How much does termite damage repair cost?
How much does termite damage repair cost?
$300 – $2,000 cost to repair minor damage
$2,000 – $15,000 cost to repair moderate or major damage
Average termite damage repair cost
Termite damage repair costs $300 to $2,000 on average for minor repairs like patching drywall holes, repainting walls, and other cosmetic damage. The cost to fix termite damage can reach $5,000 to $15,000+ for major structural repairs that involve replacing support beams, subfloors, or load-bearing walls.
| Damage extent | Average repair cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | $300 – $2,000 | Drywall repair; painting; other cosmetic repairs |
| Moderate | $2,000 – $5,000 | Framing repair; subfloor repair; replacing one support beam |
| Major | $5,000 – $15,000+ | Replacing floors, load-bearing walls, multiple support beams, or other major structural components |
What affects the cost to fix termite damage?
Termite damage repair costs vary significantly depending on the severity of the infestation, how long the termites went undetected, and which areas of your home sustained damage.
Structural vs. cosmetic damage
Repair costs depend on whether the termite damage is cosmetic or structural. Minor cosmetic repairs cost less and can be completed quickly, while fixing extensive structural damage is much more costly and takes longer.
Cosmetic damage affects only the appearance of your home and includes surface-level issues like:
Small holes in drywall or wood trim
Damaged paint or wallpaper
Minor wood surface scarring
Superficial floor damage
Structural damage compromises your home's integrity and safety, requiring immediate attention from qualified professionals. This includes:
Damaged load-bearing walls or beams
Compromised floor joists or subfloors
Weakened foundation elements
Damaged roof supports or trusses
Extent of damage
The scope of termite damage directly impacts the repair cost. Limited damage affecting one room or area costs far less to repair than widespread damage throughout multiple areas of your home. Factors that influence the extent of the damage include:
Duration of the infestation
Type of termites present
Moisture levels in affected areas
Previous treatment history
Construction materials used
Termites can remain undetected for years, silently consuming wooden structures and causing extensive damage before homeowners notice signs of their presence.
Location of damage
Opening walls to locate and assess the extent of the damage increases costs significantly. Hidden damage behind walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces requires demolition work to access affected areas, adding labor and material costs for both investigation and restoration.
Outdoor repairs like siding replacement often cost more than indoor repairs like patching holes in drywall.
Structural engineer
Severe termite damage may require evaluation by a licensed structural engineer to assess your home's safety and determine the most appropriate repair methods. An inspection from a structural engineer costs $350 to $900, depending on the complexity of the assessment and local market rates.
Termite inspection & treatment
Always address the termite infestation before investing in repairs. Otherwise, new damage could appear within months. The total cost of termite treatment depends on the severity of the infestation and if you have subterranean, drywood, or dampwood termites.
Termite treatment costs $225 to $2,500 for chemical soil treatment and bait stations.
Termite tenting costs $2,000 to $8,000 for an average home.
A termite inspection costs $75 to $150 on average. Many pest control companies waive this inspection fee if you hire them to treat the termites.
Termite damage repair cost by project
Repair costs vary significantly depending on the type of repair needed and the specific areas affected by termite damage. The table below shows the cost of common repairs.
| Repair type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Siding replacement cost | $4 – $13 per square foot |
| Wood framing repair cost | $11 – $30 per linear foot |
| Drywall repair cost | $200 – $400 (patching holes) $500 – $2,500 (replacing entire wall) |
| Subfloor repair cost | $500 – $2,000+ |
| Sagging floor repair cost | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Replacing rotting beams | $2,000 – $5,000 per beam |
| Hardwood floor refinishing cost | $2 – $8 per square foot |
| Wall repainting cost | $2 – $5 per square foot |
| Electrical repair cost | $150 – $600 |
*Most contractors have minimum fees of $100 to $200 or more.
What does termite damage look like?
Identifying termite damage early can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. Termite damage appears differently depending on the type of termites and the materials they've consumed. Look for these signs to help you spot an infestation:
Wood damage:
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Visible tunnels or galleries in wood surfaces
Crumbling or weakened wooden structures
Sawdust-like frass near wooden areas
Buckling or sagging wooden floors
Wall and ceiling damage:
Small holes in drywall or plaster
Bubbling or peeling paint
Maze-like patterns visible through paint
Discolored or stained wall surfaces
Loose or separating wallpaper
Structural indicators:
Doors and windows that stick or won't close properly
Squeaky or bouncy floors
Visible sagging in floors or ceilings
Cracks in walls or foundations
Loose floor tiles or carpet
Other warning signs:
Mud tubes along foundation walls
Discarded termite wings near entry points
Clicking sounds within walls
Tight-fitting doors or windows
Moisture problems in affected areas
How long does it take for termites to do damage?
Termites can cause minor or moderate damage to a home within 6 to 12 months and significant damage within 3 to 8 years of initial infestation, though the timeline varies based on the colony size, termite species, and environmental conditions.
A mature termite colony can consume approximately 2 to 3 grams of wood per day. While this may seem minimal, the cumulative effect over months and years creates substantial structural damage.
FAQs about termite damage repair
Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage or termite treatment costs. Insurance companies consider termite damage a maintenance issue that homeowners should prevent through regular inspections and preventive treatments.
Who pays for termite damage when buying a home?
The responsibility for termite damage repair depends on when the damage is discovered and what agreements exist between the buyer and seller.
Before closing:
Sellers are responsible for disclosure of known termite damage.
Home inspections should identify most termite damage before purchase.
Buyers can negotiate repairs as part of the purchase agreement.
Costs may be split between parties based on negotiation.
Credits toward closing costs can offset repair expenses.
After closing:
Buyers assume full responsibility for all termite damage.
Previous termite treatments or warranties may transfer to new owners.
Getting quotes for termite damage repair
Follow these tips to help you find the best contractors near you to handle termite damage repair:
Read contractors' reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get detailed written estimates from at least three licensed contractors.
Request references from recent customers.
Confirm the contractors are licensed and insured.
Avoid contractors that require large upfront payments.
Questions to ask termite damage repair pros
Ask contractors these questions to ensure you hire the best pro for the job:
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Can you provide references from recent termite damage repair projects?
Will this project require any permits, and will you handle them?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate with material specifications?
What is your timeline for completing the repairs?
How do you handle unexpected damage discovered during repairs?
Do you work with structural engineers when needed?
What warranty do you offer on the completed repairs?
Do you offer financing options for larger repair projects?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.