Our methodology & editorial standards
Last updated June 23, 2026 · edited by Andrii Boltag
We want every page to be checkable, not just believable. Here's how we research and what our wording means.
1. Primary, official sources first
We build each page from primary, official sources and link them inline so you can verify directly. Examples we rely on:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loan pest requirements) and HUD/FHA
- U.S. EPA (termites and treatment)
- The National Pest Management Association (Form NPMA-33)
- State agencies (e.g., Texas Department of Agriculture; California Structural Pest Control Board)
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Florida Statutes, and Citizens Property Insurance (4-point & wind mitigation)
- County/city governments for local rules
Where a figure comes from non-official aggregators (for example typical cost ranges), we label it as a directional estimate, not an official price.
2. Plain-language editing
We translate dense regulations into a direct verdict ("do you need one?"), a facts table, and a short FAQ. We avoid hedging where the official rule is clear, and we flag where the rule varies by state, lender, or insurer.
3. Guidance, not a determination
Our calculators estimate a likely answer from limited inputs. They are decision-support tools, not official determinations. The binding answer for your transaction comes only from your lender, insurer, the relevant authority, or a licensed professional.
4. Review dates & freshness
Each page shows a "last reviewed" date. Rules and fees change, so we re-check pages against their official sources and update the date when we revise. A date is a claim that we verified the page against sources on that day — not a guarantee nothing has changed since.
5. Corrections
If you spot an error or an out-of-date rule, please tell us. We review every report and correct verified mistakes promptly, updating the review date.
6. Independence & disclosure
Calcopic is independent and not affiliated with any government agency, lender, insurer, or inspection company. If we ever add advertising, affiliate, or paid-referral relationships, we will disclose them clearly.