Wood Destroying Insect Inspections
When Maida Services performs a commercial property or home inspection, we ALWAYS include a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection (termites, carpenter ants, etc.) that is sufficiant for FHA or VA lending, at no additional charge. This inspection is called a "visual, sounding and probing inspection".
Some inspection companies do not include a termite or Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report. Other commercial or home inspectors only visually "look" for signs of destructive insects - that is not sufficiant. It is absolutely necessary to probe and sound out the areas susceptible to attack. While interviewing any home inspectors that don't include a "termite" inspection, be sure to ask how much the additional charge will be.
Termites and Carpenter Ants are a considerable problem in New England and they can do extensive damage without your knowing it. We thoroughly examine the property for evidence of termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powder post beetles, etc. Inspecting for signs of termites isn't a hit or miss proposition. Sometimes the signals are impossible for the untrained eye to detect. And, almost always they are in places that are very difficult to reach. Our inspectors are fully trained and licensed/certified to perform pest inspections.
Typically, if you are pursuing FHA or VA lending, you'll need to have this type of a "visual, sounding and probing" inspection for Wood Destroying Insects on a specific form (NPMA-33).
An FHA Loan (Federal Housing Association) or a VA Loan (Veterans Association), usually requires its borrower's to have NPMA-33 signed by a licensed Pest Control Operator. Also, if the property being purchased is on a private water supply; specific parameters are almost always required to be tested. If you are not sure, you should check with your Mortgage Broker, Realtor or Attorney.
If you're loan is NOT going to be FHA or VA, there are some key benefits to an inspector performing this "type" of inspection including: discovering hidden structural damage and insect infestation. This way, if infestation is found, you can ask the seller to pay for a treatment to assure control and/or if damage is found, expenses for repairs could be a potential renegotiation issue with the seller.
