Termite Inspection Before Buying a House: Cost and Checklist
Last updated: October 30, 2026 · Prices checked October 30, 2026
A termite inspection before buying a house costs $100–$200 for the official WDO report — against an average termite damage repair bill of about $3,000 and treatment that can run into four figures. It is the highest-leverage $150 in the entire closing process. Here's what it covers, who pays, and how to use the result.
WDO inspection & report: $100–$200 · Termite letter: $100–$200 · Typically paid by the seller, valid ~30 days.
National range, researched from published sources. Prices checked October 30, 2026.
The costs around a home purchase
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| WDO inspection & report | $100–$200 |
| Termite / clearance letter | $100–$200 |
| If activity is found: treatment (avg job) | $621 |
| If damage is found: repair (avg) | ~$3,000 ($250–$6,000) |
Who requires it, who pays
- VA loans: a termite (WDO) inspection is required in most states, and the seller customarily pays for the inspection.
- FHA loans: required where termite probability is moderate-to-heavy, where the appraiser notes evidence, or where local custom demands it.
- Conventional loans: rarely mandated by the lender — which is exactly when buyers skip it and shouldn't. $100–$200 is cheap certainty on a six-figure purchase.
- State custom: in termite states (Georgia's Form 100 process is the formal example), the letter is simply part of how homes change hands.
What the inspector checks — and your checklist as buyer
- Live activity vs. old damage: the report must distinguish them — old, treated damage is a negotiation point; live colonies are a treatment bill.
- Conducive conditions: wood-to-soil contact, moisture, mulch against the foundation, firewood stacked on the house.
- Previous treatment evidence: drill marks, bait stations, a bond — and whether an existing bond transfers (see termite bond cost).
- Ask for the treatment quote with the report if activity is found, so the negotiation uses real numbers from treatment cost, not guesses.
- Calendar: the letter is typically valid 30 days — order the inspection inside the closing window.
The general pricing picture is in termite inspection cost, and Georgia buyers should read the Georgia termite letter specifics. Weighing whether to demand treatment in the contract? Is termite treatment worth it? runs the numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a termite inspection cost before buying a house?+
$100–$200 for a WDO inspection with the official report (HomeGuide). The seller usually pays. It's separate from the general home inspection.
Can I skip the termite inspection if the home inspection was clean?+
A general home inspection isn't a WDO inspection: the home inspector isn't licensed for pest work, doesn't probe wood or enter every crawl area the same way, and doesn't issue the report your lender may need. In termite states, skipping it is false economy.
What if the inspection finds termites?+
Then you negotiate with facts: treatment averages $621 per job, damage repair averages about $3,000. Common outcomes: seller treats before closing, a price credit, or the seller funds a bond. Get the treatment quote in writing with the report.
How long is the termite letter good for?+
Typically 30 days for transaction purposes. If closing slips beyond that, expect to pay for a fresh inspection/letter.