The diagnosis is misplaced

Standards of practice in merule diagnostics

Real estate sales or other real estate financial transactions often require a formal inspection report for wood-destroying organisms. Once completed, you will have an official inspection report. Only carried out by authorized persons, you can still use people who have a certification in merule diagnosis.

Even though many areas of the structure are inaccessible to inspection, the report will nevertheless make a complete disclosure of the areas of the structure. That is, those that were inaccessible for inspection or that were not otherwise inspected.

Each inspection report will include a graphical representation of the structure or parts of the structure inspected. Its purpose will be to indicate the approximate location of all the obvious infested area. But also the parts of the structure whose conditions will be favorable for these wood-destroying agents. While the chart does not need to be scaled, it should be accurate and detailed enough. The aim will be to determine where the front of the structure is located, in addition to finding the actual areas of infestation and/or damage as a result of visualizing the diagram.

- The inspection date

- The address or location of the property being inspected.

- The name of the person or company ordering the report.- The license number- The name, signature and appropriate license number (s) of the inspection company.- Finding and recommendations concerning the presence or absence of wood-eating organisms and their favorable conditions.- Contractor registration numbers.- Service agreement signed for the report on structural pests and dry rot.

In addition to the above, the following will apply to all inspections and reports:

Merule diagnosis report

A false diagnosis report is a written opinion from a qualified inspector based on what was visible and obvious at the time of diagnosis. As such, the merule diagnosis report does not represent, or guarantee, in any way, that the structure is free of wood-destroying organisms or their damage. Nor does it represent, or guarantee, that the total damage or infestation is limited to that disclosed in the report.

Merule diagnostic procedures

The inspector must inspect the structure in question to give an opinion on the presence and extent of wood-destroying organisms such as:

- underground termites; - wet wood termites; - dry wood termites; - carpenter ants; - xylophagous beetles; - wood decomposition fungi.

In addition, he must look for conditions that are conducive to wood-destroying organisms. Favorable conditions should include, but are not limited to:

Earth-wood contact:

This condition exists when the wood in the structure is in direct contact with the ground.

Cellulosic debris:

Cellulose debris in the crawling area of the substructure should be considered any wood, paper, or cardboard material that can be raked (with a standard garden rake) or larger.

Insufficient ventilation:

This condition must exist when the lack of ventilation contributes to the growth of wood-destroying organisms.

Excessive humidity:

Excessive humidity should be any condition such as:

- inadequate drainage that contributes to stagnant water;

- plumbing leaks or any other humidity condition that is generally controllable. Because they pose a threat to structural elements or prevent the inspection of the crawl space.

Limits of merule diagnosis

Visual only:

The statements, representations or conclusions of a merile diagnosis are based on a visual examination of exposed areas of the structure. The inspector does not degrade or probe finished window or door frames, woodwork, flooring, walls, ceilings, or other finished surfaces. Thus, the inspection company will not be responsible for infestations and/or infections that were not obvious, except by probing or damaging the finished surfaces.

Inaccessible areas:

Some areas of a structure that are inaccessible by the nature of the structure may be subject to infestation by wood-destroying organisms. These “inaccessible areas” cannot be seen by visual inspection unless they are excavated, torn off, or physical obstructions are removed.

These areas include but are not limited to:

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- the spaces between the floors; - the parts of the substructure hidden by the insulation of the underboard;, - the floors under the coatings; - the areas hidden by the furniture;- household appliances, built-in wardrobes and/or personal effects.

Under no circumstances will the inspection company be held responsible by any party for any condition of wood-destroying organisms. Nor of any consequences of an infestation in inaccessible areas. Because they were not reasonably apparent by visual inspection at the time of the merule diagnosis.

Roofs, gutters and interior attics:

The scope of application of the merule diagnosis has a limit, unless otherwise indicated in the report, roofs, gutters and interior attics are excluded. A structural pest and dry rot inspector is not an expert in the field of roofs.

The inspection firm will not be responsible or assume any responsibility for the condition of any portion of the roof surface. Likewise, exterior cladding, soffits, gutters and interior attics, their strength or estimated lifespan. It is therefore recommended to use professionals or people with certification for these areas. You can also contact a qualified and licensed roofer.

Sheds, detached garages, outbuildings and wooden decks:

Any structure not attached to the main structure such as detached sheds, garages and carports, outbuildings, wooden decks or others will therefore not be included in the merule diagnosis. However, she can refer to it, if desired. The inspection firm then reserves the right to charge additional fees to inspect any unattached wooden structures or decks.

Wooden decks attached to the house will only be inspected and reported if and only if, the state of destruction of the wood can be seen from a visual inspection of the terrace surface.

Future conditions:

The merule diagnosis should only cover current conditions that are visible and obvious at the time of the inspection. It therefore does not cover latent conditions that were not visible at the time of the inspection. The inspection firm is therefore not responsible for future conditions, damages or infestations. Because they were not visible during the inspection.

Minor rot conditions: in some geographic areas, where humid climates are common, a large percentage of structures are subject to minor rot conditions. While these conditions are technically fungal infestations, they may not substantially affect the quality, structural strength, or expected future life of the structure.

Conditions such as spot areas on doors, window frames, porch steps, railings, and portions of wooden decks. Common weather on siding, decking and non-load-bearing wooden elements should not be reported. Except at the discretion of the inspection company for clarification purposes only.

Other conditions:

This merile diagnosis does not include inspecting the electrical, plumbing, heating, or other mechanical systems of the structure, nor will it detect building code violations, nor treat asbestos or any other environmental risks.