OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Grand Rapids, MI

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Grand Rapids, MI includes a hunt for bugs and other organisms that can cause damage to the structure of your property, a health hazard or both. One usual structural problem is due to termites that get their nutrients from the wood in your house, but various other bugs and rodents can also cause problems.

What Does a Pest Inspection in Grand Rapids, MI Entail?

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

Generally, pest inspection and mitigation services are provided by the same types of companies that do extermination. If you believe a problem and you can spot where it’s coming from, it may be feasible to do some do-it-yourself inspection and mitigation. But, this is an aspect that’s typically best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to employ a professional.

With few exceptions for specific states and counties within states, you usually 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 take a deeper look into what’s entailed in the inspection next.

A Thorough Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Grand Rapids, MI will look through the interior and exterior of your home for all manner of critters that could be a threat. 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 comprise 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 enter your house somehow, usually by utilizing and/or causing structural damage to your home. The inspector will seek out evidence of damaged floorboards, baseboards, walls, siding and more. After eliminating 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 provide a pest inspection report that is offered to the appraiser. While states use different forms and there are pests they look for based on the climate, they do have some common elements.

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

Instructions for Treatment And Damage Repair

In most cases, 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. Efficient treatment might involve a simple one-time visit from an exterminator, or if more intense structural damage is found, a longer treatment plan may be established.

Nonetheless, they’ll do another inspection to confirm that the problem has been addressed.

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Grand Rapids, MITake?

Most pest inspections typically 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 tougher to access, that can take some extra time.

The paperwork also needs to be sent to your mortgage company and that might take a day or two to handle. Following that, if damage repair or mitigation is required, it depends on how fast you can get that scheduled. Once finished, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is typically necessary. But the quicker you get the damage repaired, the more straightforward it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Grand Rapids, MI Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the size of the home and what’s being inspected for. Furthermore, sometimes you might be able to get a package deal if you also have a regular home inspection done with the same company.

With most loan options, it doesn’t matter 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.
Buyers, sellers or lenders can pay for a pest inspection under a VA loan in the subsequent states:

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

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

Should I Get A Home Pest Inspection in Grand Rapids, MI?

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

After that, no one wants to share their new home with uninvited guests, notably if those guests have more than four legs. Getting a pest inspection is valuable for peace of mind alone. You’ll feel confident that your new home is a tidy and safe place to live in.

Home Pest Inspection FAQs

Here are a few of the most often asked questions regarding home pest inspections.

Are pest inspections in Grand Rapids, MI required?

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

Who pays for a pest inspection in Grand Rapids, MI?

In some cases, like VA loans, the seller may pay for the cost of a pest inspection. Alternatively, if the buyer’s home inspector notes signs of pests they may opt to get a pest inspection before moving forward with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Grand Rapids, MI will aid make sure that no unwanted creepy crawly has made your home their own. This fairly cheap inspection can be required to get a mortgage in some situations and it’s also there to offer you confidence that the home you’re living in is safe and sanitary.

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

Call us now to schedule your home pest inspection in Grand Rapids, MI.