WA Termites in backyard a deal breaker?

Discussion in 'Property Analysis' started by Invest_noob, 30th Mar, 2022.

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  1. Invest_noob

    Invest_noob Well-Known Member

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    So my offer in Perth has been accepted but building and pest report shows live termite activity on the outdoor barbeque wooden frame. Also termite activity without live termites in a tree stump.

    The house itself doesn't show any termite activity. Maybe some pre-contruction borer activity in the roof.

    Would you avoid this property or is it not a big issue?
     
    Invest_noob, 30th Mar, 2022
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  2. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    There is no termite activity in the house so why would you avoid it?

    If you did that in Queensland you'd never buy anything. ;)

    Just have an annual check, or pay for a bait station or whatever treatment a trusted pest guy suggests (after you've had the live termites treated in the outdoor barbecue wooden frame). Even if you ditch the timber frame, once disturbed you do need to ensure they've not moved to something else.

    Our pest guy has at times shaken his head at the fact someone has poked or prodded at live termites without actually treating them. I believe once they are disturbed they will go looking for somewhere new to attack.
     
    wylie, 30th Mar, 2022
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  3. See Change

    See Change Well-Known Member

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    Comment we’ve heard on the north shore in Sydney is if they didn’t find termites , they weren’t looking hard enough .

    at least you know where they are

    cliff
     
    See Change, 30th Mar, 2022
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  4. Invest_noob

    Invest_noob Well-Known Member

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    Thanks both, that makes me feel better.
     
    Invest_noob, 30th Mar, 2022
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  5. John R

    John R Well-Known Member

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    Exactly! Shouldn’t be disturbed for 21 days after treatment.
     
    John R, 30th Mar, 2022
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  6. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    If they were active next door, you wouldn't know. Would it affect your decision making process?
     
    Scott No Mates, 30th Mar, 2022
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  7. Invest_noob

    Invest_noob Well-Known Member

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    Well I suppose if they're close the the house in my own yard, it's a closer hop to get on to my house and chew it up. At least that's how my uneducated mind imagines termites operate.

    Also if you don't mind opining on the following, is this normal or is it a major worry?

    Screen Shot 2022-03-31 at 1.29.48 pm.png
     
    Invest_noob, 31st Mar, 2022
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  8. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    You could get an electrician to remedy this easily and I'd assume it won't cost much.
     
    wylie, 31st Mar, 2022
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  9. PerthEngineeringDraftyGuy

    PerthEngineeringDraftyGuy Well-Known Member

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    The elctrical thing would not be a deal breaker for me, but you'd want to remedy it. Won't be a huge ask for any electrician, most would sent their apprentice up there.
     
    PerthEngineeringDraftyGuy, 31st Mar, 2022
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  10. Invest_noob

    Invest_noob Well-Known Member

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    @wylie and @Scott No Mates my PM says "but the yard will still have termites, so tenants can't have anything wooden outside". Is this an accurate assessment? The PM is really trying to dissuade me from this property.
     
    Invest_noob, 2nd Apr, 2022
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  11. skater

    skater Well-Known Member

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    I think you need a different PM.
     
    skater, 2nd Apr, 2022
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  12. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    Once it's treated and keep an eye on it - ie get pest guy back in 6mths time to check - then it should be fine.
    Termites eat wood they will always prefer actual trees to some ****** wooden patio furniture that's laden with chemicals, paint and whatnot
     
    Westminster, 2nd Apr, 2022
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  13. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    Sounds ridiculous to me. I agree with @skater. Get a new PM. ;)
     
    wylie, 2nd Apr, 2022
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  14. Invest_noob

    Invest_noob Well-Known Member

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    The seller got some el cheapo pest guy to "treat it" and they came back reporting that no termites were found. This is contrary to my pest report which shows termites posing for photos in the BBQ area :D.

    PM is good apart from this. Initially I was appreciative of his great concern that I'm buying a lemon(property has other minor issues), but now I'm wondering if he's afraid he'll have to organise many repairs etc :D
     
    Invest_noob, 2nd Apr, 2022
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  15. skater

    skater Well-Known Member

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    This!
    Maybe, or could just be inexperienced.
     
    skater, 2nd Apr, 2022
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