Termite damage in your Lafayette home? Don’t stress, you’re not alone! Lafayette’s charming older homes, especially those over 50 years old, often face this pesky problem. Even big names like Orkin acknowledge that Louisiana sits in TIP Zone #2, meaning termite infestations are pretty common here.
With such a high likelihood of termite activity, it’s crucial to ramp up control measures to meet the International Residential Code standards for new builds. In this article, we’ll dive into how termites can harm your beloved home and explore your options if you’re looking to sell a property with termite issues. Let’s get ahead of these wood-munching critters together!
How Do Termites Do Damage?
Termites Eat The Structural Wood
Certain termites, like subterranean termites, thrive in damp environments. They typically establish their colonies in moist soil, often starting infestations in the foundation or lower sections of a home. Addressing the resulting damage can be costly and complex, as it may affect other areas of the house.
Termites Eat Wood Around Doors and Windows
Inspecting the wood-containing areas of your home for termite damage can be quite challenging, as these spots are often hard to access. This includes areas like the wood beneath your house, within the walls, and up in the attic. Proper inspection requires crawling under the house and into the attic.
However, checking other wooden parts of your home for termite damage is simpler and can be done anytime. Termites don’t just harm doors and windows but also the wooden frames that surround them, which are commonly used in door and window installations. Look for signs of termite damage such as wood that appears wavy, porous, or brittle.
Termites Eat Wood Inside The House
If not eradicated, termites can migrate from the wood beneath your house to your walls. “Dry wood termites,” a particular type, can consume wooden furniture and other wooden components of your home without the moisture dependence that other termites have. Keep in mind that this list of potential termite damage is not exhaustive.
These destructive insects can target any wood in or near your home, relentlessly causing harm until they are exterminated. To prevent such damage, it is strongly advisable to seek professional assistance promptly.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
Individuals should confirm coverage details with their insurance provider, as Allstate Insurance indicates on their website that most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Discovering significant termite damage in a home can be both alarming and devastating.
What Are The Usual Signs of Termite Damage?
Forbes magazine highlighted signs indicative of termite damage, which include:
- Discolored or sagging drywall
- Paint peeling like water damage
- Tiny holes in the drywall
- Buckling of wooden or laminate floorboards
- Loosened floor tiles due to moisture introduced by termites
- Floorboards that squeak excessively
- Wood that is crumbling or damaged
- Windows and doors that become difficult to open or close
Steps to Selling a House with Termite Damage in Lafayette
Deal With Those Pesky Bugs And Get Rid Of Them.
Dealing with termites can be challenging if you’re unsure of their origin, as they often create hidden entrances and tunnels beneath wooden beams. An exterminator can assist in identifying their source. It’s important to remove any wood in contact with the ground, as it commonly attracts termite infestations. Additionally, consider a termite treatment to prevent further damage.
Identify The Damage They Did And Get It Repaired
Before presenting the property to conventional buyers, evaluate the expenses involved in repairing extensive termite damage after eradication. The challenge with termite damage lies in its often-hidden nature, revealing itself layer by layer, much like peeling an onion. As each layer of drywall is removed, further damage comes to light. It is essential to repair all of this damage prior to selling the property.
Disclose The Problem To Your Future Buyer
When selling your home through a traditional real estate agent, it is crucial to comply with termite disclosure laws by informing the buyer of any existing termite issues. A home inspection will reveal any such problems, so transparency is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one. Nobody wants to discover termite damage after the sale has been finalized.
Besides the termite inspection report, sellers must provide proof of termite treatment and might need to offer a termite warranty. These requirements can be costly, leading some sellers to consider alternative options.
What If I Can’t Afford Repairs and Need to Sell My Termite-Damaged Home in Lafayette Fast?
If you’re struggling with the costs of termite treatment or major structural repairs, Cedar Cash Home Buyers is here to assist. We can evaluate your Lafayette home without hesitation. As cash buyers specializing in renovating properties for resale, we bypass the usual home inspection process. With extensive experience addressing issues like yours, we’re equipped to manage them effectively. Selling your home as-is could be the best option!
We handle termite removal and necessary repairs, so you won’t need to provide a termite letter or warranty. If we choose to purchase your termite-damaged home, you won’t incur any closing costs. While many buyers shy away from homes with termite damage, we are undeterred. We buy homes as-is from homeowners, including inherited properties and those in foreclosure.You can learn more about Cedar Cash Home Buyers, here. For assistance and a free quote within 24 hours, call us today at (337) 420-0375 with no obligation.
