TERMITE INSPECTION

Once you are in escrow, a termite inspection will be ordered.  Generally, unless otherwise agreed, the Seller will pay for a termite inspection and any corrective work that is outlined in the inspection report.  A termite inspection report averages approximately $75.00.  The repair cost will vary dependent upon what is found and the size of structure.  Fumigation is based off the cubic volume of the structure and other repairs can include replacing any wood damaged by wood destroying pests and wood destroying organisms (dry rot).  The inspection is limited to the accessible areas of the structure, which include the attic and the crawl space under a raised foundation home.  The inspector will look for moisture damage, dry rot and evidence of wood destroying pest activity.  The inspector will also look for a tag on the structure (usually located in the garage) of previous termite inspections.  A corrective list will be itemized in the report along with a cost to repair any damage found.  Older homes that have not been inspected in a long time can not only have physical repair, but also require fumigation, heat treatments or foam treatments.

Here are some of the tell-tale areas you can check for in your home to see if termites and dry rot are about to run up a large repair bill.

• Exterior paint on trim and siding.  If the paint is flaking and wearing away, exposed wood will be susceptible to wood destroying organisms such as dry rot.  Exposed wood needs to be scraped, sanded, primed and repainted.  Minor cracks in the wood should be filled with caulking or bondo before primer is applied.  Wood areas that are exposed to direct sunlight  for the longest hours of the day will show the biggest signs of paint failure.

• Any wood touching dirt or grass will be a candidate for dry rot and termites.  Keep these areas well sealed with paint and try to control the moisture this wood may be exposed to.

• Do not pile fire wood, yard trimmings, debris or lumber up against the side of your home. This will create a perfect highway for termites and other insects to attack your home.

• Look for piles of droppings near base-boards, window-sills, interior garage walls, exterior walls of the house.  Droppings are small, course, pepper-like pellets that can be reddish-brown in color.

Termite damaged wood

Subterranean Termite mud tubes 

Worker Termites

Drywood Termite droppings

Drywood Termite Pellet piles at base of patio cover

The beginning stages for dry rot problems

Active Dry Rot

Patio cover with active dry rot

The above information is provided as a courtesy and is not all inclusive.  You should have your home inspected by a licensed professional termite company as you will not be able to identify all the areas of your home that may be affected by wood destroying pests and wood destroying organisms. The information contained herein is believed accurate. It is intended to provide general answers to general questions and is not intended as a substitute for individual legal advice. Advice in specific situations may differ depending upon a wide variety of factors. Therefore, readers with specific legal questions should seek the advice of an attorney.

CONTACT INFORMATION  
Keller Williams Realty
2585 Cochran Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 432-7705 cell/text
(805) 830-0457 efax
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