Not all termite inspections are created equal. While many pest control companies rush through inspections in 45 minutes, our licensed inspectors spend 2-3 hours thoroughly examining every accessible area of your property. This isn’t slower—it’s smarter.
Typical Inspection | J&M Inspection |
|---|---|
45-minute walkthrough | 2-3 hour comprehensive examination |
Skips ‘inaccessible’ areas | We enter tight crawl spaces and attics others skip |
Generic checklist | Detailed photo documentation of every finding |
3-5 day report turnaround | Same-day or 24-hour report delivery |
Can only treat, not repair | Licensed contractor can handle repairs immediately |
Rotating inspectors | Louis Bimbi (25+ years experience) leads our team |
Reports sometimes questioned | Reports accepted by all major lenders without issue |
A J&M inspection includes a complete evaluation of your property’s structure, far exceeding the industry standard. Our SPCB-licensed inspectors examine:
Why it matters: 80% of termite activity occurs in crawl spaces. We enter areas others mark as ‘inaccessible’ to save time
Why it matters: Drywood termites commonly infest attic wood. Many inspectors skip attics entirely or only inspect from the access hatch.
Why it matters: Subterranean termites enter through soil contact. We identify all vulnerability points.
Why it matters: Interior evidence can indicate hidden activity in walls.
Why it matters: Moisture attracts termites and causes dry rot (often confused with termite damage).
Why it matters: Often overlooked by other inspectors, but common infestation points.
Whether you’re buying a $2M home, selling your Silicon Valley property, or
simply protecting your investment, J&M’s 2-3 hour inspections give you
complete peace of mind.
A Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) report—often called a “termite report”—is an official document issued by a licensed pest control operator that identifies evidence of termites, beetles, carpenter ants, or wood-decay fungi.
In California real estate transactions, lenders and title companies require WDO reports to ensure properties are free of active infestations before closing escrow.
What it means:
Evidence of ACTIVE termite, beetle, or fungus infestation
Visible DAMAGE to wood from past or current activity
Any finding that compromises structural integrity
Examples:
Live termites or fresh termite frass (droppings)
Mud tubes on foundation (subterranean termites)
Damaged wood members (joists, rafters, studs)
Active dry rot or fungus damage
Who pays: In California real estate transactions, Section 1 work is typically the SELLER’S responsibility. This work must be completed before escrow can close.
Typical costs: $500-$10,000+ depending on severity
What it means:
No CURRENT evidence of infestation
Conditions that COULD lead to future problems
Preventive recommendations
Examples:
Wood-to-ground contact (stucco touching soil)
Excessive moisture or poor ventilation
Earth-wood contact in crawl space
Debris or wood stored against foundation
Inadequate clearance between soil and wood
Who pays: Section 2 work is typically NEGOTIABLE between buyer and seller, or may be deferred to the buyer to address after purchase.
Typical costs:
Usually minimal: $200-$1,000
Often simple fixes (remove debris, improve ventilation)
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. Don’t see your question? Call us at (650) 969-5556.
A thorough J&M inspection takes 2-3 hours depending on property size and accessibility.
Breakdown by property size:
Small home (under 1,500 sq ft): 1.5-2 hours
Standard home (1,500-2,500 sq ft): 2-3 hours
Large home (2,500+ sq ft): 3-4 hours
You don't need to be present, but many homeowners join us for the final 15-20 minutes when our inspector walks through findings.
No. Most clients provide access (lockbox, key drop-off, or property manager coordination) and aren't present. We'll secure your property when finished.
If you choose to be present, you're welcome to follow along or join for the final walkthrough where we explain findings.
What you need to provide:
Access to all areas (keys or lockbox code)
Information about pet locations (if applicable)
Clear pathways to crawl space and attic access (helpful but not required)
Standard turnaround: Within 24 hours via email (PDF format)
Rush service: Same-day delivery available for real estate transactions with tight escrow timelines
Your report includes:
Complete findings with photos
Section 1 vs Section 2 breakdown
Treatment recommendations (if needed)
Transparent pricing for any suggested work
Inspector contact info for follow-up questions
If we find evidence of active termite infestation or damage (Section 1), here's what happens:
1. Complete Documentation We photograph everything and note exact locations
2. Clear Explanation
Your report explains findings in plain English (not just technical jargon)
3. Treatment Options We recommend appropriate treatment:
Fumigation (whole-house tenting)
Orange oil (localized treatment)
Soil treatment (for subterranean termites)
4. Transparent Pricing We provide exact costs for treatment + any needed structural repairs
5. Flexible Scheduling We schedule treatment at your convenience (or coordinate with your escrow timeline for real estate transactions)
6. Clearance Certificate After treatment, we issue an official Notice of Completion for your lender/title company
Remember: Finding termites early is GOOD. It means you can address the problem before it becomes a structural catastrophe.
No. Here's our promise:
✓ Honest Assessment: If you don't need fumigation, we'll tell you (even if a smaller treatment is less profitable for us)
✓ Clear Categories: We clearly separate Section 1 (must fix now) from Section 2 (should fix eventually)
✓ Your Choice: We explain all options and let YOU decide what makes sense
✓ Reputation-Based Business: Our model is built on referrals and repeat business, not one-time upsells
Real example: Many clients have told us, "J&M recommended a $500 treatment when another company quoted $5,000 fumigation for the same issue." That's the J&M difference.
Yes. Our WDO reports are accepted by:
✓ All major lenders (Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, local credit unions)
✓ All title companies throughout Silicon Valley
✓ FHA and VA loan programs
✓ Conventional, jumbo, and portfolio lenders
Why our reports are trusted:
SPCB licensed inspectors (License Z9087)
Detailed photo documentation
Clear Section 1 vs Section 2 categorization
Meet or exceed all California requirements
50+ years of experience with real estate transactions
We've completed thousands of real estate transaction inspections. Lenders know our reports are thorough and accurate.
