Do I Need A Termite Inspection?

We just went into contract on a brick rowhouse in the South Slope/Windsor Terrace.  The inspector found no evidence of termite damage, nor did he find any evidence of termite treatments.  So based on what he saw (and he was pretty thorough) there’s no evidence of termites.  Our lawyer is now saying we should have a termite inspection.  Does this seem right?  Is it par for the course to do a termite inspection even when the general inspection doesn’t lead to any suspicion of termites?  BTW the buildng is about 100 years old, according to PropertyShark.  Thanks!!

backeast

in Inspection 13 years and 7 months ago

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mozeeatupu | 9 years and 3 months ago

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Boy if you’re balking at paying a couple of hundred dollars now that are solely for your benefit, you’re not going to like what happens after you own the house

callalily | 13 years and 7 months ago

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If your regular inspector is also a certified termite inspector, then you already had a termite inspection. If not, you might want to get one to protect yourself. If your beams and columns are exposed, that’s good, and the inspector should drive a pick into them to see if they are sound. The place we bought had loads of termite damage covered up with white paint/glue, but our inspector found it right away.

BHS | 13 years and 7 months ago

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My inspector said that for old houses, there will likely be some termite damage even if evidence is not visible during the inspection. This should be a possibility that you need to factor into your cost calcs and savings plans, but not a reason to pass on a house unless there is evidence of an active infestation or extensive unrepaired damage. A general inspector should be able to detect any visible damage, and if it’s a concern because of scope or active infestation, it probably makes sense to have an exterminator out to assess. They could give you a better idea of cost to treat and how much can be said about possibly hidden damage (perhaps not much).

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Don’t let termite damage or the threat of it deter you from buying the house; unless of course it was overwhelming which, by the initial inspection, does not seem to be the case.  EVERY house in brooklyn has some degree of termite damage and assessing the extent of it and what repairs are necessary is the main issue.   You say your house is a brick rowhouse which means it also has a stone or brick foundation.  As long as all the joists, beams and posts in the basement showed no signs of damage you will be fine.  If they are covered (drywall, etc), be sure to get it inspected underneath that.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Termite damage is usually well hidden. My house was inspected by myself and a termite inspection. There was nothing to be found. I ripped out the cellar which was covered by paneling. There was a pathway going along a wall and into the main beam. That was shot. I also found a few ledgers that had to be eaten as well. It was very old damage. If you can find someone that will do other than a visual inspection, go for it.

guikazoid | 13 years and 7 months ago

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we just closed on a house a few months ago… termite inspection came back negative but the inspector told us there were signs of termites in the past… fast forward weeks later we found a beam that was destroyed, we were lucky enough to get it fixed without any issues.  pay the hundred bucks and get an extensive inspection.