Termite damage?
I am in the process of buying a house, and now they found 6 ft termite damage in the garage. I don't have an agent and don't know what to do..The seller will be repairing the damage but I just don't feel good about it. Please help
THX,
KIKI
Update:Ok here is my delima
The house need roof and windows replaced therefore owner went down in price about 15,000 and now the termite...This is our first home and I just don't want it to be a night mare...We are currently renting the house and are in contract until the end of july so i can't buy another house right now but just don't feel right about buying this one at all I'm so lost..If we buy and repair the roof, window, floor and pain we might be able to make some money but termite problem is huge.
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Don't be silly!!! Look elsewhere. You will be buying trouble.
Be cautious, it could be old or it could be active. Have the home inspector request a termite inspection that would clarify any active issues and see if you can get receipts from any past treatments. Unless its a sweet deal and even if it is keep looking at other homes, it is a buyers market right now and will only get better. Now that I've seen the additional part of your question, you are best to walk. The combo of materials and hired labor could easily meet the value you will have into it and the hardships will send you over the top. Especially if you have to live in it during construction. Most house flips are simple remodels of kitchens and bath areas with cosmetics throughout of course. Back away.
I used to do termite damage repairs. Generally, it is the sill plates that are affected and in the northeast, these run about $40 per linear foot replaced. I would reccommend hiring a reputable home inspector or contractor to thoroughly search for further damage because there is frequently hidden damage. It is important to know the extent of damage before closing or to make arrangements through your lawyer. Anything can be fixed, its just a matter of $$$. Personally, some sill damage on an outside wall in a garage wouldn't phase me. Be sure to check the sills below the any outside porches, but it depends on the house or area of the country. You cannot know the full extent of damage until some drywall is removed.
If you do buy, insist on a transferrable, renewable termite bond from a termite company as a condition of the sale. As the house has had previous termite damage, this may not be possible.
The bottom line is that you have to live there and make payments for a potentially long time. Additionally, when you do try to sell it, you will have to disclose the previous termite damage, which will hurt your property value. If you don't feel comfortable, find another house.
If you dont feel comfortable, you can back out of the contract as this is a major defect.
If you still want the house, I would recommend hiring a home inspector to look at the repairs and the rest of the house. A home inspection is only a couple hundred dollars, but well worth it.
You hire a termite expert to check the house and certify it is free of termites. Remember that any wood where you are can have termites if not protceted.
You will need to have any home you are thinking of buying checked for insecty dammage and other dammages.
You can always back out. You should too. Termite damage goes a lot deeper than you can see with your eyes. It weakens walls & the whole structure of the house.
don't buy move on the whole house could be infested
you should request a price reduction and seek legal advice