Have you been told your home has a termite problem? Maybe you are looking for a company to come and inspect for termites. Either way, how can you be sure you are being told the truth? Most homeowners are not generally too experienced when it comes to termites, so it is very easy for some, less than honest people, to exaggerate the facts. In this article, we are going to look at some of the methods used by companies looking to con you out of large amounts of money, and ways you can avoid this.
Some companies will try to scare you into spending a lot of money to treat a termite problem by telling you all the dangers they pose to your property. If you have been told you have a really bad termite problem, it may be wise to seek another opinion. Compare the price and service they are offering with other companies in the locality, this way you can determine whether they are giving you a fair price for the work. If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, make sure you have a written contract from them that details how long the work will be guaranteed.
Another vital way to ensure you are not ripped off is to ask to see the termite problem for yourself. You should be shown the evidence on the home itself. If termite damage is pointed out to you on fencing or in a woodpile, etc. this does not pose a great risk to your house so there is no need to be overly concerned. Termite damage shows itself as hollowed-out wood along the grain. You will also notice lines of mud or soil.
Lastly, it’s good to remember that there are many honest companies out there, however, be cautious of anyone who approaches you offering a free termite inspection. It is more than likely they will discover a problem that doesn’t exist or, they will over-exaggerate one that does.