What Termite Companies Won’t Tell You About Their Inspection Process
- Jameson Elam
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
“Free Inspection” Isn’t Always What It Sounds Like
You’ve probably seen the ads: Free termite inspection. Fast results. No hassle. But here’s the truth most companies won’t say out loud: many of those “inspections” are quick walk-throughs—light on details, heavy on sales pitch.
At Good Sense Termite, we’ve re-inspected homes after these so-called evaluations and found missed colonies, hidden moisture damage, and clear warning signs that were ignored. We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to show you what a real inspection should look like.
What Most Termite Inspections Skip (But Shouldn’t)
1. Attics and Crawlspaces
These areas are where termite damage usually starts—and where most inspectors don’t bother to look if it’s inconvenient or tight.
Why they skip it: Low clearance, poor lighting, or “not required” unless the owner asks.
What we do: We get in. Even if it’s tight, dirty, or annoying. That’s where the evidence is.
2. Moisture Checks
Termites love moisture, but many inspections don’t include any form of moisture detection.
Why they skip it: Requires extra tools and time.
What we do: Moisture readings are standard during every Good Sense inspection—especially around plumbing, siding, and crawlspaces.
3. Utility Penetration & Foundation Gaps
Tiny entry points around gas lines, hose bibs, and electrical conduits are high-risk areas.
Why they skip it: These aren’t always visible unless you’re actively looking behind things.
What we do: We check every potential entry point around and under the home—not just the obvious ones.
4. “Conducive Conditions”
These are the factors that don’t show termite activity yet—but make infestations more likely. Examples:
Earth-to-wood contact
Planter boxes against siding
Leaky hose bibs near crawl vents
Unsealed attic or foundation vents
Why they skip it: It’s not technically termite damage, so they brush past it.
What we do: We flag it clearly, explain why it matters, and help you prevent future problems—not just react to existing ones.
Why Rushed Inspections Happen
Commission-based inspectors may prioritize sales over thoroughness.
Large companies often send technicians with less training and high quotas.
Free doesn’t mean complete—and “complete” doesn’t always mean quality.
What a Good Termite Inspection Should Include
✅ Full access to attic and crawlspace (not just “peeked in”)
✅ Moisture level checks around high-risk areas
✅ Evaluation of landscape and drainage risk
✅ Clear callouts for Section 1 and conditions likely to become Section 1
✅ A walkthrough with the inspector—not just a PDF in your inbox
At Good Sense Termite, this is standard—not premium.
Bay Area Case Example: “Clean Report” That Wasn’t
Recently, I went out to an inspection in Redwood City, where the buyer had multiple companies out to inspect so they could compare quotes. Which is a pretty standard practice, you want to make sure you're money is going as far as possible,
right? What surprised the homeowner was when I asked where entry to the crawlspace was. Apparently, the last guy didn't even check the crawlspace and therefore missed a lot of subterranean termite damage to the foundation.
At Good Sense Termite, we know that taking that extra time and step to check the high-risk areas makes all the difference in protecting your most important investment and your peace of mind.
What to Ask During Any Termite Inspection
Q: Will you be accessing the attic and crawlspace?
If they say no—or only “if needed”—that’s a red flag.
Q: Do you check for conducive conditions, not just active termites?
Because prevention saves thousands. Insist on more than just visible damage checks.
Q: Is the inspector licensed and experienced?
Our inspectors have 14+ years in the field and know where termites hide in the Bay Area’s microclimates. Make sure the person coming to inspect the home, knows what they are doing and are licensed to do so.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Shouldn’t Be Optional
Not every company inspects the same way—and not every “inspection” protects your home. At Good Sense Termite, we take our time, do it right, and explain it in plain language. No pressure. No scare tactics. Just what’s really going on.