Termite Inspection Report Requirements

Termite Inspection Report Basics

• A termite inspector is required to check for existing infestations of any wood destroying organism (WDO) including termites, fungus and wood-boring insects. They are also required to report on any evident conditions that could lead to future infestations. This includes moisture-conducive conditions such as plumbing leaks and poorly-ventilated subareas and attics as well as earth-to-wood contact points and faulty soil grading. It also includes cellulose debris in or around the property that will attract termites, such as firewood stacked next to the structure and wood scraps or stored wood, cardboard and paper items in the subarea.

Other Report Requirements

• The report must also include the inspector's recommendations to correct WDO infestations and all conditions that could lead to infestations. A diagram of the structure must detail all areas of the property inspected and those that were inaccessible such as attics and subareas with no access doors, carpeted floors, wall voids and locked storage areas. The inspector must include the reasons why these areas were not inspected. If the person or entity requesting the inspection does not require out-buildings and structures (unattached garages, storage sheds) to be inspected, the report must identify these structures and give the reason why they were not inspected as well.

Required Verifications on an Inspection Report

• There are several facts that must be verified on a termite inspection report. The exact location of the property (building number, street name, city) must be included along with the date of the inspection, the stamp number indicating the report has been filed with the state structural pest control board, and the number of pages included in the report. The inspector's signature and their license number must also be included on the termite inspection report, and the report itself must include the name or the letterhead of the company the inspector is employed by.

Government Requirements

• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is often involved in property transactions. The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), which is the subsidiary agency responsible for HUD funding, requires a termite inspection only when there is evidence of an infestation, if one is required by the jurisdiction where the property is located or if the lender requests an inspection. New construction (defined as proposed construction, under construction or less than one year old) must be warranted by the builder that subterranean termite infestations have been addressed by pre-treating soil or using pressure-treated wood.

Private Real Estate Transactions

• The requirements for a termite inspection in a private real estate transaction are determined by state and local statutes as well as the demands of the parties involved. A buyer will often request an inspection to be assured of a property that is free from termites, moisture problems and any damage from these conditions. A seller may request an inspection to assure the buyer of these factors. It is common for lenders to demand an inspection to verify the status of the property and its appraisal value as well.