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Question
My husband and I recently brought a house. It is a 20 year old home. Our plans included pulling up existing carpets and placing hardwood floors. We recently found water damage under the carpet in several of the rooms. We also found nonactive termite damage in the laundry room in the floor and the walls. What is your advise?
It sounds like your problems are related to moisture.
Moisture is conducive to fungi-mold, decay and wood destroying insects. You must find and repair the cause of any moisture problems ASAP. If the moisture in the floor is coming from improper venting under the house and a lack of proper moisture barriers, then this must be corrected. If your foundation is a concrete slab with moisture coming up through the concrete then you may need to have this sealed to prevent moisture problems from this source.. All walls must be sealed at penetration points, trim, gaps, intersections of windows, doors and joints of different materials.
Moisture is the biggest and most destructive force that people must battle with in maintaining a home. If moisture goes unchecked, then you will need to have a professional mold inspection to deal with the things that grow in the moist environment. Invasive examination is sometimes the best way to discover the full extent of what may be present below the surface of moisture related problem.
Also, it sound like you need a full termite inspection to ensure that there are not active termite infestations in other areas that my not be accessible or visible.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
American Home Inspection
http://texas-inspection.com
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John McKenna, CMI
Expertise
I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"
Experience
Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).
Education/Credentials
Certified Master Inspector (CMI)
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565)
See more info: http://texas-inspection.com
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