It's a common saying in Georgia that if you have not had termites in the past, and you do not have termites now, you will have termites in the future! A Wood
Infestation Report is no longer required
by any real estate contract in Georgia, although is advised that the
buyer have an inspection during the Due Diligence period. SELLERS:
The "Seller's Property Disclosure" (which you will complete at the time
of listing) asks if you have a transferable bond or guaranty.
Before
checking this item, be sure to read your original termite bond or
guaranty.
If your home was built 10 years ago and you have maintained the
original
bond, you may discover that your bond is only a ten year bond and is not
transferable to your purchaser. A termite bond is not
required
for the sale of property in Georgia, but the Seller's Disclosure
becomes
part of the contract and must be accurate. If you are the home seller, before listing your home, or at least at the time of listing, it would be a good idea to have a termite inspection done and a wood infestation report issued by your pest control company. This will avoid problems with the buyer's inspection, and give you time to correct and treat as needed for the sale and closing of your home. Common Problems:
1. Earth to wood contact on deck posts, porch supports, exterior wooden steps. Current code requires that these posts be set in concrete. Wood or pressed wood siding within 6" of the ground. 2. Exterior cross tie walls made of railroad ties or landscape timber, and wooden fences when they abut the exterior wall of the house. 3. Excessive moisture in the crawl space (this may be corrected by adding more vents or a vapor barrier on the dirt) 4. Debris in the crawl space or under decks and porches. 5. Active or previous
infestation. If either is found, the
entire home should
be treated. If you do not have a bond, the cost averages
$900.00 -
$1,700.00.
6. Insulated foam board around
perimeter of the home. This perimeter insulation was
required by FHA and VA and by most local building codes
for many years, even though the pest control companies
recognized that foam board near the ground provided safe haven
for termites to move into your home. In Georgia the code
has changed. Not only is foam- board insulation not
required, the pest control companies will not issue a clear wood
infestation
report unless the foam board is removed. Many of these problems will be
seen only in older homes, but any home can have termite infestation.
The
information contained herein is believed to be accurate and timely but
no warranty as such is expressed or implied.
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