Buying your first home can be a very exciting process. For most people, it may be the biggest investment they ever make. With that in mind, it’s imperative to ensure that everything is above board with your new home, especially when it comes to potential pest issues. Don’t get trapped in any pest control myth. See what pest control myths are in trend online.
Every potential homeowner should insist on a pre-purchase pest test offered as part of the pest control Melbourne locals turn to for all their bug issues. These tests will establish whether or not your prospective home is pest-free.
Protecting Your Investment
If you have your heart set on a specific home, it may be difficult to be objective about scrutinising every aspect before you sign on the dotted line. It’s essential to keep in mind that these tests are done to protect your investment and prevent you from being duped into buying a damaged home.
Here are our top reasons that highlight why pre-pest inspections are still a crucial part of the purchase process.
1. Tests are Comprehensive
There’s a big 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:
- Structural: Garage, balconies, basement, attic, patio and outside foundation.
- Exteriors: Roof exterior, gutters and drainage systems, subfloors, and foundations.
- Interiors: Ceilings, fireplaces, behind loose tiles, window and door frames, as well as behind plumbing pipes and fixtures.
- Grounds: Walkways, steps, retaining walls, pergolas, and fence lines.
Your pest controller will check for damages to the property (such as the ones caused by termites) 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, such as wood piles too close to the home.
2. Reveals Hidden Pests
It’s no secret that some sellers will try and hide any pest issues to avoid having to deal with them before the sale goes through. A pest control agent knows exactly where to look for signs of pests such as ants, cockroaches, termites, and rodents. An expert will have better knowledge of potential nest locations as well as the types of signs that each pest leaves behind.
3. Enables You to Plan for More Effective Pest Control Planning
A pest control expert will be able to pinpoint the areas that are susceptible to pest infestations. Properties that border on an open field 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 to Prevent Costly Repairs
Many pests can do extensive damage to your new home if they are left to breed and thrive. A common example of this is the dreaded termite species that bore into timber structures of the house, damaging the frame or even rendering it irreparable.
Rodents such as rats and mice are another typical example of this. 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.
5. Speeds Up the Buying Process
Depending on where you’re situated and which financial institution you’re going to use, a pest inspection may be a prerequisite for finalising 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. Highlights Other Potential 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.
Wood rot, mould, cracks and leaks are typical 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.
Final Thoughts
A pre-pest inspection will let you know about any potential issues with your new home before you finalise the purchase. This can include termites in the roof, cockroaches under the sink or even rodent nests in the wood pile next to the house. All of these issues can lead to costly repairs down the line. Your pest controller will also let you know of any other issues, such as structural damage that you may not have noticed in your initial checks. Doing this will ensure that your dream home doesn’t become a nightmare to repair!
