If you are not careful, termites may cause you to lose money on the selling of your property. A termite inspection is recommended for house sellers who want a smooth transaction for the sale of their property and don’t want to miss out on any possible purchasers because of the high expense of termite treatment.
When applying for certain types of mortgages, prospective purchasers may be required to get a termite inspection.
The annual cost of damage caused by termites in the United States is approximately $5 billion. This is because termites are highly destructive and homeowners all over the U.S know this. The good news is that if you take the appropriate preventative measures, you can lessen the likelihood of a termite infestation.
How much does termite inspection cost?
That’s right, if you were searching for “how much does termite inspection cost” the answer is Florida Environmental Pest Management, we provide a free termite inspection.
A termite inspection is a process where professionals evaluate the amount of damage that a termite infestation can cause to your home. They typically use a combination of visual inspection and chemical treatment to determine how urgent the problem is.
The cost of a termite inspection can range anywhere from $50 to $280, with $100 being the national average. The presence of termites can do a lot of damage and take a homeowner off guard. However, homeowners may be unaware of the importance of routine termite inspections in maintaining the structural integrity of their homes.
Every year in termite-heavy, high-risk places such as warm or humid locales, and every other year in low-risk areas, homeowners should arrange a termite inspection. The average cost of a termite inspection is $100, with estimates ranging from $50 to $280.
A regular home inspection will cost $75 to $125 if a termite inspection is required. Additional fees of $100 to $200 may apply if you need a written report from the inspection for purposes of insurance or a sale. When a termite infestation is left untreated, it can reduce the value of a home by as much as $50,000.
A. Average termite/pest inspection costs
As mentioned earlier, the inspection cost may vary by company or by the size of the home. However, depending on the size of your house, the average cost of getting your home inspected is stated below:
- Average cost: $100 – $150
- Low cost: $50
- High cost: $250 – $350
B. Termite inspection report (termite letter)
The termite inspection report, otherwise known as a “termite clearance letter” or termite report, refers to an official letter that is prepared specifically for insurance purposes or pursuant to a house sale. This report will cost you around $100 to $200 and defines if you have a termite problem that needs treatment or not.
C. Termite inspections for real estate purchases
If you’re buying a house and need the property to be properly inspected to save you from an imminent termite infestation requiring treatment. This inspection can be anywhere from around $75 to $150.
After a thorough sweep has been done, you’ll never have to worry about these wood-destroying pests for, at least, a whole year before you have it done again. Note that some termite companies will offer this service free for you for the first time to gain business with you.
D. CL-100 termite inspection costs
In Florida, every real estate transaction has to come with a CL-100 report. CL-100 is just what a termite letter is called in Florida and can range from $150 – $200. However, unlike other States, this report will only be valid for one month and is not charged to the real estate agent.
A termite inspection frequency will differ in part by area. This simply means that some areas will notice termite activity more frequently than others. For this reason, and depending on the size of the house, the inspection can be done more frequently.
None of the prices listed above cost up to $400 for a whole year or two. That saves you thousands of dollars in fumigation costs. Have your home inspected today and save yourself from these wood-destroying pests.
Factors in Calculating Termite Inspection Cost
The kind of termite treatment that must be performed will not be the only element that goes into calculating total costs. Although the average price of termite management is $558, your actual termite bill may be affected by several other factors, including the following:
1. Home Sale vs. Preventive Measure
Annual termite inspections are frequently offered at a discount or even for free by several home inspection businesses. Having an inspection as part of the selling process can cost you extra money. Termite holes in wood and sawdust heaps are easy for home inspectors to spot. It’s unlikely that they’ll acquire the same kind of training as a termite treatment specialist.
2. Home Inspection Bundle
The cost of a home inspection can range from $250 to $400, although a pest inspection isn’t usually included. It is possible to save money by having pest inspections included in a home inspection.
3. Home Loan Type
Termite inspections are usually paid for by the seller when a home is put on the market. Several states allow the borrower to pay, and on occasion, the lender will pay. Pest inspections are only required in condominiums if a property appraiser suspects the presence of pests. When purchasing a home with an FHA loan, the buyer is typically responsible for the cost of the inspection.
4. Commercial or Business Inspections
Costs for termite inspections of commercial properties or businesses can range anywhere from $250 to $600, although these prices are subject to change based on the size and industry of the company. In most cases, a firm that provides pest control services will offer a free consultation and a quote for the necessary pest management services.
5. Location
The cost of a termite inspection might vary greatly depending on where the property is located. The cost of personnel, taxes, and fuel can affect the number of checks. In addition, each state has its own set of testing requirements. A South Carolina Wood Infestation Report or a CL-100, for example, is required for residents of South Carolina. There is a $150 fee for this report, which is needed for all real estate sales.
Signs of Termite Infestation
Termites mostly go unnoticed because they eat away from sight, so it can be challenging to spot a termite infestation. However, there are some signs of infestation that homeowners should look for. These include dark spots where the termites have been feeding and droppings in the attic or the insulation, which you can see through the window.
Homeowners must remember that it takes time for an infestation to grow into a full-fledged problem – so early detection is critical!
Here are some good signs of termite infestation
- Having trouble opening or closing the windows or doors.
- The paint or the wallpaper hides problems.
- Termite swarmers & discarded wings.
- Mud tubes.
- Termite droppings.
Benefits of a Professional Termite Inspection
In this section, we’re going to go over the benefits of a professional termite inspection. Whether you’re trying to prevent a termite infestation or trying to exterminate already present termites, the first and most important step is a termite inspection. Having home inspectors come out and look for termites is a vital step to making sure your home stays safe for a long time, so the benefits outweigh the cost of a termite inspection.
When you consider the fact that termites are responsible for over $5 billion worth of damage in the United States alone every year, the termite inspection cost will be the smallest of your worries and that is according to National Pest Management Association.
1. Pest control companies are efficient
Termite control companies that have been around for a long time with a good reputation and take care of their customers generally have a process. That means that they can get in and out quickly and you won’t have a headache down the road because the job wasn’t done right. Cry once buy once as the saying goes. Of course, if you want excellent results, leaving no stone (or wood) unturned and check their reviews. It takes a good level of experience to identify a termite infestation and a higher level to locate the colonies and the different types of termites.
A termite inspector knows where to look and when to assure you of a thoroughly inspected home or business environment.
2. It’s safer to let an expert handle it
Everything from termite inspection to extermination has cheap DIY products that go with them. However, to prevent any adverse health hazard, using cheap and unreliable products, hiring an expert to do the job will always suffice.
3. Save more time and money
Termite treatment cost and fumigation cost can go from hundreds to thousands of dollars, especially with real estate transactions. You can save over 99% of that amount by simply paying for an all-round home inspection.
4. Salvage your property
If you don’t get these wood-destroying insects out of your home early enough, you may be left with a home with terribly damaged woodwork. This makes a home sale difficult and more than double the cost of home maintenance yearly.
Most people in the United States request a termite inspection report before going in for a home purchase or any other real estate transaction. Nobody wants to deal with wood damage while they stay in a house they bought. Increase the value of your property by simply paying for termite inspections, at least, yearly.
5. You’ll find more than just termites
If you’re worried about termites, then there’s a good chance that there are other destructive pests in your home that you need to get rid of. The termite inspector knows what termites look like but will also not neglect other pests in search of termite colonies. This puts you at an advantage.
Now that you’re sure why you need to have your home constantly inspected by an expert, let’s now look more deeply into the termite inspection cost.
Is a termite inspection worth it?
The simple answer to this question is, “of course!” a free termite inspection is worth it because you get insight into what is actually happening with your home and termites. This allows you to make the decision if you need to get termite prevention services or if you actually need termite control and fumigation right away.
That’s why at Florida Environmental we offer free termite inspections for anyone that thinks they might be dealing with a termite problem. If we need to draw up a report for a property purchase then we charge for that but our termite inspections are free.
What does a termite inspector look for?
After reading through this termite inspection cost guide, it is necessary to know what the inspections will be about. A termite infestation will vary by the species of termites in your home. However, the inspection will cover everything.
Let’s take a look below:
1. Mud tubes
Subterranean termites are usually found in the soul. They need soil contact to build their nests and breed. When they need to feed, they beat a path through the soil down to your house or wherever you have wooden furniture.
Mud tubes are a clear sign that there is a termite infestation in your home. However, your home can still be run down by termites without any evidence of mud tubes. This is why pest inspections are important.
2. Brittle drywall or bubbling paint
You should call for a home inspection if you notice that your painting seems to be coming off or breaking off the wall on its own. This is a clear sign of termite damage. This may not be very easy to spot on your own. This is why a termite inspection is necessary.
3. Wood damage
Termite damage on the wood is the most common issue you will notice before pest control services. You will begin to notice hollow and weak wood, with termite droppings all around.
4. Piles of broken wings
Termites are known to fly around light sometimes and these termites are known as swarmers. When they find a dwelling place for molting and reproduction, they usually shed their wings. This is the easiest sign to look out for. Seeing this alone, you may never need to pay the inspection fee. A termite treatment should follow immediately.
As mentioned earlier, termite inspections will not only help you identify termites or their destructive effects on your home but will also help you get rid of other wood-destroying pests like dry rot, fungus, carpenter ants, and many more.
You could dedicate a few days of your week searching termites in your home and never find a single sign. Offering the projects to termite treatment companies will make it faster, more efficient, and safe. More so, an expert knows what to look for, where to look for it, how to look for it, and when to do it.
What attracts termites to your home?
At a point, after subscribing to a termite treatment plan, you’ll need to understand why termites always find your home attractive. Why do you always need a termite company for a termite problem? There are a few reasons termites might infest your home and they include:
1. Cracks in the wall
Termites need a place to hide while they’re in your home. They will not come out to the open, or that would make it easy for you to spot and kill them. They’ll be easily attracted by small cracks in the wall where they can burrow deeper and start their colony.
The worst part about wall cracks is that they’re not molting grounds for just termites but to other pests like carpenter ants, roaches, and beetles.
2. Dry or wet wooden furniture
While termites are popular for destroying dry wood, some species of termites find comfort in moist and damp places. Termites will always locate wood, no matter how far away it is. If you have wood in your home, which is the case 99% of the time, then a termite inspection or termite treatment is necessary for you.
3. Wood in the foundation
Termite infestation of your foundational wood is the most dangerous of all. If you don’t have a termite control company or inspector at your home in time, you’ll have a damaged and weakened foundation to contend with.
Termites in your foundation can stay there for decades, breeding, molting, and destroying things. It’s a great but avoidable price to pay for nonchalance to fumigation treatment or, at the least, a termite inspection.
4. Home location
Florida is a hot spot for termites.
Termites are found in some areas than others. Unfortunately, you don’t have to move out of your state because of termites. Although termites can be found everywhere in the United States, the areas marked red are where an infestation will most likely happen.
If your city or state is anywhere around the red part, you shouldn’t ignore a good pest inspection and treatment plan. An inspection a year keeps the termites away.
Reasons to Get a Termite Inspection
1. Keep Them From Getting Their Hands On Anything At All
The most effective method for early detection of termites is ensuring you never come across them. Getting a termite inspector will help uncover potential infestation problems with your residence. With this, you will be able to put into place all that is necessary to keep termites away from your property!
2. Allows You to Catch Them Early
When you have termites for extended periods, they can inflict more significant harm. Because of this, it is crucial to inspect and get rid of them as soon as possible. It is essential to identify them as early as possible since they have the potential to cause catastrophic damage to the structural basis of a property.
Who Pays for a Termite Inspection?
Most states and lending institutions mandate that the seller foot the bill for any termite inspections. If there is evidence of termite damage, whether it be from the past or ongoing activity, the seller is the one who is responsible for paying for pest control services.
When it comes to how they will deal with the costs of termite and pest control, the seller has a few options to choose from. They have three options: either they can pay for the treatment costs upfront, lower the price of the home, or pay through the closing charges.
Once it has been determined that the home is clear of pests and the buyer has purchased the house, the buyer is then responsible for taking preventative measures against pests and termites. It is critical to have your new home inspected, treated, and repaired before closing on a home because homeowner’s insurance does not cover the cost of repairing termite damage. Homeowners should be aware of this fact because they need to know.
Whether or not a termite inspection is necessary before you can get approved for a home loan is contingent on several factors, including the state in which you reside, the loan program you participate in, the lender you work with, and the house insurance policy that you have.
For instance, if you want to apply for a VA loan, you must pass a pest inspection in one of the 39 states that mandate them; New Jersey is one of those places. It is essential to be aware that the VA does not point the finger at a particular party as being accountable for the payment of the pest control services. However, some states and mortgage lenders require the seller to pay for services and repairs up to a certain amount. In these cases, the seller is also required to pay closing costs.
If you are applying for a loan guaranteed by the government, like an FHA loan, then a termite inspection is not required unless there is evidence that the home or property is infested with active termites.
Before purchasing a home, it is a good idea to consider getting a pest and termite inspection, even though it is not usually required. You should expect to be confronted with the phrase “termite letter” throughout any real estate transaction. In that case, this letter is a document that declares to the buyer that the residence does not have any damage, and it typically gives the seller the ability to close the deal more quickly.
Termite Inspection: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
There is no such thing as a do-it-yourself project for termite control. When it comes to your home and termites, you will want a qualified professional to take care of the problem for you so that you can have peace of mind that these pests will be eliminated permanently.
Since only experts have access to high-performing termiticides and termite baits, attempting to complete the project on your own without using materials designed for commercial use might not provide you with the results you are looking for.
Termites threaten any wooden structures you own, and they may inflict significant damage on those structures if they are neglected or improperly managed. Killing the termite colony should be done by a trained professional, not yourself.
What is a termite bond?
A termite bond is an agreement between the pest control company and the client to provide treatment and control if termites are discovered. The termite bond exists so the homeowner doesn’t have to pay any extra money if termites come back right after extermination. Many bonds include upfront service, prior to inspections, to take care of termite infestation.
Final words
Termites, like other living things, are everywhere but don’t have to be in your home. However, you will never know if they’re there or even where to look until a thorough termite inspection is carried out by an expert.
Whether you’re buying a new home, selling an old one, or worried about a potential termite problem, it’s the right thing to get an inspection and the necessary treatment. If you live in South Florida, we service your zip code so just give us a call!
