Your exp of active woodworm?

latte19

Buying a property and the initial valuation has come back saying:

“2) Activewoodworminfestationwasnotedtotheatticvoid. InstructaPCAapprovedspecialistcontractor inthe treatment of woodworm infestation to the inspect, treat and provide a long termguarantee for the works required to treating active woodworm.”

The vendors have agreed to sort this though.

My main worry is that even if they get this sorted, is this a problem likely to keep returning?

I absolutely love the house. But it’s made me question if I’m taking on a bit of a risk? Will it just need checked every few years? I would love to hear what other people have done about it. Any advice would be great.

(Googled woodworm - they are so disgusting)

Cash-Cows

We bought a house with woodworm. Before we move in we had the wood treated in accordance with the surveyors comments. Not aware of any issues since.

AdrianC

Once wood has been treated, the worm can't easily come back.

But is it really active, not historic? I'd have thought most construction timber will have been treated before use in modern houses, and AIUI woodworm doesn't really like the conditions in centrally-heated properties anyway, which is why it's much rarer than it used to be.

DaftyDuck

It's often found on surveys, but is rarely a problem... occasionally it is.

As Adrian says, modern timbers are generally treated. Old timbers are normally too dry and seasoned. It's possible a new build had insufficient treatment, or old build had damp in roof space. Both are treatable, fix the cause in the latter case.

Most common is introduction of some untreated timbers in repairs, or DIY loft hatches and boarding.

The beetle is commonplace in the wild... It will find untreated timber wherever it is. Treatment is quite cheap**, quick, and very effective.

**BUT... That's so long as the affected and untreated wood is easily uncovered.

G_M

I'd be far happier buying the proprty and treating the problem myself. That way I can choose the contractor and be confidant of a propr job. The seller will use the cheapest option possible.


Knock the cost off the purchase price.


If you do decide o get the seller to do this


* ensure you have some say on choice of contractor
* ensure there is a 20 year guarantee
* ensure the guarantee is 'insurance backed' in case the contractor goes out of buesiness
* ensure the guarantee is transferable to a subsequent owner(you)

latte19

Yes it’s active. It’s not a modern house though. I estimate maybe built in the 1970’s.

latte19

Good points G_M.

The problem is that I don’t have any savings to fix this (I’ve big stamp duty bill to try and pay too). So even reducing the house price by £1k or £2k wouldn’t help me much.

You’ve given me good points to check. I did think of a long term guarantee.

I suppose I will need to wait and see what they come back with. I’m not obliged to buy at all at this stage but it is the ideal home for me and I know it will take a bit of updating elsewhere too.

I would hope it wouldn’t affect the possibility of an attic conversion at some point either? I can mention this too.

SG27

Has there been a leak in loft? Or is there a lot of condensation up there? Woodworm wont live in dry wood. Fix the damp and the woodworm will die out. In most cases no treatment is needed.

Mortgage company's will insist its treated to get the pointless guarantee though.

latte19

I could smell damp from the bedroom and the valuation picked up on a damp reading on their equipment.

I emailed the agent about my concerns today.