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Avoid getting a "nit-picky" inspection report. Tip #1

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Cascade Builder Services

Wood destroying organisms like carpenter ants, certain types of beetles and wood rot are very commonly found during home inspections.  Home inspectors will report on the presents of these organisms but we also report on conditions conducive to them.  One of the most common conducive conditions that I find is vegetation in contact with the home.  This contact provides a route for the creepy crawlers and also moisture.  It's usually very easy to maintain an adequate amount of space between vegetation and the home, however, many people don't realize that it's such a serious problem so they don't give it a second thought.  If you're listing a home, keep this very simple tip in mind and avoid an easy to fix problem from ever showing up on an inspection report.

 

    

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Certified Tacoma Home Inspector

Comments (7)

Rick Maday
Schaumburg, IL
Schaumburg Home Inspector -

Hey Kevin!

This is one of the more common items I call out.  It's such a simple fix, but, like you said, people don't really consider it.  I like to say the vegetation is a highway for insects and mositure and your house is exit #1.

Aug 19, 2008 03:02 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

People like that "tropical" look. Unfortunately, it eventually turns into that "overgrown" look and, then, the "rotted, deteriorated" look.

Aug 19, 2008 07:09 PM
Anonymous
Fred Alamere

Your right,...  that second picture is "nit picky" for sure Kevin,... a branch touching the siding, you call that out?? COME ON DUDE!

Aug 20, 2008 03:21 PM
#3
Kevin Pierce
Cascade Builder Services - Tacoma, WA
New Construction Warranty Management

Absolutely!  Also, I write my report with my client's best interests in mind.  They greatly appreciate knowing how to reduce the chances of having an infestation of wood destroying organisms.  Not to mention, I could have my SPI license suspended for not properly reporting a conducive condition.

Aug 20, 2008 03:26 PM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

"But my vegetation is beautiful! Why would that nitpicky home inspector comment on my choice of vegetation and how it covers up the ugly walls? He must not know anything about beauty. Probably has an ugly dog." LOL

Aug 20, 2008 09:14 PM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Kevin,

 

You are right in calling it, have to in WA, but Jim has a point. Often the sellers think they really did a great thing by getting ivy to grow all over the house. And that might be the thing the buyers love the most. People are strange. However, honestly, my wife has stuff growing all over my house and I am not allowed to complain. I try to at least be alert to wdo's.

Aug 21, 2008 06:02 PM
Kevin Pierce
Cascade Builder Services - Tacoma, WA
New Construction Warranty Management

Yep, as long as they know about the problems that can arise, I've done my job.

Aug 21, 2008 06:10 PM