
What happens when a home inspector identifies termites?
Jun 02, 2019 · If a home inspector identifies termite or other wood-destroying organism activity, it will be referred to as a licensed pest control contractor for treatment. Depending on the amount of structural damage present, a referral will also be …
Can I get a home loan with a termite inspection?
Termite Inspection Reports. In a termite inspection report, the inspector will list the outcome as section one or section two. Section one is termite treatment and should be paid for by the seller. Section two is considered as termite prevention and should be paid for by the buyer.
How often should you get a termite inspection?
Nov 10, 2021 · There are types of home loans that require a termite inspection before closing. Veteran’s Administration (VA) and Federal Home Administration (FHA) Loans are two examples. For new home buyers, getting a termite inspection done before closing can save on costly repairs in the future. Termites damage more than half a million homes every year, causing about $5 …
Should I treat my house for termites before listing it?
Mar 18, 2021 · If a home inspector identifies termite or WDO activity during a home inspection, they’ll suggest that their client hire a pest control contractor for proper assessment and treatment. Depending on the amount of damage present, a building contractor or structural engineer may need to be brought in to assess the condition of the home and determine the …

Who is not allowed to pay for a termite report when there is a purchase with a VA loan?
Typically, the seller pays the cost, but it may also be the listing agent, buyer's agent, or even the lender (as long as the Veteran does not pay it.) Most termite inspection invoices range from $50 – $100.May 12, 2015
Does the buyer or seller pay for termite inspection in California?
Are termites a deal breaker when buying a house?
Is termite treatment a waste of money?
Termites can cause many thousands of dollars in structural damage to your home, all of which will need to be accounted for. Compared to the cost of treatment and repairs, an annual termite inspection is quick, easy, and affordable.Oct 14, 2019
Do lenders require termite inspections California?
How long is a termite report good for in California?
Can a termite infested house be saved?
Do termites come back after treatment?
What are the early signs of termites?
- Stuck Windows or Doors. Do you have a window or door that recently feels stuck, or suddenly became much harder to open or close? ...
- Damage under Paint or Wallpaper. ...
- Termite Swarmers & Discarded Wings. ...
- Mud Tubes. ...
- Termite Droppings.
How much should a termite contract cost?
Are subterranean termites hard to get rid of?
Is a termite warranty worth it?
Can a home inspector inspect for termites?
No. While most home inspectors are qualified to inspect and identify termite activity, the two inspections are distinctly different and serve different purposes. Also, in every state, the licensing for home inspectors and termite inspectors is different. Termite inspectors are issued a specific license due to the use of controlled chemicals, ...
What is termite inspection?
Termite Inspection – a termite inspection is a slang term for a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection ( also referred to as a CL-100 report in some areas). Termite inspectors look at various wood destroying organisms in the home, including termites and fungi. Termite inspectors will inspect from the ground to the first floor.
How long does a termite inspection last?
A termite inspection will typically last 45 minutes to an hour. A licensed termite professional will inspect and probe accessible wood framing areas of the home during a termite inspection, such as inside crawl spaces, basements, and attics, for evidence of termite damage. Evidence of termite damage includes buckling floors, ...
How do you know if a termite is in your house?
Some of the signs of termite activity you may see include: Mud tubes along foundation walls. Mud tubes act as a highway of sorts for termites to travel throughout your home. Discarded wings. Termites will drop their wings once a new colony is established. Termite waste.
Where can termites be found?
Termite damage can typically be found in the wood floor structures located inside crawl spaces or along the interior side of a concrete slab foundation's exterior walls. Crawl spaces are notorious for moisture problems due to numerous conditions like poor control ...
How much does spot treatment cost?
The average cost for the spot treatment is $350. This may or may not be the best option because the whole house is not treated. Bait Station Treatments are a popular preventative treatment method. This method includes placing round cylinders in the ground around the perimeter of the house. The cylinders are baited.
Can you buy a house with termites?
It’s not a matter of if but when termite activity occurs. Just because termites are found in a home you are looking to buy doesn’t mean you can’t buy the house . Most often, termite colonies can be treated by a termite professional and the damage repaired.
What is section one in a termite inspection?
In a termite inspection report, the inspector will list the outcome as section one or section two. Section one is termite treatment and should be paid for by the seller. Section two is considered as termite prevention and should be paid for by the buyer.
What are the different types of termites?
Although there are actually 45 different species of termites in the United States, they all belong to one of three different types: 1 Subterranean termites live in the dirt and build large colonies in the ground, eating fences and trees as well as homes. These are the worst type of termites because they build the biggest nests and can do the most damage. 2 Drywood termites just live in wood like dead trees and hardwood floors. They do not need dirt and usually just live in homes. Their colonies are smaller, so although they do a lot of damage, it takes a lot longer.
Does Arizona require disclosure of defects?
For example, Arizona has a disclosure agreement report that states the seller is required to disclose any defects or other conditions in the property being sold. Some of the details listed on the report include:
What to read before buying a home?
However, you should have already read the contract before signing, which means the inspection report will have already been done. Before signing a contract to buy a home, there are certain inspections and paperwork you want to have. Some of these include: 1 Closing cost obligations 2 Disclosure agreement 3 Home appraisal report 4 Home inspection contingency 5 Home maintenance and repair records 6 Termite inspection contingency 7 Terms of finance
What does a termite inspector do?
A termite inspector has one focus – to look for evidence of wood-destroying organisms in and around the home. While a home inspector usually inspects using the “Outside-In, Top-Down” approach, a termite inspector starts at the bottom and moves to the top, going from basement/crawlspace to attic.
What are the best places to find termites?
Other locations where a termite infestation may be located include: 1 Inside wall cavities 2 Ceilings 3 Flooring 4 Wood siding 5 Firewood stored against a home 6 Mulch or other landscape material near the home 7 Window frames
What are the different types of termites?
Termites live in large colonies, and consist of three different roles: 1 Worker termites are white to gray in color and make up the largest population of a colony. They are responsible for eating away at wood or other plant material. 2 Soldier termites are larger and yellow-brown in color. They protect the next and repair damage to the termite’s home. 3 Swarmer termites have wings and may be yellow or brown. They are the breeders of the colony.
How do you know if you have termites?
Evidence of termite damage can include things like: 1 Buckling floors 2 Dry rot in wood floor joists 3 Wood rot in door and window frames 4 Soft/damp wood 5 The presence of mud tubes bored into the soil near the foundation or directly into the home 6 Swarms around indoor or outdoor lights 7 Small mounds of what looks like sawdust
What is the most destructive termite?
Dry wood termites live in really dry wood, and are rare in the U.S. Subterranean termites are the most destructive. They require a moist environment and are usually found living in the soil. Formosan termites are the most aggressive.
How much damage do termites do to a house?
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in damage each year. Most of the time, termite damage is found only after it’s too late. Termites can be hard to find with the naked eye, ...
How long does it take for termites to show up?
Termites can be hard to find with the naked eye, and it can take 3-8 years before signs of an infestation even show up. By knowing the signs of a possible termite infestation, you can help your client mitigate the issue before it goes too far.
Is a termite inspection worth it?
A termite inspection is typically an expense borne by the buyer, but it's worth the price . Most home purchase agreements are contingent on the results of independent inspections like termite inspections designed to reveal hidden problems and dangers: Termites eat wood from the inside out.
Do you need a termite inspection before selling a house?
Actually, if you're taking out a mortgage, there's a good chance the lender will require that you have a termite inspection (as well as a general home inspection) performed before the sale is finalized. A termite inspection is typically an expense borne by the buyer, but it's worth the price.
How many states have termites?
Just uttering the word "termite" can make some homeowners shudder, and for good reason. Termites are active in 49 of the 50 states (Alaska is too cold to sustain them), and cause more than $50 billion in property damage every year.
How much cellulose do termites eat?
A large termite colony feasting on the wood in a home can consume a pound of cellulose a day but it's usually much less. That can lead to structural damage you won't want to deal with.
What to do if your home has termites?
If your home has termite problems, have them treated prior to listing the house. Call a professional termite treatment company to conduct a full inspection of your home, including the attic and other areas not readily accessible to you.
Do you have to disclose termites when selling a house?
When selling your home, you are required by law to disclose any termite activity or damage you are aware of. The state requires the use of a standard seller's disclosure form that you must fill out and provide to potential buyers, and you must note any known problems, including the presence of termites. Failure to disclose a material problem (that ...
What to do if inspection turns up problems?
If the inspection turns up any problems, have them fixed. This could be a simple fix or a major repair, but either way, having the work done before listing the house will remove most of the objections that potential buyers may pose.
What happens if you don't fix your house before listing?
If you choose not to fix the issues prior to listing your house, you can expect a longer time to secure a buyer. Potential buyers will likely submit offers much lower than the listing price if the house has untreated termite problems or existing damage.
