Termite bonds, explained: retreat only or repairs too

In South Carolina most houses sold with a termite history come with a bond, and most owners have never read theirs. Here is what ours says, in plain words.

Retreat bond

Our basic bond is $295 a year after the first treatment. It covers an annual inspection and free retreatment if live termites come back. It does not pay for damage.

Repair bond

For $195 a year more, we also repair new termite damage found after the bond starts, up to $100,000. Damage that was there before the first treatment is never covered, by anyone, which is why the first inspection diagram matters.

Buying a house with a bond

Ask the seller for the bond, the last inspection report and the treatment history. Most bonds, ours included, transfer to a new owner for free if they are kept current. A CL-100 report tells you what an inspector saw on one day; the bond tells you who is responsible next year.