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| Termite inspections are performed during required real estate transactions and anytime a homeowner suspects a pest infiltration. |
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| Typical costs: |
- When part of real estate closing costs, termite inspections run $65-$100 and include a Wood Destroying Insect Report which contains two parts. Section 1 holds information on the immediate steps needed to protect the investment, according to Termite Advice.com. Section 2 lists potential problems that might occur.
- Free inspections are offered by most commercial pest control companies. However, if required, a Wood Destroying Insect Report will cost around $100.
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| What should be included: |
- Termite inspectors are certified separately from home inspectors, who check the heating and cooling units, roof, structural, electrical and water systems.
- The American Association of Professional Inspectors recommends termite inspections every two years.
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| Additional costs: |
- For a termite inspection report that is part of a home purchase, a connecting one-year warranty which runs $279-$359 may be required, according to one Terminix sales representative.
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| Discounts: |
- Free inspections are available for homes not involved in a current real estate transaction.
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| Shopping for termite inspections: |
- The National Pest Management Association has an online guide for locating a termite inspector.
- TermiteAdvice.com recommends looking for a licensed, bonded and insured company and to ask for references.
- The Department of Entomology at North Carolina State University lists signs of termite activity on their website.
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Article updated April 2007 |