A home is an investment that requires considerable amounts of time, energy, and money. Sometimes, purchasing a home can also be a stressful process. So before you sign on the dotted line and make the financial commitment to buy a house, it’s essential to protect your investment by ensuring the property is free from unwanted pests.
Here are six important reasons why you should get a pest inspection before buying a house.
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1. To Identify Existing Pest Problems
A professional pest inspection can help identify existing pest problems such as termites, carpenter ants, cockroaches, rodents, and other pests. As we all know, these pests can cause extensive damage to your home and property, so it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of the existing pest issues before you make a financial commitment.
2. To Avoid Future Problems or Regrets
This is a worst-case scenario that could happen to anyone. Imagine spending all your money on the house and then finding out it’s infested with pests. A pest inspection can help you avoid this kind of problem or regret it in the future by alerting you to any existing problems.
3. To Help Ensure Your Health
Pests can cause many health issues, from allergic reactions to diseases. An inspection can help you identify pest problems affecting your family’s health. This can save you both time and money in the long run as it helps you take preventive measures before any major health issues arise.
4. To Save on Unnecessary Repairs
If you buy a home and then find out that it has an existing pest problem, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. A professional inspection can help you save on unnecessary repair costs by identifying the existing pests before finalizing the purchase.
5. To Avoid Legal Problems
A pest inspection can also help you save on legal problems. For example, if you move into a home with an existing pest problem and the seller did not disclose it, you may be able to file a suit against the seller for misrepresentation or fraud. A comprehensive pest inspection before buying a house can help ensure this doesn’t happen.
6. Helps You in Negotiation
A pre-pest inspection can help you assess the value of a house before making an offer. The inspection reports will help you determine whether the deal on your house was good and whether any repairs need doing for it to be a safe enough place where residents can live comfortably with their families. This allows you to negotiate accordingly with the seller and protect your investment.
Common Household Pest To Look Out For
In addition to the six important reasons why a pest inspection is beneficial before purchasing a home, it’s also good to be aware of some common household pests. These include termites, ants, cockroaches, fleas and ticks, and rodents. Knowing what kind of pests are most likely to infest your home can help you make a more informed decision about buying a home.
1. Termites
Termites are a common pest found in many homes. They can cause substantial damage to wooden structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors. They can also spread diseases and contaminate food sources if left unchecked.
Termites are not easily visible, so inspecting your home for them is important. A termite removal specialist can provide you with the most effective termite control solutions and advice.
2. Ants
Ants are small but can cause much trouble if left unchecked. They are often found in the kitchen and bathroom areas, searching for food sources, and can create nests inside walls or places you cannot easily see.
They can enter through cracks and crevices to build nests in walls and ceilings, often causing damage. Carpenter ants are particularly destructive as they can chew through wood and even electrical wiring.
3. Cockroaches
These pests prefer warm, damp places with plenty of food sources, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They can spread diseases such as salmonella and dysentery. A professional cockroach exterminator can help to have them removed quickly if detected during a pest inspection.
4. Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of humans and animals. You can find them in carpets, furniture, and even pet beds. They can cause skin irritation, and some species can also spread diseases like Lyme disease.
5. Rodents
Rodents are another type of pest found in homes. Mice and rats are especially problematic as they can spread various diseases, contaminate food sources, and cause structural damage if they are allowed to nest in walls and attics.
How Much Does A Pest Inspection Cost?
The cost will depend on several factors if you decide to have a pest inspection before purchasing a home. The size of the house and the type of infestation are both important to consider when determining the cost. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to a few hundred for a comprehensive pest inspection.
Final Thought
A professional pest inspection before purchasing a home is a smart move that can save you from making an expensive mistake. Not only will it help protect your family from diseases, but it can also help you in negotiations and avoid potential legal problems.
Knowing what kinds of common household pests to look for is also important to ensure the safety of your new home. All in all, getting a pest inspection done before buying a house is well worth the cost.
