A building and pest inspection is necessary before finalising any house purchase. But what if an issue is discovered during the inspection, such as an architectural flaw or the presence of termites?
When such a problem is revealed, many buyers panic and back out of the deal, but this can also open up new options. Inspections provide you with information and information is power. You can use the information from the inspection to either back out of the sale or bargain for a lower price.
A structural flaw can be handled logically. Where is the defect? What will the repair cost be? Will the seller adjust the price to reflect this?
However, a potential buyer’s reaction to the presence of termites and/or termite damage is often unreasonable and emotional.
In this blog, we will provide you with some information to help you decide whether you should buy a house with a termite history.
Are Termites a Deal Breaker When Buying a House?
You may have had great expectations when you started looking for a property to buy. You probably set out with the idea that you could find a home that satisfies all or almost all of your preferences.
Rarely do people find a house that is both perfect for them and in excellent shape, however. The more typical scenario is finding a home that you absolutely adore, only to discover during the inspection process that there are problems that need to be fixed.
Several minor issues shouldn’t really affect your decision-making, though. Other concerns could be deal-breakers because they are serious flaws that could lower the home’s value or require expensive repairs.
Where do termites fit into the range of potential problems discovered during a house inspection, then? Are they minor quibbles or a deal breaker?
Although it is a huge concern, the presence of termites in a house you consider buying should not be a dealbreaker. You can take the several precautions listed below to safeguard your new home and yourself against the risks of a termite infestation.
Conduct a Professional Termite Inspection
The best approach to identify whether a house you are considering buying has a termite infestation is to get a professional pre-purchase building and pest inspection. An inspector will be able to assess the severity of the problem if there is one. The inspector can also evaluate the current termite damage to the house. You can use the details of the termite report in your decision-making when you have a clear image of the damage.
Explore Treatment Options with the Inspector
You can talk with the inspector about treatment options after the initial termite inspection. Depending on the type of termites and the extent of the infestation, there are a few different options. The two most popular methods are baiting and spraying and the termite expert can recommend the best option for your specific circumstances.
Negotiate With the Seller
You will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to bargain with the seller once you have spoken with a termite inspector and looked into your treatment alternatives. You can negotiate for a lower purchase price and take care of the termite infestation and damage after the acquisition.
Another option is to request that the seller have any damage fixed and then the termite problem resolved. If you choose this course of action, the inspector should come back to verify that the infestation has been dealt with.
In the end, you shouldn’t allow termites to keep you from buying a house that might otherwise be suitable for your needs. To fully understand what you are buying, make sure to request for a comprehensive inspection from a certified termite professional.
Understand What the Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection Tells You
A pre-purchase pest inspection searches for more timber pests, such as borers, and indications of wood rot, making it slightly more involved than a standard termite inspection. However, the biggest pest to be concerned about is termites.
Termites can get inside and attack any wood components, whether your dream house is made of weatherboard, brick, or even metal. Yes, termites can enter metal frame homes and devour the floorboards, door frames, and architraves.
An inspector cannot move objects or enter places that are closed off during a pre-purchase pest inspection because it is a visible inspection report.
As a result, in addition to any results they may report, the inspector may also recommend the necessity for a more “intrusive” inspection, which could involve moving objects to get access to questionable areas or using the right tools to probe walls and floors.
However, the seller must consent to these additional checks. It is not uncommon for sellers to restrict access to inspectors by moving boxes, equipment, or furniture to specific areas of the house. If they decline, this is a clear no to moving forwards with the sale.
The inspection focuses on the following three key aspects:
- Whether timber pests are present in the structure or the area around it
- Has the structure or the nearby property been damaged by pests?
- Are there any circumstances that might increase the building’s risk of future termite attacks?
What to Do if There Are Active Termites?
The seller will need to have any current termites or borers treated. However, they must receive thorough treatment from a reliable company. To eliminate the visible termites, a seller sometimes purchases a “quick spray.” However, this is just a short-term solution. Quick sprays won’t eliminate the problem, and termites will just return.
It can take anywhere from two weeks to many months to completely eradicate termites from a structure, and to avoid further infestations, a termite management system must be put in place.
If you want to make an offer contingent on termite treatment, demand a thorough treatment that complies with Australian Standards, ask to see all documentation and guarantees for the treatment, and check the documentation for the pest control company, including its licences and insurance.
What if There Are Termite Damages?
In some regions of Australia, the likelihood of a termite attack is as high as one in three, thus finding some damage during an inspection would not be surprising, especially in older homes.
The home has either already been attacked by termites or is currently at risk of being attacked by them. It is impossible to determine how old the damage is.
There should be an information sticker in the electricity meter box if it has already been treated or if a termite management system is in place to safeguard the property. There is no assurance as to the quality of the treatment, though, unless the owner has some warranty documentation. As a result, we usually advise installing a termite management system after purchasing a home. The pricing of this can be subject to negotiation.
In most cases, it is advised that a builder or structural engineer evaluate the damage to ascertain its degree and the repair cost.
What if the House Is Conducive to Termite Attack?
The likelihood of a termite attack in the future increases dramatically if there are factors in the immediate area of the building that will make it more appealing to termites (such as higher moisture levels). A leaking exterior tap, for example, will only cost a relatively small amount to fix, although other problems could be more pricey, such as poor sub-floor drainage. Obtaining quotations to address these problems is definitely worthwhile for use during any price negotiations.
Why Trust Pest Police for Your Pre-Purchase Home Inspection?
Why do so many people choose Pest Police for their pre-purchase home inspection all around Melbourne and the suburbs?
We have a reputation as a family-run business that has been earned for at least two decades, and several accolades and repeat customers.
In addition, our Pest Police staff has received numerous positive testimonies and heartfelt recommendations from others, all of which are outstanding indicators of their professionalism and dedication.
Additionally, we provide quick service at affordable prices. We provide thorough reports that comply with all applicable Australian Standards and come with lengthy guarantees covering our services. We have complete licensing, accreditation, and liability insurance.
Aside from what was mentioned above, below are the key reasons why you should trust us:
Saves You Time and Money
You may save time and money by scheduling a combined pest and building Pre Purchase Property Inspection! If both inspectors can complete the inspection simultaneously, we can provide you with a 20% discount. As they communicate and discuss the issue areas and severity of termite damage to the building during your pre-purchase property inspection, two inspectors working together at once are sure not to miss a trick.
Our Experience
The directors of Pest Police Australia are a certified registered builder with more than 35 years expertise in the building industry & a Licensed pest Inspector with more than 25 years experience in the pest industry. Together your pre purchase inspection has the experience required to analyze any property you want to purchase with comprehensive reporting.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your property through routine termite inspections and installing a termite management system should be seen as a standard component of home maintenance, given that termites are a fact of life in Australia.
In fact, termites are more likely to damage your home than fire, flood, or other natural calamities. However, termite attack is not covered by your typical home insurance. Therefore, a small annual investment in termite inspections will help to keep your property free of termites and maintain its value.
Contact us at 1800 737 876 or fill out our online form if you need a professional inspector to perform a home inspection or termite treatment in Melbourne. Protect your house by scheduling a termite inspection today!