Forum Archive

I am having trouble replying to threads for some reason – have lost already! The first part of my problem is here:

http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2008/10/termite_damage_1.php

or

http://tinyurl.com/5tonza

Thanks for the responses so far. Anyway there are two issues here, structural and termite, both of which has been done by the same person. oy. We called the exterminating guy today and he was curt, not really willing to go into details about anything. Oddly the inspection paper had a typed 2002 which was crossed out and replaced with a “8” by hand…. This guy also said he started treating the house in 2002 but only did the structural work this year 2008. Does that make any sense to anyone? If he was treating the problem since 2002, how did things get so bad during that 6yrs which would lead to this structural replacement?

The structural part, I’m posting a picture of structural work that was done. The house is 21wide and the picture you are seeing is at the junction of probably 19ft + 2ft. I don’t know why they had to split the span. They double up with two pieces of 3×8 but did not bolt them together. Now the inspector said the beams should be lag-bolted to each other. I kind of think a plate would be good too at the junction too, no?
Image here: http://tinyurl.com/6pvf26

The termite part, how are these test performed? Are they done just visually and banging a screwdriver into the wood? How are subsequent assessments made after treatment has occurred? Here is the ceiling above what is probably the most moist part of the basement.
Image here: http://tinyurl.com/63s25y
It looks like the old construction of lath and plaster. Obviously no one has taken it down so how can the exterminator be sure there are no longer any active termites?

Anyways does it sound prudent that we shell out the money to hire our own termite inspection? Assuming the owner will allow a more invasive inspection? If he does not, I should be prepared to walk away no?

Are we being overtly cautious? conscientious?