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We just came to town for a home inspection. Found an area of termites. Seems small, but the local pest inspection company recommended to treat the whole house.
There was one fragment of a tube evident on the foundation, in an area where the rise on the foundation was less than one inch from the soil line to the exterior wood paneling. (This needs correcting.) There was some 'rot' of the exterior wood paneling on the side of the house above the tube. This is exterior to a finished 'basement 'area on a split level.
We're reading that there can be minimal damage, or there can be more extensive damage from termites. Bottom line is: treat and maintain the treatment and we'll be okay.
But how do you figure out if there's structural damage?
Do you have to hire a structural engineer? Do we need to get a general contractor?
What's appropriate in this circumstance? Do we need to have the seller pull down the wood panel in this area to see the 2x4s underneath, or is this unnecessary or an overreaction?
And finally, any impact on resale if the area involved is minimal? Some are saying yes, and some no.
Thanks, John
The pest company has a vested interest in treating the whole house. Sounds like it only needs a spot treatment. I would get a 2nd opinion. What company did the pest inspection? I highly recommend Custom Termite and Pest in Raleigh. Lee, the owner, is the best termite inspector I have ever seen, and I see them almost daily. He is very honest and straight shooting.
It takes years to cause serious structural damage and if all you are seeing is a fragment of a tube I wouldnt worry too much about that.
I have seen more wide spread tunnels than you can count in houses and there was very minimal damage from a structural standpoint. If you have any furhter questions, feel free to message me.
One fragment of a tube. Yes.
How sure do we need to be about making sure there's nothing in the wall underneath? Stands to reason that we can't know until we look; on the other hand, the seller might care less.
It is a house we like very much. We've been looking a long time. But it isn't cheap. And in the Northeast, termites means the 'kiss of death' for a house sale.
Thank you again.
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