Are you shopping for your dream home? Or have you shortlisted a few potential options? It’s essential to check every aspect of each house before you sign on the dotted line.
One of the key checks to do is a pest inspection done as part of the pest control Melbourne locals use to keep their homes insect-free. Doing this will go a long way toward eliminating or reducing unexpected costs down the road.
Pest Inspections are a Worthy Investment
When you’re looking for a new home, it’s very easy to let your excitement cloud your judgment. Instead of focusing on the true aspects of the house you’re looking at, you may choose to focus on the positives.
While there’s nothing wrong with this, you may end up not noticing the negatives that the current homeowner is trying to hide. Insect infestations are a common example of this. Here’s why you need to insist on a pest inspection for any potential home you’re about to make an offer on.
1. Inspections Reveal Hidden Pests
It’s not uncommon for potential sellers to be less than forthcoming about all the issues they may be experiencing with their homes. This is especially true if the problems can be hidden during home viewings or if the owner is in a hurry to sell the property.
A pest control agent knows exactly where to look for signs of pests such as ants, cockroaches, termites, and rodents. An expert will have a better knowledge of potential nest locations as well as the types of signs that each pest leaves behind.
2. Avoid Costly Repairs
Some pests can do extensive damage to your new home if they are left to breed and thrive. A common example of this is termites as they bore into the wooden structures of the house, damaging the frame or even rendering it irreparable.
Another example of this is the damage done by rodents. Not only do they carry harmful diseases, but they also chew up wiring, furniture, and even carpets and linens. They have also been known to rip up the insulation in the ceiling and roof to use for nesting. All of these issues can be very expensive to repair.
3. Allows for More Effective Pest Control Planning
A pest control expert will be able to pinpoint the areas that are susceptible to pest infestations. For instance, if your property borders on an open field, your home may be more inviting for rats and mice. Knowing this can make it easier for you to choose the best preventative treatments to invest in. This will ensure that your property remains pest-free.
4. Helps You Spot Other Issues
Pest inspections don’t only serve to show where pests may be hiding. By looking for pests, an expert will also be able to point out other issues that may either be inviting pests in or place your home at risk.
Cracks and leaks are top examples of this. While your pest controller may not be the right person to repair these issues, making you aware of them allows you to budget or plan for the repairs. If these issues are identified before you accept the sale of the house, you may also use them to negotiate a reduced selling price.
5. Can Make the Buying Process Smoother
Depending on where you’re situated, and which financial institution you’re going to use, a pest inspection may be a pre-requisite for finalizing the deal and arranging the subsequent house insurance. Planning and getting an inspection early on will reduce the running around you have to do at the last minute to finalise your purchase.
6. Tests are Thorough
There’s a significant difference between the checks that you will do as you’re walking through the home and the ones a pest controller does when they’re doing an inspection. Investing in a pest inspection will give you the peace of mind that the house has been checked thoroughly.
The most typical places an expert will check include the following:
- Interiors: Ceilings, fireplaces, behind loose tiles, window and door frames as well as behind plumbing pipes and fixtures.
- Exteriors: Roof exterior, gutters and drainage systems, subfloors, and foundations.
- Grounds: Walkways, steps, retaining walls, pergolas, and fence lines.
- Structural: Garage, balconies, basement, attic, patio and outside foundation.
Your pest control agent will check for damages to the property as well as look for obvious signs of nests and droppings. They will also make a note of any issues that are putting your home at potential risk of pest infestation.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a pest inspection for your new home will give you a clearer picture of any existing or future pest problems that may be hidden from plain sight. Having an idea of the good and bad aspects of your future home will help you negotiate a better buying price. It will also give you peace of mind that no hidden surprises are waiting to be discovered once you move in. You’ll be glad you made the investment!
