Repairing Termite Damage?

Question

I have put in an offer to buy a home that was extensively renovated over the last 2 years.
I just found out that it had extensive termite damage.
The termite damage was structural. I have paperwork from the owners that the damage was repaired.
But can termites still be hidden ? Can they come back easily ?
Its been a year since house was remediated.
The owners have given me until noon tomorrow (Sunday) to let them know.
So Ive got to research this answer FAST.

Any informed help so appreciated !

Answer 1

A certified home inspector can tell you if termites are still present, and if the repairs were completed properly. That would be the smart thing to do.

Answer 2

Termite damage is tricky. If it was done by a licensed contractor (if you have such in your state) and then inspected by a licensed termite inspection company there may be a good paper trail. If you can get a hold of the Termite Report you will be able to determine where in the house the inspector found the little creatures. These are the only locations that the owner is legally required to repair. Find the report and then inspect those places yourself and try and bring along a knowledgeable friend. Some one who really know house construction, preferably a reputable contractor who does this work day in and day out.
AS you inspect the house based on the report he/she can offer their opinion as to the quality and thoroughness of the job. Additionally since the bugs were uncovered the house should have been tented and gas ed before it received the approval of the what ever authority in your municipality has jurisdiction. Typically here in California that would be a local building department.
These bugs need moisture and darkness to thrive. So you are not going to find them out in the open. But you may find evidence of then in the form of their little dropping, the remainder of the cellulite they cant digest. It's usually like a fine ground up wood.

You are going to have to crawl under the house and up into the
attic. Take a flash light, In the crawl space under the house where the original repair order indicated look for signs of reappearance, droppings and the small vertical earth tunnels they use to traverse the faces of the foundation to get up to the framing. Water is necessary to so inspect the areas around the bathrooms and showers where most old houses leak. On the exterior look and the condition of the flashings, the paint job and the caulkings. If these are any signs of cracked surfaces, unpainted wood, seperations on the caulking etc chances are the house leaks right there!

But the key is that original report, that's the starting place. If you can get your hands on the work order the seller had with the company you can determine the amount of work. Lots of $s lots of work. Get those documents if you can. And ask for an extension for you time to inspect. , If your seller is motivated, they have nothing to hide and your offer is a good one a couple of days to do it right should be acceptable to them.

But most importantly don't stress out over it. Termites are not the end of the world. Even though all the adds on TV want to scare you into believing so. If it was repaired once it can be repaired again. Of course cost is a factor but it you really love the house and you are getting a good buy, regular maintance especialy keeping the exterior water tight and interior of the walls, under the house and up in the attice DRY, (in other words repair all water leaks imediately!!) will greatly reduce the future cost of repairs if the little guys evey decide to lunch on your framing again.

Answer 3

Make sure the house has been treated for termites and you have written proof!!!! It would also be a good a good idea to contact the company that did the treatment to see what their guarantee is. Be cautious!!!!! They seem to pushing for an answer!!!!!

Answer 4

Paul j has the best information you could use. Unless the home is absolutely what you want, don't let yourself be pressured. My wife and I made a quick decision on our last home and regretted it till we sold it. The housing market is wide open and there are plenty of homes to choose from, like one with no problems. Good luck.