If you hired an inspector to check your property for termites, you expect them to be thorough in their investigation. Many homeowners and potential homebuyers rely on an inspector’s expertise to prevent severe damage to their property. Unfortunately, some home inspectors are not properly trained to detect the presence of termites in a home. If a home inspector failed to locate termites in your home, you should consult with an experienced Maryland termite inspection lawyer today.
The termite damage lawyers at Whitney, LLP can help have extensive experience handling various types of termite inspection lawsuits, and we will use that experience to represent you. Our firm can help you hold a negligent home inspector liable for their actions. To schedule a consultation to discuss your potential case, call Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000, or contact us online.
Signs of Termites an Inspection Should Expose
If a termite inspection is properly conducted, you should not have to worry about whether an inspector missed a serious termite infestation. There are various signs that your home could have a termite problem. You should be aware of these signs to ensure that an inspector provided you with an accurate report. The following is a list of signs that home inspectors look for to identify termites.
Signs of Swarming
Generally, there are three types of termites that may infest a home in the United States, the most common type are subterranean termites. These termites are of the winged variety and usually form colonies near windows, doors, and other well-lit areas.
Mud Tubes
Termites often construct tunnels, or mud tubes, made of wood cellulose, soil, and other types of material that can be found in the foundation of a home. Mud tubes are used as a transportation system for termites to maintain humidity levels and avoid being dehydrated. These tunnels appear encrusted dirt and are typically the width of a drinking straw. If you find mud tubes in your home, you should seek professional help.
Damage to Wood Beams
Tapping on a wood beam with a mallet is one way that a termite inspector may search for damage to a wood beam. If the beam sounds hollow when it is tapped, this may be confirmation that you have a termite infestation. Termites consume wood from the inside out, so it may be difficult to detect when the beam has been hollowed.
Wood Surrounding Your Property
If there are various sources of wood surrounding your property, this can be used a breeding ground for termites. For example, if you have a wood fence that attaches to your home, termites can use it as a source of food and eventually occupy your home. Other sources of wood that you should keep away from your home include wood mulch, firewood, deadwood, and other wooden structures.
Moisture Content
A termite inspector may check the moisture level of the walls and wood around the doors and windows in your home. If the moisture meter detects a high level of moisture, this can be an indication that termites have infested your home.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other signs of termites that a home inspector should look for to ensure whether a property is infested with termites.
Filing a Lawsuit Against a Negligent Termite Inspector
If a termite inspector fails to discover an infestation on your property, this can cause several issues. For example, if you are preparing your property to be sold, an inaccurate termite inspection can open you up to liability by a disgruntled homebuyer. Alternatively, if you are relying on the inspector’s report when purchasing a home, an incorrect report can result in thousands of dollars used to repair your home and exterminate any termites.
If a termite inspector did not detect termites in your home, you might be able to file a negligence claim against them. To prevail in a negligence claim, you must prove the following elements:
- The termite inspector owed you a duty to locate an infestation
- The termite inspector breached that duty by not reasonably detecting the presence of termites
- The termites caused damage to your home
- You suffered damages as a result of the termites being undetected
You must prove all of these elements to receive compensation for your case. The damages you receive will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Our Maryland Termite Damage Attorneys are Here to Represent You
If a termite inspector provided you with an inaccurate report, you should contact an experienced Maryland termite damage attorney today. At Whitney, LLP, our lawyers will aggressively represent you against negligent home inspectors. To schedule a consultation, call us at (410) 583-8000, or contact us online.