Termite Damage: What You Should Know Before Buying a Home

While most termite damage isn't visible during a typical home tour, there are clear indicators that termites may be present. At 1st Choice Inspection Services, we know exactly what to look for when inspecting a property.

1. Mud Tubes
   Termites create mud tubes for protection as they move between their nest and a food source. These tubes are commonly found along a home’s foundation or exterior walls. These tubes are a major red flag that termites are actively feeding on the structure.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood
   Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is another sign of termite damage. As termites consume wood from the inside out, it leaves hollow spaces that may not be noticeable until you physically test the area. This is especially important for wooden structures near the foundation, basement, or crawl spaces.
3. Discarded Wings
   Termites shed their wings after swarming to create new colonies. If you find small piles of wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures, it’s an indication that termites may be present and looking to settle in.
4. Tight or Warped Doors and Windows
   Termite damage can cause wood to swell and warp, making doors and windows difficult to open or close. While this might seem like a normal issue in areas with high humidity, it could also be a sign of termite damage impacting the structure of your home.

5. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Frass, or termite droppings, is often left behind as termites tunnel through wood. These tiny pellets, usually found near the baseboards or foundation, are a sign that termites have been actively feeding in the area.

A termite inspection is more than just looking for signs of visible damage. It involves a detailed, thorough check of the entire property, including areas that may not be accessible during a standard walk-through. 1st Choice Inspection Services provides comprehensive termite inspections to ensure that any infestation is caught early, and existing damage is properly evaluated.

1. Hidden Damage Detection
   Termites typically cause damage in hard-to-reach areas, such as crawl spaces, attics, and behind walls. Our inspectors are trained to look beyond the obvious and examine every corner of your home for termite activity. We use tools that help us detect damage in places you may not have thought to check, such as under floorboards or within wooden beams.
2. Understanding the Extent of Damage
   A termite inspection isn’t just about finding termites—it’s about understanding the scope of the damage. If termites are found, our inspectors will evaluate how severe the infestation is and whether it has compromised the home’s structural integrity. This information will be critical as you consider repairs or decide whether to move forward with the purchase.

3. Using the Inspection to Negotiate
If termite damage is detected, it can give you an advantage when negotiating with the seller. Whether you request that the damage be repaired before closing or use it to lower the purchase price, having a clear understanding of the condition of the home will give you more control during negotiations.

Finding termite damage doesn’t always mean you need to walk away from a home. However, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself if an inspection uncovers damage.

1. Get Repair Estimates
   Once termite damage is found, it’s essential to get a professional estimate of the repair costs. This will help you determine whether the necessary repairs fit within your budget or if they should be factored into negotiations with the seller.
2. Assess the Infestation Level
   Not all termite damage is equal. If the infestation is minor, treatment and repairs may be manageable. However, if the infestation is severe, it may affect the home’s structural integrity and require extensive, costly repairs.
3. Negotiate Repairs or Price Adjustments
   If termite damage is found, it becomes a key factor in your negotiations with the seller. You can request that the seller address the damage and take care of the termite infestation before closing, or you can negotiate a price reduction that covers the cost of the repairs and treatment.

Even after repairs, keeping termites at bay is crucial. Here are a few tips to help you prevent future infestations:

• Improve Drainage Around the Home: Termites are drawn to moisture, so make sure water isn’t pooling around your foundation.
• Limit Wood-to-Soil Contact: Any wood in direct contact with the ground provides easy access for termites to enter your home.
• Schedule Regular Inspections: Don’t assume you’re in the clear after the initial inspection. Schedule termite inspections every few years to catch any new infestations before they cause significant damage.