Termites

[Joseph Hagarty]

One of today's inspections. ....

[Dale Duffy]

Joe,

What does that shack have for an exterior finish, stucco?

Looks nasty!

[George Mendes]

But... I though environmental was outside the scope of our inspection. Good job picking up on the termite trails. I just sold my home in the Toronto area and the outside deck was covered in termite trails. The H.I. either did not pick up on that fact (I did not cover up the trails) or failed to mention it in his report. Either way the house is sold and as far as I know they've never made it in the house.

[Joseph Hagarty]

George,

I am licensed as a PCO. This Inspection was contracted for WDI.

Dale,

Hard coat stucco everywhere. House was formerly a twin. Right side was demo'd some years back. Building was similar in style to the twin home to the left. Everything was covered in stucco. Original siding, fascia, soffit, shingles, window sills and trim, etc.....

[William E. Siegel]

George,

Many inspectors arrange for the termite inspector by be on the property as a service for the customer. IF you do this, you are just as responsible as the damage as he is because you hired him (this is especially true if you pay for the termite insepction)

That being said, you are also responsible for identifing damaged wood, whether is is termite damaged or wood rot. If you see something that you think looks lilke termites, you need to mention it n your report as possible termite damage and refer to a specialist. I can tell you of many a law suit in florida due to damage like that in the last picture because the inspector did not crawl under the home. Termite or not, it is your responsibility to mention it in your report.

[elorgan]

Where are you located in Florida?

[William E. Siegel]

Miami area

[David E. Helm]

Nice pictures of subterranean termite tubes. Subs are rare to nearly nonexistent in Western Washington. Lots on the other side of the mountains. On this side I see Dampwood termites a lot. Usually in footing forms left in place. I would way rather find dampwoods than subs.

[George Mendes]

I agree "that's why I mentioned he failed to mention it in his/her report". If I see any evidence of wood rot or possible pest infestation I'll defer it to a licenced technician every time. I keep thinking that one day they'll be chasing me on the sale of that house for not disclosing!

[Joseph Hagarty]

Mud Tunnels and Damage caused by WDI is a visible condition and needs to be noted within a Home Inspection Report. This is applicable whether you are a Licensed PCO or not.

The type of Insect and/or Organism that caused the damage is a determination that is made by a licensed WDI/WDO Inspector (dependant upon State/Provincial requirements).

- Mud Tunnels should be noted when found.
- Damage to Framing of any type (Fire, Water, Insect, etc...) should be noted when found.

The SOP will not provide a defensible position if the condition is visible and not reported exclusively due to SOP Guidelines.

That is why the Insurance is called E&O. (Errors & Ommissions)

[William E. Siegel]

Joe, you are 100% correct. There is some contention about mentioning whether or not they are termites, unless one is a CPO. For legality sake, it is better to mention damgage and defer.

I, on the other hand, started out as a termite inspector, and will mention it every time. One of these days, I am sure it will get me into trouble, but that is my middle name anyway.

[justliked]

For those of you in North Carolina just remember that it is against the law to identify termites, wood boring beetles, or carpenter ants/bees on a home inspection report whether you are a licensed PCO or not. We see people getting in trouble for that all the time. It must be reported as "wood destroying insects" with no specifics mentioned.

[Joseph Hagarty]

Originally Posted by justliked

For those of you in North Carolina just remember that it is against the law to identify termites, wood boring beetles, or carpenter ants/bees on a home inspection report whether you are a licensed PCO or not. We see people getting in trouble for that all the time. It must be reported as "wood destroying insects" with no specifics mentioned.

Have a link available referencing this alleged law?

[William Warner]

From todays inspection.

[Greg Veal]

Joe & Bill

Nice pictures of WDO infestation and/or previous infestations. Were they
active or previous or could you tell? The damage looks fresh.

I'm registered in my state for WDO and PCO inspections and service,
although I don't actively work the business much anymore. I do use the
knowledge I've gained over the past 20+ yrs. or so, in my H/I's, and I
still maintain my CEU hours and registration for convenience sake.

If I see suspected activity or damage, I always defer in my reports to a
PC Company, for liability purposes. It minimizes the gray area of
responsibility and the Ga. Dept. of Agri. will stay off my back.