Evaluating Homes with Termite Damage

Of course it’s nice that the seller will pay to have the termite problem treated. Even though the termites will be gone, you have to wonder about the damage to the structure. In the more severe cases, repairing damage to the structure can cost far more than the treatment itself. The last thing you want is to move into a home that you know has been treated for termites, only to find the structure to be in very bad shape. If any type of damage was done to the wooden structure of the home, you may need to get prompt repairs. While some damage may be visible, there are other types of damage that may seem invisible to the naked eye. To find out just how bad the damage is, carpets and rugs may need to be lifted, furniture and appliances moved, walls and ceilings opened, and in some cases even excavation may be needed. This is often the only way to tell the extent of the damage, especially in cases of termites. If you don’t inspect every area of the home, you could be moving into a home that has structural damage – which can cost you thousands to repair. There could also be latent damage present as well. To determine this, you may need to have invasive and destructive testing performed on your home, which will be performed by qualified contractors and specialists. This will help to determine the extent of the damage and the cost of any needed repairs. This can be costly, although it’s often the only way to find and repair any latent damage. Destructive and invasive testing isn’t cheap, but it’s worth discussing with your inspector if you suspect termites or know for a fact that the home was treated for them. To protect yourself, you should always ask for a treatment and repair history before you purchase the home. If you are renting the home, you’ll need to get written documentation from the specialist that details the damage to the home and cost of repairs. Before you buy a home, you should always have it checked for termites. There are a lot of termite inspection companies out there, many of which go above and beyond to check the home for any type of termite damage. You don’t want to buy a home only to find out that it has been infested with termites. Having the proper inspections performed before you make the purchase gives you a much clearer picture of what you’re buying. If the inspector or contractor doesn’t find any termite damage, you should always have it documented. This way, if termite damage does exist, you’ll have the documentation to back you up. Termites can be very destructive to your home, especially if you are looking at a log home. Termites can damage wood surprisingly quickly, which is why you should always do what you can to have your home treated as soon as you suspect any type of damage. If you know a home has been infested with termites before – you should really make sure that the structure isn’t damaged and the termites are gone before you commit to buying.

Here on the Gulf Coast, termites are simply part of owning a home, and a past treatment doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker as long as you know what you’re getting. If you’re weighing a home with a termite history and want help thinking through inspections and next steps, reach out through reynoldsrealty.com or call/text 941-737-6562. No pressure, just options. — Linda Reynolds, Reynolds Realty Gulf Coast