How to Hire a Termite Inspector

Termites eat at the wood in your home. However, getting rid of them does not have to eat away your money. The following explains how to hire a termite inspector.

Steps

1
Research termite inspectors.
- Ask people in your network for referrals.
- Search the Internet for local inspectors.
- Search in your local telephone book for inspectors.
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3
Contact the termite inspectors that you are considering.
- Ask if the company belongs to any professional pest control organizations. Such participation suggests that they are well established and active in their profession.
- Ask about the experience level of those who will perform the inspection. Request that the most experienced employees do this job.
4
Schedule inspections.
- Request inspections from at least 3 companies.
- Ask each if there are any fees involved.
- Obtain a written report and estimate from each that details which areas are infested, the number of treatments required, which materials will be used, and any warranty options.
- Ask how long the inspection will take.
- Clarify whether or not you will be able to remain in your home during the treatment.
5
Review the reports.
- Be sure that you understand them.
- See if there are any guarantees and if work will be done free of charge during a guaranteed period.
6
Review the estimates.
- Compare the differences in the types of materials used. Be sure that you are comfortable with those materials being used in your home.
- Compare the costs of labor and other items.
7
Select a termite inspector.
- After analyzing each inspector, choose the one whose price and skills you are most comfortable with.
8
Get a final contract.
- Compare it to the original estimate. Make sure that no changes have been made to the agreed upon terms.
- Make sure that the company's contact information, signature, current date, and year are all listed on the contract.
10
Schedule the treatment.
- Choose a time that is convenient for you and those you may live with.
- Make sure your home is available for the amount of time that you were told it would take to complete the job.
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Community Q&A

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Question
If they you up something during inspection, do you have to repair and replace whatever damage?
Community Answer
Remember, a home inspection is not a pass or fail test. It does, however, open the door for renegotiation. You’re not obligated to fix anything, but the buyer can also walk away if they’re not satisfied. With these fragile dynamics, the last thing you want to do is go into the home inspection blind and risk killing a contract worth saving.
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Tips

Do not choose an inspector that claims to have a secret formula to solve your problem. This is likely an exaggerated claim.
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It is especially important to check with your local consumer protection agency to verify that an inspector is legitimate if he or she is from another town. Fraudulent termite inspectors often work in towns where they are not known.
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Ask prospective termite inspectors if they offer a repair guarantee. This will be useful if anything is damaged.
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