In our area of the South, sometimes it seems like termite damage isn’t a question of “if,” but a question of “when.” Termite swarms are an ever-present possibility for homeowners in Tennessee. But should you be afraid of buying a house with termite damage?

We believe that this is a case-by-case situation, and you’ll have to do some evaluations yourself, considering what you want out of your house-hunting experience.

Is It Worth Buying a House with Termite Damage?

Termites can easily find their way into any home that is left unchecked and untreated, but when damage is discovered early on, the detriment to a home can be minimal. These days, professional treatment techniques are highly effective – in more fortunate cases, removing the termites and restoring the wood should be no problem.

Here are 4 things to look for when considering buying a house with termite damage:

Observable termite damage is inactive and isolated. If there is termite damage, but there are no active termites, there’s a good chance that the homeowner has already dealt with the colony. It’s always a safe bet to ask about what extermination measures have been taken.
Termite damage has not been found in critical parts of the home. Have a house inspector assess if the damaged area is load-bearing, or compromised enough to put anything at risk of collapsing. If the damage is compromising but not active, talk with a contractor about the possibilities of fixing that area before buying.
Active termite colonies that may be in the house are treatable. Termites are just a part of life here, so there’s a chance that that perfect home you’ve found has a little termite problem. If your trusted exterminator can’t put together a clear plan to remove the termites, then you may want to walk away.
The home has a current pest protection plan. If the house has had ongoing pest protection from a reputable company, you can take comfort in knowing that there are guarantees in place for pest assessment and protection. It also shows that the current homeowner takes the condition of their home seriously.

When Should Termite Damage to a House Prevent You From Buying?

When you buy a home with termite damage, the problems aren’t going to go away without some hard work. Sometimes, the issue can be insurmountable – you might have set time restrictions or a budget that won’t budge. In some cases, the damage might just be too extensive to make your purchase worthwhile. Here are a few signs that you shouldn’t move forward:

If an inspection shows active termite damage and you cannot get an accurate estimate as to how long they have been invading the home, it’s safe to assume that they are occupying more space than you’re aware of. A termite infestation left unchecked for too long gives the pests the best chance to spread.
If termite damage is spread in various parts of the house, there may be cause for concern. It is not an unyielding reason to pass up the house, but you will want to do some serious homework and consultations with experts on the extent of the damage. Multiple damage sites around the house indicate possible colonies in a number of areas of the yard, which could mean that the house is under attack from all over.
If you do not have the patience for fixing up a house, you will probably want to stay away from a termite-damaged home. These projects take time and diligence, and if that won’t work for your calendar, you’ll have to pass.

Who to Call for Termite Extermination

If you are planning on buying a house with termite damage or need termites removed from your current home, we at Johnson Pest Control have a team of experts with years of experience ready to help you through the process. Contact our specialists today for a free quote!