Prime Exterminators charges a fee for a complete termite inspection and the prices vary based on the size of the house. I’ve been doing this a long time now and know how it all works. Now I am sharing some of that with you. I hope it helps! After reading this, feel free to e mail me any questions. I’m always here to help
* A termite company performing strictly “free” inspections generally pays its inspectors on commission. That means “if they can’t sell something they don’t get paid”. These inspectors usually do not have a lot of experience in all facets of the business. They are usually better trained at the “sales” portion
* A termite company that normally charges for inspections generally uses very experienced inspectors that get compensated by time, not sales. The inspector usually starts out his career young with a termite company, performing the wood repairs and chemical treatments. They then go on to start the job of being an inspector. They typically get trained by the owner of the company. They know not only where to find the termites and the damage, but know what it would take to repair the areas, since they have likely been there and done that
* A termite company that normally charges for inspections will usually send you a report and do not generally try to get you to sign a contract before they leave your house. The inspection quality and prices speak for themselves
* A termite company performing strictly free inspections generally does not perform inspections for the purchase or sale of a property. This type of inspection requires an experienced inspector. There is a lot of liability imposed on the company who inspects for a sale or purchase. Most experienced inspectors will not work on commission. A quality inspection is truly a learned art and those kinds of inspectors are valuable. A quality inspector cannot be simply taught to be one, or taught by just anyone
* Most commissioned based inspectors will try to sell you a yearly service program. Stay away from it. Ask me why.
* Most commissioned based inspectors will try to sell you a termite bait station. Stay away from it. Ask me why.
* If you’re paying for a true inspection, it should cover (here we go)
Infestation: Drywood termites, subterranean termites, dampwood termites, carpenter bees, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles
Infection: White fungus, brown fungus and poria incrassata, the house eating fungus. Each kind of fungus has its different characteristics and it takes an experienced inspector to know the difference
Conducive conditions (items deemed likely to lead to future infestation or infection):
Plumbing leaks, caulking problems, loose toilets, leaking rain gutters, improperly flashed exterior concrete or siding, faulty grades, poor drainage, excessive moisture, inadequate subarea ventilation, leaking roofs, windows, chimney saddles, earth to wood contacts, leaking shower pans. The list can go on and on, but without the right inspector the problems to your house will go on and on.
Patrick Smith
Prime Exterminators
