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Homeowner's Checklist
 This
checklist will help you prevent termite damage and wood
decay in the house you own, and help you spot problems
in a house you might be thinking of buying. Take a few
minutes to answer these questions--it will help keep
your house healthy!
 TERMITE
AND WOOD DECAY CHECKLIST
- Is
all wood in the house above the level of the soil?
- Does
water drain away from house?
- Does
the crawl space have adequate clearance (minimum
of 18" from floor joints to soil)? Ventilation
(minimum one vent every 8')? Is soil covered with
a moisture barrier (minimum 6 mil. visquene lapped
6" at seams and piers)?
- Is
landscaping banked above weep holes on slab foundation?
- Are
earth-filled porches and other structures separated
from the house?
- Is
roof overhang sufficient (minimum of 12" on
one story and 24" on two story)?
- Has
caulking around windows, doors, and joints been
maintained?
- Are
gutters and downspouts intact?
- Is
attic properly ventilated?
- Is
roof decking completely covered, especially at roof
edge?
- Does
roof sag, indicating possible rafter decay?
- Is
paint peeling or blistering?
- Are
decorative and other items attached to the house
likely to admit or trap moisture?
- Is
plumbing, including drains, free of leaks?
- Are
window frames decayed?
- Is
caulking around tubs, sinks, and showers intact?
- Are
floors level? Do spots feel spongy when walked on?
- Is
there evidence of a cracked slab (doors and windows
sagging or sticking-cracked slab (doors and windows
sagging or sticking-cracked walls and masonry)?
- Do
ceilings have water damage?
- If
the house is in a zone of high termite hazard, is
there a structure pest solutions contract on it?
Does the contract include a guarantee?
- Was
the soil under the house treated during construction?
Afterward?
- Has
the soil under additions been treated?
- Are
any termite shelter tubes visible on foundation?
On pipes?
- Does
the crawl space contain stumps or wood debris?
- Are
there small holes in unfurnished wood in the crawl
spaces or elsewhere with powder under them?
- Do
sub-flooring and sills have fungus growth?
- Will
an expert inspect the house for termites or other
structural pest before the sale?
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