What is a Wood Destroying Insect / Organism Inspection ?

This visual inspection is performed to those readily accessible areas, including basements, crawl spaces and attic areas which are prone to wood destroying insect activity.  Our ''Wood Destroying Insect'' certificate is registered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and is accepted by all lending institutions.

Why Should I Choose a Credentialed Inspector?

Selling or purchasing a home is one of the largest decisions you may have to make in your lifetime. This process can sometimes be confusing to navigate. To perform the necessary inspection, there are many firms from which to choose; unfortunately, the State of New Jersey does not have any rules, regulations, licensing requirements. training or prerequisites of any kind to govern those who perform inspections. Literally ANYONE who chooses to hire themselves out can perform a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection.

How Can Choosing a Credentialed Inspector Benefit Me?

Every Credentialed Inspector has gone through a specialized course of detailed instruction and has successfully passed an exam in each section of the course. They have also had to meet very specific prerequisites prior to achieving their final Credentialed status.

What Special Qualifications Does a Credentialed Inspector Have?

Each Credentialed Inspector has passed a comprehensive wood destroying insect training course. The course provides training and instruction on many areas, including:

• Complete understanding of subterranean termites
• Complete understanding of commonly found wood destroying insects.( Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, Powder Post Beetles, and others )
• Step-by-step inspection instruction
• Tools needed to properly perform an inspection
• Instruction on completing the Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report and Graph

Does this Credentialing program really make a difference?

Absolutely !!  Credentialed Inspectors must hold a current state issued 7B Category Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification, have a minimum of two years' experience in wood destroying insect inspections, and successfully complete the Credentialing program and exam in all areas.

It means that when working with a Credentialed Inspector, you've chosen someone with experience who has taken the time and made the commitment to become highly knowledgeable in the process of wood destroying insect inspection and reporting.

Why Inspect ?

Every year thousands of homes are attacked by termites or other wood destroying pests. Home purchasers need to know if these pests are present before investing their money.  Therefore it is wise to have the property inspected by a representative of a licensed pest control company who can detect the presence of wood destroying pests and can provide a report on his findings.

Who Orders The Inspection ?

An Inspector may be selected by the seller or his agent, lending institution, or buyer, depending on the state's real estate laws or established practice. As a purchaser, you should be advised as to which company is doing the inspection and in some cases as a buyer you can make the selection.

Is The Inspection For Termites Only ?

No. The Subterranean termite is the number one wood destroying pest in the United States, hence, its name is often attached to the so-called "Termite Report." There are other wood destroying insects that will also be included in the report, such as:

• BEETLES - (1) powder post beetles - small beetles whose larvae feed in hardwood such as oak, (2) anobiid beetles - small beetles whose larvae feed in softwood such as pine, and (3) old house borers - rather large beetles whose larvae feed in softwood timbers.
   
• CARPENTER ANTS - Usually possible when moisture problems are common in the area.
  
• CARPENTER BEES

In some areas, the report may include wood rot this is caused by a combination of moisture and fungal growth and can be very destructive.

What Does an Inspection Entail ?

A qualified representative from Allen Building Inspections will perform the inspection. The inspector looks at all visible areas of the structure which are readily accessible. If the inspector finds evidence of an infestation, the inspector reports these evidences on a specified form. An inspection may include sounding or probing areas where infestations are suspected.

The inspector cannot see behind walls, paneling, into voids of cinder block walls or under carpeting. Infestations here may remain undetected. All parties must read and understand the report.

Does The Inspection / Report Guarantee No Infestation ?

No! The report gives the findings of a trained inspector who searched for visual evidence of these pests in the readily accessible areas of the structure. It states that wood destroying pests were or were not found by the inspector in these visible areas. The possibility remains that an infestation may be hidden inside a wall void or beam, or hidden from view due to other conditions at the time of the inspection.

What If Evidence Of An Infestation Is Found ?

The inspector  will recommend and may propose appropriate treatment to control the pest. For termites, a treatment may be warranted for a year or longer, usually meaning if an infestation is found while the warranty is in effect, the company will retreat at no charge to you.

What Happens If Insect Created Damage Is Observed ?

"Damage" is an alarming term. It may be superficial or quite extensive. Damage is evidence of infestation, but evidence might not include damage. Allen Building Inspections will recommend a qualified building contractor make the repairs.