OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Charleston, SC

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Charleston, SC involves a search for bugs and other critters that can cause damage to the framework of your property, a health risk or both. One frequent structural problem is due to termites that get their nutrients from the wood in your house, but several other bugs and rodents can also lead to issues.

What Does a Pest Inspection in Charleston, SC Entail?

A pest inspection often takes place about the same time as a home inspection or appraisal. Indeed, one of the instances it might be required is when an appraiser sees signs of a potential pest problem. However, homeowners can have pest inspections done whenever they’re anxious they might have an issue.

Usually, pest inspection and mitigation services are provided by the same kinds of companies that do extermination. If you believe a problem and you can identify where it’s coming from, it may be possible to do some do-it-yourself inspection and mitigation. However, this is a task that’s often best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to engage a professional.

With limited exceptions for certain states and counties within states, you typically need a pest inspection if you’re getting a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. One significant exception is the VA Streamline (also known as an interest rate reduction refinance loan or IRRRL), unless an appraiser believes there’s a problem.
Let’s dive into a deeper look into what’s entailed in the inspection next.

A Detailed Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Charleston, SC will inspect the interior and exterior of your home for all kinds of critters that could be a risk. According to the region you live in, these comprise but aren’t limited to the following:

• Subterranean and above-ground termites
• Bed bugs
• Cockroaches
• Bees and other stinging insects
• Carpenter ants
• Several kinds of rodents
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Scorpions
• Moths
• Wood-destroying insects
Evidence of these critters can include items from damaged wood to small collections of insect droppings or gnawing marks on furniture.

An Evaluation of Any Structural Damage

Insects and other pests invade your house somehow, often by exploiting and/or causing structural damage to your home. The inspector will seek out evidence of damaged floorboards, baseboards, walls, siding and more. After rooting out the pests from their hiding place, the structural damage will need to be fixed.

A Detailed Pest Report

Once the inspector is done, they’ll issue a pest inspection report that is given to the appraiser. Although states use different forms and there are pests they search for based on the climate, they do have some common elements.

Each inspection form will give a brief summary of the pests found. They’ll also talk about where they were found and any damage done. Finally, they’ll go over necessary treatments.

Instructions for Treatment And Damage Repair

In most situations, the problem requires to be treated and any damage caused by the infestation has to be repaired to the satisfaction of the inspector before you can move forward with the loan if the inspector or appraiser had previously noted the problem. Proper treatment might entail a simple one-time visit from an exterminator, or if more severe structural damage is found, a longer treatment plan may be put in place.

Regardless, they’ll do another inspection to ensure that the problem has been taken care of.

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Charleston, SCTake?

Most pest inspections usually take 30 minutes to an hour to conclude. Nevertheless, the actual length could be longer according to what the inspector has to look for, and the size and layout of the house. For example, if you have a crawlspace or attic that is harder to access, that can take some more time.

The paperwork also has to be sent to your mortgage company and that might take a day or two to process. Beyond that, if damage repair or mitigation is needed, it relies on how fast you can get that scheduled. Once finished, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is normally necessary. But the sooner you get the damage repaired, the easier it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Charleston, SC Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. However, the cost can change significantly according to the size of the home and what’s being checked for. Additionally, sometimes you might be able to get a bundle deal if you also have a regular home inspection done with the same company.

With most loan options, it doesn’t make a difference who pays for the pest inspection. The one that’s different is the VA, and that’s crucial because it’s also the only loan where pest inspection is typically required.
Purchasers, sellers or lenders can pay for a pest inspection under a VA loan in the next states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Texas

In the remaining states and Washington, D.C., either the seller or lender have to pay for the pest inspection on a VA loan.

Should I Get A Home Pest Inspection in Charleston, SC?

A VA loan termite inspection is required in many states. If your appraiser notes signs of a pest problem, a pest inspection will be required. If you do not get a pest inspection, you may not be able to qualify for the mortgage.

Outside of that, no one desires to share their new home with intruders, particularly if those guests have more than four legs. Having a pest inspection is valuable for peace of mind alone. You’ll feel confident that your new home is a neat and safe place to live in.

Home Pest Inspection FAQs

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions concerning home pest inspections.

Are pest inspections in Charleston, SC required?

There are a few circumstances in which a pest inspection may be required. If you are applying for a VA loan or if a home inspection shows signs of a pest infestation, a professional pest inspection will likely be required.

Who pays for a pest inspection in Charleston, SC?

In some cases, like VA loans, the seller may cover the cost of a pest inspection. On the other hand, if the buyer’s home inspector points out signs of pests they may choose to get a pest inspection before moving forward with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Charleston, SC will aid make sure that no unwanted creepy crawly has made your home their own. This comparatively cheap inspection can be essential to get a mortgage in some instances and it’s also there to give you confidence that the home you’re living in is safe and sanitary.

We hope you learned a little bit more about pest control. A pest inspection and a general home inspection are consistently important, but they can be especially necessary when you’re buying a house that’s sold as-is.

Reach out to us now to book your home pest inspection in Charleston, SC.