newbee wrote:

Ours is a brand new townhome built 2 years ago. The builder engaged a
pest control agency for termite control. We are now renewing the
warranty every year (they do not administer anything, but do an
inspection each year and we pay for the warranty alone). I heard that
its probably not needed for new homes.

Does anyone have insight into if this is required for new homes?

Thanks in advance.

SR.


Depends on the warranty coverage, potential for termites, building
quality, etc. In Florida, there have been many, many large residential
projects with horrible building defects not discovered for 3, 4, or 5
years. One in particular that comes to mind was a large homeowner's
assn. where each owner had to come up with eighty-something thousand
bucks to repair severe damage from leaky walls and windows. Some owners
could not come up with that and pay their mortgages. A condo not far
from we had the same sort of problem discovered when it was about 2
years old and the damage not as extensive. It was covered with blue
tarps for about a year. Fortunately, the board pres. was an attorney.

Our condo (40 yrs. old) has been tented twice. After the first time,
one board treas. forgot to pay the annual fee, which would have covered
the second tenting. Our neighbors on both sides have been tented within
the past 2-3 years, and the buildings are no more than 10 years.

You need to know the prevalence of termites, the prevalent type in your
area and the treatment method, what the contract covers - additional
treatment, repair damage, cost of other lodging during treatment, then
decide whether it is worth the cost.