Termite Inspection Checklist When Buying a Flat or House

Termite damage is one of the hidden costs of buying a property. It may not be visible during a quick visit, and sellers may not know about it. A structured check before you commit can protect you from a nasty surprise.

This guide gives a practical checklist for buyers. It is not a substitute for a professional inspection.

The short answer

When buying, inspect wooden doors, frames, wardrobes, skirting and flooring for mud tubes, hollow sounds, bubbling paint and soft wood, check walls and ceilings for stains and cracks, look at the plinth and garden for soil contact and tubes, ask for anti-termite treatment records and warranties, and get a professional termite inspection before you pay the final amount. Take photos and raise issues in negotiation or the agreement.

Inside the property

1. Doors and frames: Tap for hollow sounds, look for mud tubes and soft corners near the floor.
2. Wardrobes and built-in furniture: Check back panels, bases and corners.
3. Skirting and flooring: Look for gaps, buckling and hollow sound.
4. Walls: Look for bubbling paint, cracks and damp patches, especially at the base.
5. Ceilings: Look for stains and sagging, particularly in false ceilings.
6. Kitchen and bathrooms: Check cabinets and areas near leaks.
7. Switchboards: Look for mud or soil near sockets.

Outside the property

• Inspect the plinth and exterior walls for mud tubes.
• Look at wooden gates, posts, sheds and pergolas.
• Check for stored wood, stumps and soil piled against walls.
• Look at the drainage and areas where water collects.

For apartments

• Check ground-floor and lower-floor units more carefully.
• Ask about common-area pest control and any history of termites in the building.
• Look at wooden fittings and the condition of shared walls.

Documents and questions to ask

1. Was pre-construction anti-termite treatment done? Ask for the certificate.
2. Has post-construction treatment been done? When and by whom?
3. Is there a warranty, and is it transferable?
4. Has there been any termite damage or repair?
5. Are there records of pest control for the building?

Get a professional inspection

A trained inspector uses tools and experience to find hidden activity. Ask for a written report with findings, photos and recommendations. Do this before final payment or registration where possible.

Using the findings

• Minor issues: negotiate treatment or a price adjustment.
• Active infestation: ask the seller to treat before completion, with a warranty.
• Extensive damage: get a repair estimate and reconsider.

When to call a professional

Always, for a significant purchase. A small inspection fee is low compared with repair costs.

Frequently asked questions

Can termite damage be hidden?

Yes. Paint, polish and new flooring can cover damage, so professional checks matter.

Is a new property safe?

Not automatically. Verify the pre-construction treatment records.

Who should pay for treatment?

This is negotiable. Put it in the agreement.

How long does an inspection take?

Often an hour or two, depending on size.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on termite control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full termite treatment guide for Bangalore.