Do you own a house in St. Louis that has termite damage? This is a common issue in the area, especially for properties that are over 50 years old. Even national termite control companies have acknowledged this trend. On their website, Orkin states that Missouri is located in Termite Infestation Probability Zone #2, as designated by TIP Zones. This means that the potential for termite damage is significant and considered moderate to heavy. If there is a higher likelihood of termite activity in an area, more termite control measures are needed to meet the building standards set by the International Residential Code for new homes. In this article, we will discuss the damage termites can cause to your home and what steps to take if you have termite damage and intend to sell your property.
How Do Termites Do Damage?
Termites Eat The Structural Wood
Subterranean termites require moisture to survive and construct their colonies in damp soil beneath buildings, often beginning in the foundation or lower sections. Repairing these areas can be costly and intricate, potentially affecting other parts of the house.
Termites Eat Wood Around Doors and Windows
To check for termite damage, it’s necessary to inspect the wood in hard-to-reach areas of your home such as underneath the house, within the walls, and in the attic. This requires intentional crawling into these spaces. You can check for termite damage in other areas of your home that are made of wood, such as the frames around your windows and doors. These frames are typically made of wood. Look for signs of termite damage such as wavy, porous, or brittle wood. You can do this inspection as often as you like.
Termites Eat Wood Inside The House
If you don’t get rid of the termites that start eating the wood underneath your house, they will eventually invade your walls. There is a specific kind of termite called “dry wood termite” that can even consume your home’s wooden furniture and other wooden materials without needing moisture, unlike subterranean termites.
Please note that the list of termite damages provided is not comprehensive, as these destructive pests can infest any wood both inside and outside of your home. Termites will persist in destroying your home until they are eliminated. To effectively put a stop to termite damage, it’s recommended that you seek the help of a professional as soon as possible.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
It is recommended that individuals contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage, however, Allstate Insurance has stated on their website that the majority of home insurance policies do not provide coverage for damage caused by termites.Discovering significant damage caused by pests in your home can be a distressing and potentially calamitous situation.
What Are The Usual Signs of Termite Damage?
An article in Forbes magazine about termites lists the follow signs of termite damage:
- The drywall might be discolored or drooping.
- The paint is peeling and looks similar to damage caused by water.
- There are tiny holes in the drywall.
- The wooden or laminate floorboards are becoming bent or warped.
- The moisture introduced by termites can cause the tiles to loosen from your floor.
- The floorboards are excessively squeaky.
- The wood is deteriorating and has sustained damage.
- The windows and doors are not opening or closing smoothly.
- Maze-like patterns in furniture, floorboards or walls
Follow These Steps To Sell A House In St. Louis With Termite Damage
Deal With Those Pesky Bugs And Get Rid Of Them.
If you’re unsure where the termites are coming from, it can be difficult to solve the issue. They could have many hidden entrances and tunnels behind beams and wood. Contacting an exterminator will help uncover the source of the problem. Anything made of wood that touches the ground could be the culprit, so it’s important to remove those sources of contact. To prevent future damage, consider getting a termite treatment.
Identify The Damage They Did And Get It Repaired
Before presenting the property to traditional buyers, make sure to assess the cost of repairing any significant termite damage that may have taken place after completely removing the termites. It’s worth noting that termite damage can sometimes remain hidden until it is detected, so the process can be akin to peeling an onion, with layers upon layers of damage to contend with. With every additional layer of drywall removed, there may be more substantial damage to deal with, and all of this must be fixed before selling the property.
Disclose The Problem To Your Future Buyer
If you’re selling your home through a traditional real estate agent, it’s important to follow the termite disclosure law and inform the buyer. The buyer will have a home inspection that will uncover any termite issues. Disclosing this information is not only legally required, but also the right thing to do ethically. After the sale, no one wants to discover termite damage. Additionally, the seller must provide a termite inspection report, proof of treatment, and potentially a warranty. However, this can be expensive, so some sellers choose to explore other options.
What If I Can Not Afford All Of This And Need To Sell My Termite Damaged Home In St. Louis Quickly?
If you are unable to pay for termite treatment or have already suffered significant structural damage, Fast Lane Real Estate can provide assistance.
We can assess your St. Louis home without any hesitation. As cash buyers, we specialize in purchasing homes, repairing them, and reselling them. Therefore, we won’t need a typical home inspection to help us identify issues to be solved, as that’s what we are already experienced in resolving.
We will take care of the termites and any repairs needed, so you don’t have to worry about providing a termite letter or warranty. If we decide to buy your termite-damaged home, you won’t have to pay for any closing costs. Even though it can be tough for most homebuyers to purchase a termite-damaged home, we are determined to help you. We buy homes directly from homeowners in their current state, including inherited properties and homes in foreclosure.To learn more about Fast Lane Real Estate’s operations, please click on this link. If you need assistance and want a quote without any obligation within approximately 24 hours, please call us today at 314-310-8338.