If you are in the process of buying your first home, insuring the property is a must. It's almost certainly the biggest financial commitment you will have made to date. But before you sign the contract, there's another essential 'insurance policy' you need for your protection and peace of mind - and that's a pest inspection.
The impact of household pests
Pests, especially termites, can have a substantial impact on property values. Obvious infestations of cockroaches, rats, mice, silverfish, spiders, fleas, carpet beetles and other pests will certainly put off most prospective buyers because of potential health risks and damage to floor coverings and fittings. There can also be other creatures which may have chosen to make their home in your proposed home and they are by no means confined to country areas - birds, possums and snakes. All other things being equal, a clean, insect-screened property with no apparent pests will command a better price every time.
Therefore, you need to be confident that the property you are considering is pest free. However, many pest problems are not readily visible to the untrained eye and you really have to look below the surface. A professional pest inspection is the only way to do this properly.
A thorough pest inspection, including a termite inspection, is money well spent. While most types of household pests don't cause a lot of damage and can be eradicated and controlled relatively easily, termites can be responsible for major structural damage. Older, wooden houses are more likely prospects for termites, however newer, brick, and steel-framed constructions are definitely not immune. Termites can be munching away unseen on the framing around doors and windows or skirting boards and can only be picked up by an experienced inspector with the right equipment.
The damage caused by household pests can be costly - rats and mice can gnaw through electrical wiring, silverfish, moths and beetles can ruin expensive floor coverings, curtains and clothing while extensive termite infestation can require tens of thousands of dollars in treatment, prevention and remedial work.
So, if you're in the market for a property, there is a whole range of things you have to check out before you make the big decision. Make sure a pest inspection is on the list - it could turn out to be one of the best investments you ever make. The cost can be as low as around $100 but do some research to confirm the reputation of the business beforehand.
In summary, here's what a pest inspection can deliver:
the reassurance that your dream home is pest-free
a very cost-effective way to ensure that you don't inherit any expensive and unpleasant problems
a bargaining tool to negotiate a lower price if an inspection reveals that there are existing or previous pest infestations and you are prepared to accept this situation
When you weigh it all up, the answer is clear. A pest inspection offers a simple and inexpensive way to offset the potential risk of seeing your property value diminish and having to spend large amounts of money to rectify the situation.
This article was provided by Gavin Childs Property Inspections. For more information on Australian property inspections including Building Reports, Strata Reports and simply click the links.
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