Q. How much does a CL-100/Termite Letter cost?
A. Please Contact Us regarding pricing information.
Q. Exactly what is a CL-100/Termite Letter?
A. A Wood Infestation Report is a report of visible infestation and damage caused by insects (e.g., termites and beetles) and decay in accessible areas of the structure, with the inspection for decay fungi limited to the portion of the structure below the level of the first main floor. Commonly referred to as a termite letter or CL-100, its purpose is to inform the lending institution and buyer of the results of an inspection by a Pest Control Operator. As a protective measure, banks and lending institutions require that homes be inspected for damage from termites and other wood-destroying organisms before they will loan money on the home.
The Wood Infestation Report is a two-page document. The first page provides basic information about the inspection, such as the address of the property, and it answers such general questions as:
1) Where was the damage found?
2) What caused the damage?
3) Is there any visible evidence of infestation or previous treatment?
4) Are there any obstructions or inaccessible areas which cannot be inspected?
5) Was a builder contacted to assess the damages?
The second page of the Wood Infestation Report provides space to comment on details regarding data disclosed on the first page of the report. It identifies special areas of concern, such as locations of previous treatment, and it identifies areas that are inaccessible for inspection.
Q. Does a CL-100/Termite Letter guarantee the absence of termites?
A. No. This report is simply a description of any visible activity or damage caused by termites or other wood-destroying organisms. The inspection is based on careful visual inspection of readily accessible areas and by sounding or probing. A qualified building expert should be consulted to determine the extent of damage and whether repairs are necessary. Most Pest Control Operators are not licensed builders.
Q. Isn’t the Pest Control Operator responsible for reporting all types of structural damage?
A. No. Often, a Pest Control Operator is the only individual who goes beneath the house or in the attic. Because of this, the Pest Control Operator is often considered responsible for inspecting and reporting anything that may be wrong with the structure. This is not true. Structural and electrical problems, plumbing, roof leaks, etc., are not normally their areas of expertise. Building Inspectors and contractors who are licensed or registered with the South Carolina Residential Home Builder’s Commission are the appropriate people to call to inspect these problems.
Q. Who is responsible for treating or repairing the damage found?
A. When Pest Control Operators find wood-destroying organism activity or damage, they are required BY LAW to report it on the Wood Infestation Report. If they do not, the Department of Pesticide Regulation will take appropriate enforcement action. Any company can treat or repair, but the PCO is required to issue the report regardless of whether they perform the repairs or treatment.
Q. Does a termite letter provide insurance on my new home?
A. No. CL-100 is a literal inspection of your home that pertains to wood-destroying insects, water damage and moisture conditions. It reflects the general conditions of the home at the time of inspection. There is no warranty or guarantee for any pre-existing or future conditions of the home.
Q. What if my termite letter is not “clear”?
A. Many wood infestation reports do not come back as many refer to as “clear.” However, damage that has been properly repaired or judged to be not structurally significant should not interfere with the sale of the house. Just as most used cars have a dent here and there, most South Carolina homes that are over 10 years old can reasonably be expected to have some wood-destroying organism damage. If a “clear” letter is required by the lender or specified in the sales contract of the home, then estimates should be produced for any repair, corrective action and/or treatments needed to correct the issues on the CL-100. Necessary actions should then proceed. Some loans and situations do not require a “clear” CL-100 and you should seek advice from your sales or company representative as to the best course of action to pursue.
Q. What is a “clear” CL-100?
A. A “clear” CL-100 indicates that there is no visible wood-destroying insects present at the structure, and no damage caused by wood-destroying insects. It also indicates that there is no structural water damage that requires repair, and no adverse moisture conditions that require repair and/or corrective action. Again, this inspection indicates these conditions at the date and time of the inspection only. There should be no speculation as to any previous or future conditions.
