Unless you’re building a custom home, it’s unlikely you’ll find a house that’s completely flawless. Fortunately, most issues are fixable, including pest infestations. Before you buy a house, you should check if termites or other insects have taken up residence since they can cause significant damage. Here’s how to tell if you need a termite inspection. 

A Guide to Termite Inspections & Homebuying 

Signs of Termite Damage 

Even if a house seems to check all of your boxes, you need to keep an eye out for red flags during the walk-through. Look for ridges of dirt around the home’s exterior. Subterranean termites build thin underground mud tunnels from their colonies to the house. Once inside, they eat the cellulose in wood, creating grooves and eventually causing structural issues. Due to the damage these pests can cause, you might see cracked or bubbling paint.

You may also spot drywood droppings around the home. Termites nest in the wood and use tunnels to remove fecal matter from their habitat. The droppings resemble coffee grounds, salt and pepper, or sawdust. 

Why Termite Inspections Are Necessary

If you see any potential signs of an infestation, schedule a termite inspection. Visible exterior damage typically indicates more severe structural issues inside the walls. A professional will know exactly where to look to assess the situation. You will also need confirmation of an infestation from a credible source before approaching the seller for negotiations. 

How to Negotiate a Lower Selling Point 

If the home has a minor infestation, you may not want to walk away. Sellers typically pay for inspections and treatments. Once a pest control service has identified the type of termite and scale of the infestation and damage, they can provide a quote for how much treatment and reconstruction will cost.

Based on that number, the seller may want to repair the home before moving forward with the sale. They could also lower the price of the house and leave it to the buyer to take care of the issue. 

If you’re looking for a home in the Denver, CO, area, and need a termite inspection, turn to A-Pro® Home Inspection Services. This team of certified home inspectors has served the area’s commercial and residential clients for more than 25 years. They provide a range of services, including termite, mold, and FHA inspections, as well as radon testing. Call (303) 875-7627 to speak with a friendly team member for a free estimate, and visit them online to learn more about how they can help.