Termite damage is never good for a home. During a real estate inspection, if any termite damage is found, it will affect the outcome of the home. In most cases, the buyer is told that the seller will fix the problem.
The seller will pay to have the termite problem treated, which will normally cost around $1,000 or so. Even though the termites will be gone, you have to wonder about the damage to the structure. In the more severe cases, damage to the structure can cost up to 50 times the cost of the treatment. The last thing you want is to move into a home that you know has been treated for termites, only to find the structure to be in very bad shape.
If any type of damage was done to the wooden structure of the home, you may need to get immediate repairs. While some damage may be visible, there are other types of damage that may seem invisible to the naked eye. To find out just how bad the damage is, carpets and rugs will need to be lifted, furniture and appliances moved, walls and ceilings will need to be opened, and even some types of excavation may be needed. This is the only way to tell the extent of the damages, especially in cases of termites. If you do not inspect every area of the home, you could be moving into a home that has severe structural damage – which can cost you thousands to repair.
In order to determine latent damage present you will need to have invasive and destructive testing performed on your home, which will performed by qualified contractors and specialists. This will help to determine the extent of the damage and the cost of any needed repairs. This can be very costly however, it is the only way to find and repair any latent damage.