Termite Ques

My parents recently accepted an offer on their brick house. When the buyer's inspector came, he found old termite issues (i.e. not active). So now it seems we need to remedy this.

I really don't see a need for treatment and I am not sure why the inspector stated this on his termite inspection. Can I reinspect?

How would you proceed in this situation? Secondly, if you know a reasonably priced termite guy in Queens or Western Nassau, can you share their contact info. Anyone have an idea as to how much this may cost?

Thank you.

Re: Termite Ques

I think what I would expect the seller to do depends on the situation, what damage was found, what would put in the report.

In my experience, inspectors usually find old termite damage on every house that's not a new construction. I let my buyers know this in advance.

Often, when there is old damage, the inspector can see that the damage was fixed and will say something like "the seller handled that the right way," which gives comfort (if there are not active termite treatment systems in place, such as the baits).

Usually, the inspector will recommend, for maintenance, that the buyers get the house treated for termites on a regular basis to prevent termite damage from reoccurring. But I wouldn't expect the sellers to treat the house for termites if there is no active damage in any area of the house. What are they treating then?

But any active issues should definitely be remedied by the seller before closing.

If there is old damage from termites that was never fixed that affects the structure of the house (damaged support beams, or something), then I think it would be reasonable for the buyer to ask for repairs to be made.

Re: Termite Ques

they found old termite damage from a long time ago before we bought the house. WE were told it was fine, nothing had to be fixed. iT DIDNT CAUSE an issues. I guess it depends what is written in the contract.

Re: Termite Ques

My inspector had found termite issues too. Since I was buying a short sale I wasn't taking a chance so I use Top Quality Exterminating. I had ask them a bunch of questions on why I need them and what I didn't want. We talked for 30 mins before I would booked with them. After they came I was on the phone again with them to explains what they did from the paperwork. Yes, I have issues; but by this being our house for the next 20 years I want everything.

Re: Termite Ques

When we bought this house there was old termite damage in the garage. It wasnt active, it was old and it was in a detached garage with no threats to the structure of the garage. We didnt make an issue with the sellers bc there were other things they were fixing already.
But when we moved in we had the termite baits installed for our own security. To be safe.
Now I am in the process of selling this house and the inspector fr the buyer (that fell thru) noticed the old damage in the garage and saw we had the bait system and told the buyers that was a great thing and not to be concerned now.

I HIGHLY recommend who we use though- Emergency Pest Control!
Gary is the owner and I have recommended sooo many people to him.

516 520 4343.

Message edited 4/28/2012 3:06:56 PM.