Termite Inspection Reston, VA

A Wood Destroying Insect termite Inspection is required by most lenders for home purchases or refinancing. Termites can cause serious structural damage to your home because they live in colonies that can number from several hundred thousand to several million. Termites eat all day, seven days a week, and can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. It is estimated that termites cause $5 billion in property damage each year.

Termites can cause significant and structural damage to your home behind the finished walls and floors. Termite damage sometimes appears similar to water damage. Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage, and visible mazes within walks or furniture. Termite infestations can also exude a scent similar to that of mildew or mold.

A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of wood-destroying insects. The inspector will visually inspect the entire interior of a home (including basements and crawlspaces) and the exterior of the property. If termites are found, an inspector may tell you to contact your local exterminator company, or pest control company for effective treatment. You can compare pest control services, full service plans, and more for your Reston home.

If you are buying or selling a home or business, we highly recommend that you get a termite inspection, and contact House Inspection Associates for our services in Reston, VA.

Preventative Measures for Termite Control in Reston, VA

Monitor moisture levels to prevent moisture build-up in your home’s basement and / or a crawlspace
Make sure that mulch is placed at least one foot away from your foundation
Keep firewood several feet away from the exterior of your home
Use only pressure-treated wood for all porches and decks which contact the ground as even treated wood has a limited protection period
Make sure all gardens and flower beds are as far away from your home’s perimeter as possible
Repair any leaking fixtures that may cause exterior wood to dry rot

What are some of the signs that there is a termite wood damage?

Mud tubes across masonry or any wooden part of your home
Support structures begin to sag unexpectedly
Areas of paint on wooden surfaces appear bubbled or distorted

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects. Termites love to eat wet, moldy wood. Termites build their nests in the ground and in walls. Worker termites are small, creamy-white insects. They are the most numerous and the cause of all termite damage.

Is it difficult to determine if I have termites?

Termites are often confused with flying ants. During early spring you may see termite swarms. If a homeowner has mud tubes on the exterior of the home (often near the foundation), an active termite infestation may exist. Don’t wait to get a termite inspection done.

A mud tube is made of small pieces of soil and wood and most commonly used by subterranean termites. It helps protect termites from predators and dry environments while traveling between a food source and the nest. It is possible to find a termite mud tube that is no longer active.

Additonal Services

TERMITE INSPECTION

Termites can cause serious structural damage to your home because they live in colonies that can number from several hundred thousand to several million.

SEWER SCAN

HIA LLC offers full array of real estate inspection services including the best home inspections available, radon, mold, SewerScan and indoor air quality testing.

INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY

Infrared Thermography Scan is a valuable add-on service to your home inspection. We can “see” thermal signatures and locate air infiltration points at walls and ceilings, find worn/damaged window and door weather seals

CHIMNEY LEVEL II INSPECTION

A chimney inspection is the process where the technicians examine the condition of the chimney structure, flue system, and the basic appliance installation and connections, to confirm that it’s free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

SWIMMING POOL & SPA INSPECTION

A pool inspection ensures that there are no surprises when you go to use your pool for the first time. This inspection includes critical information on the condition of the pool’s structure, filtration, heating systems…

RADON TESTING

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas, which is colorless, odorless and tasteless and occurs naturally in soil. It is produced from radium, a byproduct formed in the decay of uranium.

Mold testing

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Indoor Air Quality testing

Children are more susceptible to air pollution because they breathe a greater volume of air relative to their body weight.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CHOOSE A GOOD HOME INSPECTOR?

Choosing a good Home Inspector is key. There are many out there so be sure to do your research first. Look for an inspector with extensive experience, certifications, credentials and insurance.

WHAT CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR CREDENTIALS SHOULD A GOOD HOME INSPECTOR OFFER?

Look for an Inspector that is affiliated with ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors.) An Inspector with certifications in areas of importance such as Radon Testing, Mold Testing and Remediation, is also key to providing you a thorough inspection.

WHY CAN’T I HAVE SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY WHO IS VERY HANDY OR A CONTRACTOR, INSPECT MY NEW HOME?

This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, most likely, they are not trained or experienced at professional Home Inspections. Professional Home Inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional Inspectors have a keen instinct for problems. This instinct takes extensive training and years of experience to develop.

HOW LONG WILL THE INSPECTION TAKE?

Most Inspections take about two to three hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.

SHOULD I BE PRESENT DURING AN INSPECTION?

Yes; we recommend that clients not only be present during the inspection, but also involved. Home Inspection Professionals strive to be the best and a big part of how we do that is by educating our clients about the property they are looking to purchase. By being a part of the process, clients not only become familiar with the subject property but also become informed about the investment opportunity they are faced with.

CAN A HOUSE FAIL AN INSPECTION?

There is no pass or fail. While it is true that a thorough home inspection may uncover areas of concern, some which may present costly repairs, a need for updates and improvements or future maintenance and upkeep challenges, the evaluation may also bring to light attractive and valuable assets which sometimes lie hidden under the surface. HIA’s 1600 point home inspection gives clients a piece of mind, allowing them to be confidence in their buying decision.

If you are buying or selling a home or business, we highly recommend that you get a termite inspection, and contact House Inspection Associates for our services in Reston, VA.

Preventative Measures for Termite Control in Reston, VA