TERMITES: Can you buy a previously infested home?

Before you seal the deal on a house purchase, it’s crucial to have a building and pest inspection. But what happens if the inspection uncovers a problem, like a structural defect or termites?...

The discovery of such issues often leads to buyers getting cold feet and withdrawing from the sale. However, these findings can also present new opportunities. Inspections equip you with valuable information that you can use to either withdraw from the sale or negotiate a lower price.

Dealing with a structural defect is a matter of logic. Where is the defect located? What will it cost to repair? Will the seller reduce the price accordingly?

On the other hand, the discovery of termites or termite damage often elicits an irrational and emotional response from potential buyers.

In this article, we aim to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about purchasing a house with a history of termites.

Should Termites Prevent You from Buying a House?

When you began your property search, you likely had high hopes of finding a home that met most, if not all, of your criteria.

However, it’s rare to find a house that is both perfect for you and in excellent condition. More often, you’ll fall in love with a home, only to find during the inspection that there are issues that need addressing.

Minor issues shouldn’t significantly impact your decision. However, serious defects could be deal-breakers as they could devalue the home or necessitate costly repairs.

So, where do termites fit into the spectrum of potential problems uncovered during a house inspection? Are they a minor inconvenience or a deal-breaker?

While the presence of termites in a prospective home is a significant concern, it shouldn’t automatically rule out the purchase. You can take several precautions to protect your new home and yourself from the risks of a termite infestation.

Arrange a Professional Termite Inspection

The best way to determine whether a house you’re considering buying has a termite infestation is to arrange a professional pre-purchase building and pest inspection. If there is a problem, an inspector will be able to assess its severity. The inspector can also evaluate the existing termite damage to the house. Having a clear picture of the damage will inform your decision-making process.

Discuss Treatment Options with the Inspector

After the initial termite inspection, you can discuss treatment options with the inspector. Depending on the type of termites and the extent of the infestation, there are several different options. The two most common methods are baiting and spraying, and the termite expert can advise on the best approach for your particular situation.

Negotiate with the Seller

Once you’ve consulted with a termite inspector and explored your treatment options, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to negotiate with the seller. You can negotiate a lower purchase price and address the termite infestation and damage after the purchase.

Alternatively, you could ask the seller to repair any damage and resolve the termite issue. If you choose this route, the inspector should return to confirm that the infestation has been dealt with.

Ultimately, termites shouldn’t deter you from buying a house that is otherwise suitable for your needs. Ensure you request a comprehensive inspection from a certified termite professional to fully understand what you’re buying.

Understand What the Pre-Purchase Pest Inspection Tells You

A pre-purchase pest inspection looks for additional timber pests, such as borers, and signs of wood rot, making it slightly more comprehensive than a standard termite inspection. However, the primary pest of concern is termites.

Termites can infiltrate and attack any wooden components, whether your dream house is constructed of weatherboard, brick, or even metal. Yes, termites can invade metal frame homes and consume the floorboards, door frames, and architraves.

During a pre-purchase pest inspection, which is a visual inspection report, an inspector cannot move objects or access closed-off areas.

As a result, in addition to any findings they may report, the inspector may also recommend the need for a more “intrusive” inspection, which could involve moving objects to gain access to suspect areas or using appropriate tools to probe walls and floors.

However, the seller must agree to these additional checks. It’s not uncommon for sellers to limit inspectors’ access by moving boxes, equipment, or furniture to specific areas of the house. If they refuse, this is a clear signal not to proceed with the sale.

The inspection focuses on the following three key aspects:

Whether timber pests are present in the structure or the surrounding area Has the structure or the nearby property been damaged by pests? Are there any conditions that could increase the building’s risk of future termite attacks?

What to Do if There Are Active Termites?

The seller will need to treat any current termites or borers. However, they must receive comprehensive treatment from a reputable company. Sometimes, a seller might opt for a “quick spray” to eliminate visible termites. However, this is only a temporary solution. Quick sprays won’t solve the problem, and termites will simply return.

It can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to completely eradicate termites from a structure, and a termite management system must be implemented to prevent future infestations.

If you want to make an offer contingent on termite treatment, insist on comprehensive treatment that complies with Australian Standards, ask to see all documentation and guarantees for the treatment, and check the pest control company’s documentation, including its licenses and insurance.

What if There Are Termite Damages?

In some parts of Australia, the likelihood of a termite attack is as high as one in three, so finding some damage during an inspection wouldn’t 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’s impossible to determine how old the damage is.

If it has already been treated or if a termite management system is in place to protect the property, there should be an information sticker in the electricity meter box. However, unless the owner has some warranty documentation, there’s no guarantee as to the quality of the treatment. As a result, we usually recommend installing a termite management system after buying a home. The cost of this can be negotiated.

In most cases, it’s advisable to have a builder or structural engineer assess the damage to determine its extent and the cost of repair.

What if the House Is Conducive to Termite Attack?

The likelihood of a future termite attack significantly increases if there are factors in the immediate vicinity of the building that make it more attractive to termites (such as higher moisture levels). For example, fixing a leaking exterior tap will only cost a relatively small amount, but other issues could be more expensive, such as poor sub-floor drainage. It’s definitely worth getting quotes to address these issues 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 Sydney 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 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.

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.

But what happens if the inspection uncovers an issue, like a design defect or termites?

The revelation of such problems often leads to buyers becoming apprehensive and withdrawing from the sale. However, these findings can also present new opportunities. Inspections arm you with valuable information that you can use to either withdraw from the sale or negotiate a lower price.

Contact us at 0448 60 60 78 or fill out our online form if you need a professional inspector to perform a home inspection. Protect your house by scheduling a termite inspection today! assistant’ Before you finalise the purchase of a house, it’s essential to conduct a building and pest inspection.