Termites in West L.A? (HOA, condos, purchase)

[curiosa]

Considering a purchase on a property in West L.A that has been inspected as having drywood termite infestation. The property is a condo and the termite inspector's 1st recommendation is to tent the place. Because of the shared areas, units in the building and high costs the HOA has decided to opt out of tenting and just doing substandard treatment which includes surface treatment and repair of damaged areas.... My question is does this sound normal as far as termite treatment when it comes to condos or would you just back away from the purchase and see it as a bad investment?

[bhcompy]

This is normal for condos, it's not a great solution, but if you force them to go with a major company you can get a warranty to cover future damage and treatment for a yearly maintenance fee. Infact, it shouldn't even pass escrow without a heat treatment, which last I knew was the only method other than tenting for certifying a condo for escrow.

[curiosa]

Thanks for the helpful info. Will the termite companies actually offer warranty to cover future damage and treatment for a annual feel on a property where the HOA's refuse to tent due to costs?

[bhcompy]

Some will and some won't. The major ones are Terminix and Western. Hydrex and Lloyd's are also local and a bit more reputable than some of the others. Terminix is the only one I know of that will warranty future damage as well as future treatment rather than just future treatment. Western et al should all have treatment plans. Mom and pop shops come and go frequently, so I'd be wary of them considering the type of service you're looking for

[curiosa]

Thanks for the info..I'll give them a call today and see what they have to offer in regards to my situation.