What the inspector looks for in a crawl space
The inspector crawls in, or looks in from the access hatch, for standing water, a torn or missing vapor barrier, damp or rotted wood, sagging floor framing, fallen insulation and plumbing leaks. Moisture is the thread that ties most of these together, so the report often points to its source, like a downspout or a grade that slopes toward the house.
What a termite report covers
A wood-destroying insect report, often called a termite letter, records signs of termites and other wood-destroying insects, past treatment, and conditions that invite them, like wood touching soil. Lenders often require one, and VA loans commonly do in areas with termite risk. Many states use a standard form: in North Carolina it is the Wood-Destroying Insect Information Report (WDIR), and in South Carolina the CL-100. In North Carolina these reports usually arrive during the due-diligence period, while you can still negotiate repairs or walk away.
How Joysts helps
Upload the home inspection and the termite report together. Joysts keeps each finding with its page, puts the inspector's safety items first, and lets you ask plain questions like "is there any active termite activity?" and see where the answer came from. Joysts explains your reports; it does not inspect the crawl space or treat for termites.
ExampleA Raleigh home on a crawl space: inspection and termite report
- Safety, from your inspector
- Open wiring splice in the crawl space, no junction boxHome inspection, page 31
- Repair
- Standing water under the kitchen; vapor barrier tornHome inspection, page 29
- Termite report
- Evidence of previous treatment; no active infestation observedTermite report, page 1
- Before you sign
- Ask the seller where the water under the kitchen comes fromHome inspection, page 29
Start your own home record.
Upload your inspection report. Joysts puts your inspector's safety items first, links each finding to its page, and answers your questions from the report. Free to start.
Start free →Common questions
Is evidence of past treatment a problem?
Not on its own. It means the house was treated before. Ask whether there is a current warranty or bond, and what the report says about active activity and damage.
Who orders the termite report?
Usually the buyer, often because the lender asks. Your agent can tell you what is usual where you are buying.