Live Termites what are the options?

Dear All,

I am sure there would be some brave hearts around with experience on renovation / clean-up of termite damaged house.

We are acquiring a house needing major repairs and having live termites. Trying to work out the number before going ahead.

- What are the cost involved one time and on going for treating / getting rid of live termites ?
- Anything specific to look out for?
- This purchase if we go ahead is in Woodridge. Can anyone recommend a decent handyman?

Assistance is appreciated.

 

Talk to their leader - they can be reasoned with.

 

When you made the purchase did you get the building and pest inspections done by the same person? Asking that person for the first quote or from their recommended builder will be a good start. I used Dedant for my inspections for my Logan property.

 

Huge bargaining chip here Subby.

There won't be many people queuing up to buy other people's problems.

Get a p & b to quote the works & add a healthy % for contingencies.

 

Hi
Thanks for the response. I am getting a builder to walk through. So far looks like the hard wood timber structure is fine.

Do you have any clue of the amount that is generally charged. It's a 3 bed / old fibro house on a standard block of 600sq.

Thx
Subodh

 

The property is still under contract and not settled. Thanks for the tip. I was sort of anticipating this challenge so just getting my head around resolution when we go unconditional.

 

Hi Scotty,

You are right this one is not for faint hearted. I have taken on long list of problems. Since it was on the brink of repossession we did what we could on purchase price, now trying to figure out the end state in terms of equity gain & cash flow.

Thx Anyhow.
Subodh

 

Hi
Thank you Wayne was very useful.

 

Bart Simpson: Gas your termites, freeze your termites, zap your termites, save the termites.
canine2.mp3

 

Hi Subodh,
You should be able to eradicate the termites for a couple of thousand dollars at the absolute max and get an 8-10 year warranty protecting you against their return provided annual inspections are completed for around $200 a year by the pest control company.
If you are looking to eradicate the colony ensure that a fipronil based chemical barrier is installed.
Your biggest problem will be evaluating the damage they have done. The stumps/flooring component should be accessible and therefore careful examination of the timbers is achievable,as should the roof loft space. It is the timber framework component forming the walls which will be almost impossible to evaluate without removing the internal or external wallboards/cladding.
It would be highly advisable to get a full asbestos report prior to attempting this or any other invasive action.

 

Thx Mush,

This certainly helps.

 

@mush does the building inspector also test for Asbestos trace as well ?
The termite check that you mentioned above seems invasive.

 

AlbertWT, the only sure way of positively identifying asbestos is to have it laboratory tested, so whilst a decent building inspector will be able to advise on "possible" asbestos you will either need an expert report for definite confirmation or treat all possible asbestos as asbestos and take all necessary precautions.
Using a Termatrac t3i allied with other methods, an inspector should be able to determine if there is termite activity within the walling framework,however to determine the extent of the damage invasive methods will almost certainly be required.