This photo is actually my master bathroom. Very little evidence suggested the damage lurking behind my own walls. I’m going to ask for myself to return my own fee. Even those small bits of evidence can mean big damage.
One day I noticed a looseening bull-nosed tile on the outside door frame to the shower. There was no evidence of termites anywhere… no exit holes, previous damage or any other evidence inside or outside the shower. Tiles inside and drywall outside had absolutely no indications, other than that one loosened tile. Being the inquisitive home inspector that I am, I removed the tile for further evaluation. I found some rust on the drywall corner protector and nails. I started to remove more bull-nosed tiles and found all of the damage at the foot of the sill, photo 1 and 3. After removing more tiles inside the shower, I found the damage extended up the entire door frame, photo 7. Live termites were having a feast at my expense. I guess I know what I’m doing this weekend.
A situation like that got me into trouble a few years ago. Make sure you have a strong disclaimner related to hidden damage. Whenever there is any evidence of termites, I let my client know that a more destrictive investigation is needed. I know it is disclaimed as hidden damage in our reports and the termite report, but my situation came down to what should have been inspected - I did not tap on all the door frames and this is where the damage was found. To avoid a law suit, I settled for a nominal fee.
Actually, his inspection was my inspection. I have no one to blame but myself. In this case, it all came down to wording. I didnt have it, so I was guilty. You live and learn.
I am in Fl also – how do we do termite inspections (WDO)?? I thought this was controlled thru the Dep of Aug.
I would like to do same and the training should not be too bad.
I have a WDO - termite company in my area that also does home inspections – Good deal for him and the clients - He is cheap - not too bad - and gets the bug contract. Makes more money per inspection than I do. His main business is the bugs. I can’t say that the HI is a loss leader and the realtors. In short which I could do what he is doing as far as the inspections go. He is sort of a hard act to follow.
I urge you to receive training. Any training made available through your state, or by those authorized to instruct for pesticide applicator licenses is a great way to go.
Insert information in your report, and indicate that an NPMA-33 form was completed and made a part of the report. Include language in your inspection report, and have the client initial next to it.
The NPMA-33 has excellent disclaimers. Read them. Understand them.
Do any of you have a good clause to use when you suspect termite activity. We sometimes come across termites in southern Ontario. I’m trying to work out the wording for a clause I want to use when I see any signs of wood rot or possible termite infestation.
Out here pest control professionals get to do destructive testing while all I do is a visual inspection, so they can come in, think they see something that needs further investigation, tear the area apart, perhaps even finding something, but even when they don’t, they then present an estimate to repair the damage by the wood-destroying pests and organisms, as well as the damage they did themselves. I can see how pest control can be a lucrative industry. Wait 12 months before working on the properties they just destroyed? Ha! How would they make any money? There would have to be collusion between pest control professionals (prepare for dialogue):
Paul (Pest Control Professional #1): “Hello?”
John (Pest Control Professional #2): “Paul?”
Paul: “Yes?”
John: “Paul, this is John. How’s it going?”
Paul: “Pretty good. We just finished repairing all the damage you caused over at 12345 Beatles Boulevard.”
John: “Great! We did a pretty good job over there, didn’t we?”
Paul: “Yeah, that was one of your better ones.”
John: “Well, I have another one for you Paul.”
Paul: “Good. I was wondering how I’d pay my employees next week.”
John: “I actually think you might need to hire a couple more. We had a lot of fun with The Beatles.”
Paul: “Are they going to call me or should I call them?”
John: “I told them you would call. Their number is One After 909.”
Paul: “Great. I’ll call them right now. Thanks, John.”
John: “Your welcome. Check ya later. Bye.”
Paul: “Bye.”
