Why Get a Termite Inspection?

 
When a buyer makes a home selection, one of the most important tasks to complete during the Due Diligence process is getting a termite inspection.   In the Savannah area real estate market, termites are one of the biggest threats to homes.  In fact, the heaviest area of termite infestation in the U.S. is the southeastern part of the country.  Local Realtors will often say to buyers and sellers, “You’ve either got them, have had them, or you’re going to get them.”  Of course, termites are not the only wood destroying organism that can create havoc in the home.  That’s why the inspection done to complete a Georgia Wood Infestation Report (otherwise known as a termite letter) requires the termite professional to inspect for dry wood termites, subterranean termites, wood borers like powder post beetles, and wood destroying fungus.

Termites, the biggest culprit, live in colonies and eat 24/7.  They don’t like exposure to the light and rarely break through the surface of the wood that is providing the meals.  They hollow out the wood and are not always detectable until enough damage is done that the wood actually gives way.
There are some sure signs that a homeowner or buyer can look for:

• Damaged wood
• Dirt termite tunnels
• Small holes in the sheet rock
• Water leaks or water damage around doors and windows or in crawl spaces (the equivalent of ringing the dinner bell)
• Swarming termites (sometimes confused with flying ants)
• Wood in contact with soil, such as around siding, decks, and porches

There are two primary ways to prevent termites.  One is to create a chemical barrier between the home and the termite colony in the ground.  Crossing the barrier will kill the termites.  Another effective method is to install baiting stations in the ground surrounding the home.  Regular inspections of the bait stations will reveal any termite activity.  If any is detected, then a special bait is inserted which will kill the termites.

In this market, having a termite bond, or warranty, is a critical item to negotiate when buying a property.  The bond, which typically costs from $150 – $200 annually, can ensure that annual inspections (at minimum) are performed to check for any signs of infestation.  Two types of bonds are available: a treatment bond and a treat & repair bond.  They do exactly what it sounds like.  If a homeowner has a treatment bond, then the termite company will treat the property at no cost if active termites are discovered during an inspection.  The better option is the treat & repair bond, which goes beyond treatment.  The termite company will pay for any repairs to the property needed as a result of the termite infestation.

Whether a person is buying or selling, having the proper termite inspection, treatment, and/or bond is critical to protecting the home, and ultimately, the current or future owner’s investment.