Understanding CA Termite Reports

The exact title of a "Termite" report is: "Wood Destroying Pest and Organisms Inspection Report".

 

In 1989, California State law mandated that all "termite" inspection reports follow the same reporting guidelines. This aids California consumers in the interpretation of these important inspection reports.

 

The report should contain at least:

A COVER PAGE: This page is to contain the address of the property inspected; name of the inspection company; what type of report it is; and a foundation drawing of the buildings inspected. The drawing may be placed on a second page if too large for the cover page.

 

Report Findings by Category

The home is broken down into eleven (11) different component parts such as: (1) Substructure, (2) Stall Showers, etc. (See the lower portion of the Cover Page) All findings are to be marked from where the condition was observed. Finding "1A" on the foundation drawing would be the first finding in the Substructure, "1B" would be the second finding; finding "8A" would be the first finding in the Garage, etc.

 

Bid Sheet

This is where the termite company will offer their bid prices to perform the corrective work outlined. This page should also include any guarantees provided.

 

Original Report

This box would be checked upon the first inspection of the property. (NOTE: A new "original" report must be issued if the previous inspection was performed more than four (4) months before. Supplemental and Reinspection reports are not allowed after four (4) months.)

 

Limited Report

This box would be checked if one or more components within the main structure or one or more components attached to the main structure is not inspected. (NOTE: The report must state who requested these items be eliminated from the inspection report. The inspector is not allowed to eliminate items unless he is instructed to do so.)

 

Supplemental Report

This is a report of findings on previously inaccessible areas or changes made to the original report.

 

Reinspection Report

This is a report of findings used to verify that previously noted damage has been repaired.

 

Wood Destroying Pest

Includes subterranean termites, drywood termites, dampwood termites and wood destroying beetles.

 

Wood Destroying Organisms

Includes brown fungus (commonly called dryrot) and white fungus.

 

Certification

This is a statement issued by the inspection company that the home is free and clear of termites, wood destroying beetles or fungus damage within accessible areas.

 

Notice of Work Completed

This form is required to be issued by companies that perform inspections and perform corrective work. The form must contain a notation of all the work that was performed as well as the work that was not performed.

 

Section I & II Findings

The classification of findings into Section I and II categories are very important and can have substantial monetary effects on the purchase or sale of a home. (See Proper Interpretation of Section I and II Items for a full explanation)