Californians, Floridians, Texans, Hawaiians and Other Termite States

Updated on March 20, 2013
I.X. asks from San Clemente, CA
8 answers

Do you think its worth getting a second opinion on a termite report? I don't doubt the need for tenting. I'm questioning the amount of wood work repair/ replacement. It had not occurred to me that they make a lot of money on wood repair and I may need to check to see if what they are telling me is necessary. I'm also perturbed that they tell me I"m liable and will need to make my own arrangements for any roof damage THEY cause on my spanish tile roof. Doesn't that sound like something they should account for (pad the quote) and contract out and not leave in my lap as some totally unknown variable? What incentive do their employes have to be carful with my roof when they assume no responsibility? As it is I fear a $10,000 quote coming my way.

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So What Happened?

we do need tenting, we do have termites, there is exterior wood damage- That much I know all by myself. In this part of california termites are an inevitability. We are purchasing our rental home "as is" from the owner. They let it go longer than they should have.

Featured Answers

J.P.

answers from Lakeland on

For repairs that cost that much always get a second opinion. I would also inquire about the roof, most companies will cover any damages they caused and/or they don’t cause damage.

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K.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

Never hurts to get a second opinion...especially when dealing with big ticket repairs!

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

Sounds fishy - why would you be lible if they cause damage? I'd ask around your neighbors and see if anyone's been tented - get a recommendation from them.

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Wow! I wouldn't go with them. Of course the damage could be more extensive then they could see initially but damaging your roof due to their negligence should be covered under the contractors insurance.

Fyi...My first house had old damage in the basement that we had to fix when we sold our house although the home inspector I hired did not see the damage when we were the buyers. Anyway, my dad/general contractor made the repair for $10.

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T.M.

answers from Modesto on

Definitely get another opinion. Do not let the new pest control company KNOW that you've already been told you have termites, otherwise they will take advantage of that.
I had them once in a mobile home I lived in... they wanted to charge a ton of money to rid me of them... I never had them come treat it.
I put out our boric acid and did some caulking. Here's a dia website.. not sure what your damages are already, but this could be helpful.
http://www.grandmashomeremedies.com/termites.html

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I remember my dad going under our house in CA before the termite inspection and finding no loose wood down there. Surprise, when the termite inspector came up from under the house, he was armed with termite-infested scraps he claimed he found there. There are definitely scammers out there.

You are smart to get a second opinion.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Okay, I am in Hawaii.
We have, Subterranean and Drywood termites (the ones that fly around at night).
We do not tent.
We have a termite protection plan and treatment around our premises.
Each year they come and do an inspection. It is a part of our plan. That we pay for.

IF a home is tented here, it is because... they ALREADY have an infestation, within their home. Already.
It is not tented, if there are NO termites established in the home.

Yes, its good to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion and assessment on it.

IF you already have, interior termite damage and especially to structural components in your home... then, you have to fix it. Besides looking terrible, the home is damaged. By the Termites.
This can be, like major renovation.
I have seen some homes... that have had to totally demolish a part of their room. Because of the existing termite damage.

IN addition to just tenting, if you do that... it is IMPERATIVE, that you have a Termite treatment done, to your home. In Hawaii, this is for the Subterranean Termites. Underground, treatment and Termite stations, all around a home's exterior and around the foundations.
The thing is: with Termites, you don't wait.... until you have an infestation or damage... you do what you can to PREVENT.... it even coming into your home.
Termites are common in Hawaii. This is what most people do here.
We use the Company "Terminix."

Now... I don't know of any Termite company, that does the wood repair. The homeowner's... hire their own.
But the company may have as a part of their contract with you... that IF there is termite damage to your home, even with their treatment... they may help with the costs.

Personally, I would not have a Termite company do any wood repair on my home. I would, hire my own Contractor to do that, depending on the extent of damage to the home. Structurally or not.

The company you talked to... does not seem, very good.
Get someone else.
There are many other companies, that do this.
Terminix, which we use and so does MANY people in my State, are good. I believe they are a NATIONAL firm.

If/when they are on your roof, (this is coming from me and I have construction background)... I always... also supervise whatever workmen are at our home. And you can also take photos. For your own files.
I routinely... spot check the carpenters/construction workers that are at, our home. And they know it. I make no bones about it.
-AND when our annual Termite check comes, up, I am WITH alongside the Termite Inspector... ALSO looking around with him and asking questions, the whole time. That way, *I* know if a good job/inspection was done or not.

And as a Homeowner, personally speaking... *I* myself, routinely inspect our home, for any Termites. I know how. Most people in Hawaii, know what to look for... per the interior and exterior and foundations.

You- need to get someone else.
Get a 2nd and 3rd opinion and assessment of your home/termite situation.
You can also check out that company you talked to, via the Better Business Bureau in your State and see about their standing.

A.G.

answers from Dallas on

We always get a second opinion on expensive jobs.

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