Home inspection: Significant active termite infestation; rotted wood behind vinyl siding. What's next step?

Question

As part of my purchase contract I have spent $400 for a thorough home inspection of a duplex. Now that we learned of the termite infestation and wood rot, you'd think i'm out of there, but I'm still interested in the property IF, IF I can be sure to ELIMINATE the TERMITES & determine the extent of damage, and get ALL the rot taken care of at the SELLERS EXPENSE. How do I proceed?

Am I expecting too much? The seller seems to be prepared to correct the problems -- What's he best approach since we don't really know yet the extent of the damage.

will professional termite treatment really eliminate ALL termites currently infecting building, and keep new from attacking for a particular period of time?

Answer 1

First step is to get estimates from several contractors and bring them to the seller as an addendum to the sales contract, as per the approval of your attorney.

It is not unreasonable to think the seller will pay for the repairs. Many states require that a property be free of termite, and mold infestation before it can be sold. If you back out of the contract, the seller would be obligated to disclose the damage problem to the next buyer, as well. It's not going to go away by itself.

The seller may not have enough money to make repairs on the property. He may look to split the cost with you. Or he may be open to discounting the price.

You may consider asking the seller for a credit at closing, doing the repairs yourself, and being sure they are done to your satisfaction. If the seller completes the repairs, be careful that he doesn't take short cuts and just cover up the problem.

The damage caused by termites could be extensive and not easily apparent. Many times, outside siding, and inside wall board, and/or flooring must be removed to see how wide spread the damage is. The duplex will need to be tented and fumagated. The soil around the property will need to be treated also because this is where the colony lives. Many companies use microwave and chemical treatments, as well.

You have spent $400 for the inspection, I think you are right to pursue the sale a little further to see the extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs, and whether or not the seller will discount his price due to the problems.

In some areas of the country, termite damage is a common problem. Look for Community Block Grant money to assist in the financing. Also check with the local housing authority and non-profit agencies for special loan programs.

Perhaps, the repairs can be completed and the seller is willing to absorb the cost. Perhaps, the damage is not a wide spread problem and can be easily fixed. Would you spend $12,000 in repair bills if the seller would discount the price $35,000? I would take the next step to find out and investigate a little further.

You want the problem fixed so that the value won't be affected should you decide to sell it in the future. This is an investment property. If the price is right, and the numbers work, then go ahead and give serious consideration to making the purchase.

Answer 2

Face reality. It's time to move on.

Sure, proper treatment will get rid of the bugs, at least for a while -- assuming that it's not the Formosan bug. If it's the Formosan termite and the infestation is "significant" there's little hope, the place is lost.

There are so many "gotchas" here that it's just not worth the risk.

Answer 3

If the duplex will be completly renovated. All wood parts should be changed. I was a Pest Control Technician and in my experience, Termites are very difficult to control especially to a house made of wood

Answer 4

Have all affected areas completely replaced and treated. Have it reinspected, and upon satisfaction you are good to go. if seller won't do all that, move on to find another property.