When you are looking to buy a property in Florida, it will include hours of searching. When you will find that place, the one that grabs at your heart, you can finally get excited about calling a place, “home”. Now, before paying for a home inspection on that property it’s best to have a look around. You want to get some sort of idea of its condition.
Anyone that is familiar with Florida knows that the state is a termite hot spot. The tropical weather and high humidity levels make it perfect for termite breeding and activity. Unfortunately, this means any Florida property is susceptible to termite invasion, damage, and activity.
Not all termite activity and presence of termites results in damage. But, if left untreated, termites could mean shelling out thousands in repair and damage costs. These can quickly amount to considerable costs dependent on overall damage.
In the U.S. alone, over $2 billion is spent each year in preventative measures and termite control. Termites alone are the main cause of structural damage in Southern Florida. If left untreated, a property can be destroyed and become devalued.
When it comes to looking for a home, be sure to have a look around and check for any exterior damage. Look around the foundation and base of the structure for damage and termite activity. Check surrounding soil around the home and look for nests or termite trails.
If you are digging up dirt to check around the house, and the soil is treated it will be a barrier the termites cannot pass through. Be cautious, if you dig up untreated soil, it can provide new access points for termites.
The best and safest way to ensure your property is suitable to buy is hiring a home inspection service. A qualified inspector knows exactly what to look for, and has experience in accessing crawl spaces. A qualified inspector is able to give expert advice on tackling the termites. And, give an accurate evaluation of any damage costs.
In finishing, when you complete the sale on the house remove any old dead tree stumps, or mulch areas. Also, only use the crawl space to store items made from metal, do not use wood, termites don’t need an invitation.
