Bureau
- 5 out of 5 stars on 99% of customer reviews
- The most comprehensive home inspections available
- Friendly, down-to-earth service from someone you can trust
In the end, you will feel prepared and not scared.
