Reply to termite question: who can assess structural damage ?

Forum Index » Real Estate

Reply to "termite question: who can assess structural damage ?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]Hello we are under contract for a home and everything is getting complicated and somewhat hostile with the sellers. We waived contingencies but had an information inspection that revealed standing water, mold in the crawl space and we will need to put in a drain and waterproofing system there and in basement. However, sellers would not allow us a second inspection to assess the cost of that (general inspector said we needed to consult with specialist for accurate scope of work and price).  We tried to walk then in exchange for EMD, but no go and seller is threatening to sue us.

We do have a termite inspection clause in our contract that is separate (and maybe law in VA) in which seller has to treat if termites or found or repair damage done by termites whether in past or present. If seller refuses, then we can cancel contract.

The termite inspection showed evidence of prior infestation (no live termites) and noted visible damage in one area (a wood carport) and noted that other areas, including in crawl space and basement, were not fully accessible and they can only report damage they can easily see.

Report also states "this is not a structural damage report" (although it did not water damage to subfloor).  Report also showed a drilling pattern around the foundation of the house, suggesting at one point they did treat for termites (they drill holes and fill with a pesticide) around the foundaiton.  The report concluded that no evidence of new infestation was shown and thus no treatment needed but did not really touch on whether there was extant, unrepaired damage from the prior infestation.

We know already we are not going to get a straight answer from the sellers about anything. my questions; who would be able to assess termite and structural damage caused by termites, esp in and around foundation? Is that a structural engineer or a pest management company? I think the latter will not make any representation about structural damage.

We are going to talk with our agent, but at this point do not feel they have our interests at heart (and seller and buyers agents both with same brokerage, although different offices). We are consulting with a real estate lawyer about the best way to proceed in this case according to our contract.  We are basically at the point where we would walk away if we had a contractual ability to do so, but we at least do not want to be on the hook for damage remediation.

any advice? If you had a house with evidence of prior infestation, what would you ask for/look for and who would you use?

[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics