Termites
While termites can be found in various parts of the United States, they thrive in southern California and the Southeast, where the damp climate fosters termites. In fact, Bruce Barker says in Phoenix, Arizona there are three kinds of homes: the homes who have termites, homes that have had termites, and homes that will have termites. The ASHI member and owner of Dream Home Consultants says if you look at a termite probability map, most of the southern half of the country is in the moderate to heavy termite probability zone. Look for traces of these critters around the exterior of the house and while you are in the basement. Look for evidence of wood decay and dry rot. That evidence can take the form of a tunnel-like line running in the problem area. The house does not have to be constructed of wood, either, to suffer from a termite problem. Termites can hit wood trim around stone houses as well as wood foundations and subflooring.
Use an ice pick in areas where you think you see some evidence of termites. Those contact points between wood and concrete are the most vulnerable to all wood deterioration problems. Problems exist if your blade slips into the wood or if you encounter a spongy rather than a solid resistance. Termites can hit wood fences around a property, too, as well as free-standing garages and sheds.
It is recommended you request the seller do a termite inspection in your sales contract. Many times a seller will pay for it, and provide proof the inspection happened and repairs were made, if needed.
Unfortunately, termites are not the only little devils that could be gnawing away at the home you want. You could have, for example, powder post beetles. They eat wood the same way termites do. Beware, in any event, of floors that feel soft in one or two spots when you walk on them. Something is probably feasting on them. There may be many other reasons for a soft floor.
How do inspectors assess the true integrity of the basement floor, and other floors throughout the house that have wall-to-wall carpeting?
A home inspector cannot determine if a floor system has true integrity. An inspector will look for signs of nonperformance, failure, or stress such as cracks in floors, walls, or ceilings, unlevel areas, squeaks, or visible signs of movement. An inspector will also look for conditions that may contribute performance problems such as improper drainage, loadbearing points, additions, or modifications.
A careful eye can save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. At this stage, the price of the house can be lowered, the seller can take on repairs, or you can split the cost. If you overlook a trouble spot and buy the house before finding the problem, there is no question about who will write the check for the repair.
