Termite inspections typically are provided for one of four reasons:
- As a requirement in the home buying process
- As a condition to provide a quote for termite prevention or control methods
- As part of an annual termite service agreement or bond
- As follow-up after treatment to confirm infestations have been controlled
On average, homeowners who discover termite damage will spend approximately $3,000 to repair the damage. By comparison, the cost for a pest control professional to inspect for termite activity often is much lower.
Free Termite Inspection / Discounted Termite Inspection
During the home buying process, unless an inspection is provided as a condition for purchasing a termite bond, most inspections are a paid service. However, a homeowner that has an existing contract with a pest control company may qualify for free or discounted termite inspections. Several pest control companies offer discounted termite inspections to existing customers who bundle their termite and pest control service. Some companies include inspections as part of an annual termite service agreement, while others charge an additional fee for inspections.
If you think you may have a termite infestation, contact nearby pest control companies to see which ones offer a free inspection and quote for treatment.
Look Beyond the Price of the Inspection
The cost of home termite inspection should not be the deciding factor for which company you use for termite control. Termite inspections are critical for protecting your home. If an inexperienced inspector overlooks signs of infestation, termites can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.
Key qualities of a qualified termite inspector include:
- Knowledge of termite biology and behavior
- Understanding of different types of home construction
- Training on termite identification, prevention and treatment methods
- Employment with a reputable pest control company
Beyond the experience of the termite inspector and the reputation of the pest control company, you also should consider the services you plan to use. If you need termite control or prevention services, you will want to ask if an inspection is included with these services and what guarantees are available.