How to Negotiate When There Is Termite Damage

Check your home for termite infestation and wood damage. You need to have a good idea of the scope of the problem to negotiate effectively. Look for signs of termites around your foundation, trees and wooden structures (decks and patios). Some signs include damaged wood and mud channels (tube-like structures about the thickness of a pencil the termites use for shelter). Of course, dead termites or winged termites indicate an infestation.

Call friends, family members, neighbors and local business groups and ask them to recommend some exterminators. Because there are many fraudulent exterminators, it's best to find someone you can trust.

Contact four to five contractors and ask them for references, state business license numbers and any additional qualifying certifications or licenses your state may require.

Check each business name with your local Better Business Bureau and note any complaints.

Ask the contractors to provide an estimate of how much the project will cost. Each contractor should perform a written inspection to determine the extent of the infestation, any structural damage and whether the infestation will become worse once walls and floorboards are pulled away.

Request a detailed bid that includes a list of the services to be performed. Ask the contractors how many times they'll need to visit your home, whether they will use bait traps or chemicals and whether they will need to drill holes. Again, get it all in writing.

Compare the bids of each contractor. If you let them know that you are doing this, they may be more eager to give you a discount.

Examine the warranty of each company carefully. Termite infestations often return, but that does not necessarily mean the exterminator did a bad job. Many companies offer a one-year warranty, but longer is better.

Choose the company that offers the best price for the most services and the longest warranty.