OUR PEST INSPECTION SERVICES IN Richmond, VA

TESTIMONIALS

What Is a Pest Inspection?

What Is a Pest Inspection?

A pest inspection in {Richmond, VA entails a search for bugs and other organisms that can cause damage to the structure of your property, a health threat or both. One common structural issue is caused by termites that obtain 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 Richmond, VA 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 observes signs of a potential pest problem. However, homeowners can have pest inspections done when they’re worried 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 see where it’s coming from, it may be possible to do some do-it-yourself inspection and mitigation. But, this is a task that’s usually best left to pros. If your mortgage program requires a pest inspection, you will need to engage a professional.

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

A Thorough Search for Any Infestations

A trained pest inspector in Richmond, VA will examine the interior and exterior of your home for all types of critters that could be a hazard. According to the region you live in, these include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Subterranean and above-ground termites
• Bedbugs
• Cockroaches
• Bees and other stinging insects
• Carpenter ants
• Several kinds of rodents
• Spiders
• Snakes
• Scorpions
• Moths
• Wood-destroying insects
Evidence of these critters can consist of things 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 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 have 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. Even though states use different forms and there are pests they seek based on the climate, they do share some common elements.

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

Instructions for Treatment And Damage Repair

In most cases, the problem requires to be treated and any damage resulting from the infestation has to be repaired to the satisfaction of the inspector before you can proceed 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 intense structural damage is found, a longer treatment plan may be put in place.

Nevertheless, they’ll do another inspection to confirm that the problem has been resolved.

How Long Does A Pest Inspection in Richmond, VATake?

Most pest inspections typically take 30 minutes to an hour to conclude. Nevertheless, the actual length could be longer depending on 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 more difficult to access, that can take some additional time.

The paperwork also has to be sent to your mortgage company and that might take a day or two to deal with. After that, if damage repair or mitigation is needed, it depends on how soon you can get that scheduled. Once done, another inspection to confirm damage repair and eradication of the problem is typically necessary. But the faster you get the damage repaired, the more straightforward it can be.

How Much Does A Pest Inspection in Richmond, VA Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a termite and pest inspection is about $100. However, the cost can differ quite a bit based on the size of the home and what’s being checked for. Moreover, 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 important because it’s also the only loan where pest inspection is usually required.
Purchasers, sellers or lenders can pay for a pest inspection under a VA loan in the following 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 Richmond, VA?

A VA loan termite inspection is needed in many states. If your appraiser notes 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 qualify for the mortgage.

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

Home Pest Inspection FAQs

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

Are pest inspections in Richmond, VA required?

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

Who pays for a pest inspection in Richmond, VA?

In some situations, like VA loans, the seller may cover the cost of a pest inspection. On the other hand, if the buyer’s home inspector notes signs of pests they may opt to get a pest inspection before proceeding with the process.

The Bottom Line

A pest inspection in Richmond, VA will assist make sure that no unpleasant 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 offer you reassurance that the home you’re living in is secure and sanitary.

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

Call us now to book your home pest inspection in Richmond, VA.