Florida’s Building Code Changes Are Revolutionizing Termite Protection for Smart Homebuyers
Florida’s building codes have undergone significant transformations over the past two decades, fundamentally changing how homebuyers approach termite protection. As of 2002, the Florida Building Code was updated to include one set of standards to be used by every county to ensure the protection of homes and businesses from termites. These changes represent a crucial shift that every prospective homeowner needs to understand before making one of life’s biggest investments.
Understanding the Current Building Code Requirements
The Florida Building Code now mandates specific termite protection measures for new construction that directly impact homebuyers. Termite protection must be provided by registered termiticides, including soil applied pesticides, baiting systems, and pesticides applied to wood, or other approved methods of termite protection labeled for use as a preventative treatment to new construction. This comprehensive approach ensures that homes built under the current code have multiple layers of protection against these destructive pests.
One of the most significant requirements involves inspection accessibility. In order to provide for inspection for termite infestation, clearance between exterior wall coverings and final earth grade on the exterior of a building shall not be less than 6 inches (152 mm). This seemingly simple requirement makes it much easier for pest control professionals to conduct thorough inspections and identify potential problems early.
What These Changes Mean for Homebuyers
For homebuyers, these building code changes translate into better long-term protection and peace of mind. “Termite damage and control costs in Florida exceed $500 million annually, but that will be reduced by the new Florida Building Code, making builders more responsible for termite protection,” said Phil Koehler, professor of entomology with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. This shift in responsibility means that newer homes built under the updated codes offer inherently better protection.
However, understanding inspection requirements remains crucial for all homebuyers. Florida statutes and the Florida Administrative Code require that home buyers seeking a loan must file a WDO inspection report with their mortgage company. In addition, if you’re applying for an FHA loan, VA loan, or HUD loan, a WDO inspection is a prerequisite before the mortgage insurance agent will approve the loan.
The Importance of Professional Termite Inspections
Even with improved building codes, professional termite inspections remain essential for homebuyers. A termite inspection, or as it called by the State of Florida, Termite and Other Wood Destroying Organism Report (WDO Report), is required and strongly recommended when purchasing a home. These inspections must be conducted by licensed professionals who possess the proper credentials.
To provide a termite inspection, the inspector must have an ID card issued from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). This licensing requirement ensures that inspectors have the necessary training and expertise to identify termite activity and damage that untrained eyes might miss.
When Termite Inspections Are Required
The requirement for termite inspections varies depending on your financing method and insurance requirements. If your loan is through the VA (Veteran’s Affairs), the home is required to have a termite inspection. An FHA loan (Federal Housing Authority) also requires one. Even when not legally required, many conventional lenders may request an inspection as part of their underwriting process.
Termite inspections are not required in all home buying cases, but it is still a good idea for peace of mind and a solid investment. Given Florida’s climate and the prevalence of termites, this small investment can save thousands in future repair costs.
Understanding the Inspection Process
A comprehensive termite inspection involves examining multiple areas of a property. A thorough Orlando Florida WDO termite inspection should take anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on the house size, and should cover a complete inspection of the interior, exterior, attic and crawlspace below the home, if applicable. The inspection typically checks for subterranean termites, drywood termites, wood-decaying fungi, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles.
Professional inspectors use specialized equipment and techniques to identify problems. The inspector should use a high-powered flashlight and a tool to knock on the wood components within the home. They should also be scanning the walls to check for exit holes, damage, frass and evidence of a prior swarm (wings, bodies, etc.)
Choosing the Right Pest Control Partner
When it comes to protecting your investment, selecting a reliable pest control company is crucial. For homebuyers in the Tampa Bay area, particularly those seeking Termite Inspections Pasco County, FL, working with an experienced, local company can make all the difference. Around the Clock Pest Service LLC exemplifies the type of professional service homebuyers should seek – they’re a family-owned business with over 14 years of industry experience, offering comprehensive termite inspection services with a commitment to knowledge and dependability.
The company’s approach aligns perfectly with Florida’s updated building codes, providing thorough inspections that help homebuyers make informed decisions. Their expertise in identifying both active infestations and conditions conducive to future termite problems ensures that buyers understand exactly what they’re purchasing.
The Financial Impact of Proper Termite Protection
The financial implications of termite damage cannot be overstated. Termites do an estimated five billion dollars in damage each year. More concerning for homeowners is that many insurance companies do not cover this type of destruction. They believe it to be preventable and many homeowners have to pay out of their own pocket.
This reality makes the building code changes and proper inspections even more critical. Taking the step to have a termite inspection prior to buying the home gives you valuable information on whether to proceed and can also save you thousands of dollars down the road.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Florida’s building code changes represent a significant step forward in termite protection, but they don’t eliminate the need for vigilance from homebuyers. Understanding these requirements, working with qualified inspectors, and partnering with experienced pest control professionals creates a comprehensive approach to termite protection.
The combination of improved building standards and professional inspection services provides Florida homebuyers with better tools than ever before to protect their investments. By staying informed about these requirements and working with qualified professionals, homebuyers can confidently navigate the Florida real estate market while ensuring their new home remains protected from these costly and destructive pests.
Remember that termite protection is an ongoing responsibility that extends well beyond the initial purchase. Regular inspections and preventive treatments, combined with homes built to current building code standards, provide the best defense against Florida’s persistent termite population.