Termite Inspection (Part 4) FAQs

Termite Inspection (Part 4) FAQs

Reprinted from the California Structural Pest Control Board

UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS IS A PEST CONTROL INSPECTION REPORT REQUIRED?

Although the State of California regulates structural pest control firms, it does not require an inspection report prior to the sale of property. However, financial intuitions usually require the report to ensure that the building is structurally sound. This requirement protects their investments and provides the home buyer with an inexpensive safeguard against the cost of pest control repair and treatment. Although some homes are sold "as-is," a home buyer is advised to arrange for a pest control inspection anyway. The cost of an inspection is usually no more than $100.00 dollars, while the cost of repairing undetected pest damage may run in the thousands-of-dollars.

WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF THE BUYER WITH REGARD TO PEST INSPECTION REPORTS AND PEST CONTROL TREATMENT?

When a pest control company is hired, it is accountable to both the buyer and seller, regardless of who pays for the inspection. It is required to furnish the person who orders the inspection with a copy of the report within (5) five days. Under [section 1099 of the Civil Code], the seller must deliver a copy of the report to the buyer. If there is any question about the report, the buyer should contact the company which performed the work and, if necessary, arrange for another inspection.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT?

The Structural Pest Control Board requires that all pest control companies in the State use a standardized inspection report form. The inspection report identifies wood-destroying organisms or conditions likely to cause pest infection or infestation, and the area where the problem exists.

Recommendations are also made for corrective treatment. Normally, only the main structure of the property is inspected, but an inspection may be made of other wooden structures detached from the house at the owner's request.

A diagram on the inspection report will detail every part of the house checked for signs of infestation. The report must also state areas which have been inspected and areas considered to be inaccessible. It is important to insure exactly which areas were inspected and to make sure the inspector understands what structures you want inspected.

If you did not order the report, be sure to check if the report is a limited or complete report before accepting it. For Real Estate transfers, a complete structural pest inspection report is preferable.

Conditions considered likely to lead to pest infestations are also indicated on the inspection report. These include conditions caused by excessive moisture, earth-wood, contacts, and faulty grade levels about the foundation.

Pest control inspections are limited to those items subject to wood-destroying organisms. Inspectors operating in a strict capacity, do not include information about the condition of air conditioning, plumbing or electrical systems in their reports. But most inspectors will alert the consumer to obviously dangerous conditions which they discover during the inspection.

WHAT AREAS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE INACCESSIBLE ON THE INSPECTION REPORT?

Those areas which cannot be inspected without opening the structure or removing the objects blocking the opening are considered inaccessible. Attics without adequate crawl space, slab foundations without openings to bathroom plumbing, floors covered in carpeting, wall interiors and locked storage areas are the most common inaccessible areas.

The pest control inspector must list all inaccessible areas and the specific reasons why they are not inspected. Careful attention should be paid to these areas as there may be structural pest problems, which cannot be detected without further inspection. The report will recommend whether or not further inspection is appropriate.

DO ALL RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED ON AN INSPECTION REPORT HAVE TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE SALE OF THE HOME?

Many financial intuitions require that both the inspection and repair work be completed prior to the closing of escrow. If it is not required, the buyer should be aware of work, which has been done and work, which has yet to be completed before purchasing the home. Pest control companies are required to complete a Notice of Work Completed and Not Completed when any work is done on a structure.

IF TWO INSPECTION REPORTS ARE FILED ON THE SAME STRUCTURE WITHIN A REASONABLY CLOSE PERIOD, SHOULD THEY BE NEARLY IDENTICAL?

There are (3) three parts of an inspection report - findings. recommendations and estimates - and each may differ from company to company.

• Findings should be similar, no matter which company performs the inspection, though minor differences are not uncommon. Any major differences, like failing to spot active infestations, should be reported to both companies. If their explanations are not satisfactory, the Structural Pest Control Board should be contacted for assistance.
• Recommendations made by pest control companies can differ considerably since there are numerous ways to repair pest damage or correct conditions. The disparity may be due to differences in the inspector's professional judgment or material availability.
• Estimates to correct the problems and/or conditions identified by the inspection report may vary widely. The Structural Pest Control Board does not regulate or control prices in any way.

HOW LONG IS AN INSPECTION REPORT CONSIDERED VALID, AND ARE COMPANIES REQUIRED TO CERTIFY THEIR INSPECTION WORK?

Under the Structural Pest Control Act, all licensees are responsible for any inspection for two years from the date of such work. However, they are not responsible for conditions, which develop after the inspection. For that reason, it is advisable for the buyer to obtain an inspection report as close as possible to the close of escrow. If the seller orders the report, it is advisable to obtain it when the house is listed so that repairs may be completed before the start of escrow.

Pest control companies are required to certify their inspection work, if requested by the homeowner. They will certify one of the following:

1. The inspection disclosed no evidence of active infestation or infection by pests;
2. The inspection disclosed active infestation and that the repairs have been completed; or
3. The property is free of pest infestation, except for areas indicated on the report.

Every completion report that provides for certification should be compared with a copy of the inspection report to determine if there are any conditions, which have not been corrected.

HOW CAN A CONSUMER TELL IF A HOUSE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BEFORE OR IF ANY WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED?

Effective October 1, 1979, every time a pest control company makes an inspection for wood-destroying pests or organisms, it must post a tag at the entrance of the attic or sub areas or in the garage. the tag contains the firm's name and the date of the inspection. A similar tag must be posted next to the inspection tag when the company completes a Notice of Work Completed or Not Completed indicating any work completed with respect to wood-destroying pests or organisms. In addition to the firm's name and the date of the completion, this tag must indicate any chemical used.

The pest control company must also note on an inspection report the location of the inspection tag as well as the presence of any other inspection tag or fumigation tag that is less than two years old.

Also, anyone who wishes to determine if there are additional inspection reports or completion notices on file or wants copies of known reports may contact the Structural Pest Control Board's Sacramento office where copies may be obtained for a $2.00 dollar search fee.

WHAT CRITERIA SHOULD A CONSUMER USE IN SELECTING THE SERVICES OF A PARTICULAR PEST CONTROL COMPANY?

The approach should be similar to buying other goods. Consult the yellow pages, shop around, compare prices and services, and get more than one estimate for an inspection. Ask friends or neighbors who have recently used structural pest control services for references.

Realtors may also recommend companies, but you are not required to accept their recommendations, and may want to select your own company. After selecting a company, you can write or telephone the Structural Pest Control Board to verify the company's license status and complaint history for the previous two years.

WHAT RECOURSE DOES A CONSUMER HAVE IF DISSATISFIED WITH THE SERVICES OF THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY?

After reading the information in this brochure, contact the company with whom you are dissatisfied and explain your problem.

If the company does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction, you can contact the Structural Pest Control Board for additional information or assistance by telephoning: Southern California: (213) 620-2428; Northern California: (916) 920-6323. Or you may send for a complaint questionnaire by writing: Structural Pest Control Complaints Structural Pest Control Board 1430 Howe Avenue Sacramento, CA, 95825

The Structural Pest Control Board will first try to mediate you complaint. If this does not result in a satisfactory solution and further investigation is warranted, the complaint may be referred to the Department of Consumer Affairs Division of investigation. However, even if an investigation results in a license suspension or revocation, the Board cannot guarantee that you will receive any restitution. You may still have to file a civil action lawsuit to get your money back.

Complements of the Structural Pest Control Board.

1Listing is a California fixed fee listing service for California sellers. Visit us at www.1Listing.com or call (707) 693-0100.