Termite Inspection? Sydney Homes at Risk
A termite inspection in Sydney is something most homeowners endeavour to do on a very regular basis. Some will arrange annual inspections, those at high risk may have twice yearly inspections, and a few homeowners will forget, or opt not to arrange a one at all. If you’re considering arranging a timber pest inspection, why not learn a little more about the process before you book in?
Why you need to have a termite inspection
Termites – particularly subterranean termites – are prevalent in most areas of suburban Sydney. The amount of damage they can do to a home in a matter of months is quite astounding considering their size. Regular inspections are vital for home owners who don’t want to risk being faced with a big timber damage repair bill. An expert evaluation of Sydney homes can help by detecting the presence of termites as early as possible.
When you’re buying a home, a pre-purchase inspection is a very wise idea – it could save you purchasing a home that has thousands of dollars worth of damage that wasn’t visible at a open home!
So what’s involved?
Locating termites in a home isn’t easy, so inspections should always be carried out by a termite expert. Termites are discreet in their eating and travelling habits – they travel out of view in mud tunnels and eat out of view inside the wood, leaving the exterior intact. A qualified timber pest inspector needs to thoroughly examine a home including the roof void, sub floor, the exterior of the dwelling, and the grounds.
A report should contain information about active termites and any visible termite damage at the time, identify the species of termite, and provide information on termite protection and prevention. If some areas were inaccessible, the report should specify the areas that were not inspected or obstructed.
The cost of a visual termite inspection is usually around $200-$350. Thermal Imaging pest reports are a couple of hundred dollars extra. The financial consequences of not having a report at all can be significantly higher – in the thousands - if your home becomes infested.
Another very important reason to arrange something a regular basis is that termite damage is not covered by your home insurance policy.