Termite Damage Repair Cost in 2026: What to Expect

Surface-level damage to window trim or non-structural wood costs $300-$1,000 to repair. Damage to floor joists or wall studs runs $1,500-$8,000 depending on how many members are compromised. Damage to sill plates, rim joists, and girders - the most structurally critical members - costs $5,000-$25,000+. Widespread infestation affecting multiple areas can exceed $50,000 in severe cases.

Subterranean termites (most common in the US) damage wood from the inside out, often leaving a thin outer shell. Drywood termites are more common in coastal and Southern states. Formosan subterranean termites - found in the Deep South - are by far the most destructive and can cause catastrophic structural damage in 5-10 years if untreated. Treatment must precede repair.

Non-structural members like fascia, trim, and decorative wood are cheapest to replace at $100-$300 per piece. Floor joists can be sistered (reinforced alongside) for $200-$600 each. Load-bearing wall studs require temporary shoring during replacement at $1,500-$4,000 per affected section. Damaged sill plates - the wood in direct contact with the foundation - cost $2,000-$5,000 per 10 linear feet to replace.

Damage visible in an open crawl space is the least expensive to access. Damage under a concrete slab or behind finished walls requires demolition first. Removing flooring, drywall, or exterior siding to access damaged framing adds $500-$3,000 in demolition and $2,000-$12,000 in restoration. Crawl space access difficulty adds $500-$2,000 in labor.

You cannot permanently repair termite damage without first eliminating the infestation. Liquid soil treatment for subterranean termites runs $1,000-$3,000. Fumigation (tenting) for drywood termites costs $2,000-$5,000 for a typical home. Bait stations are $1,000-$2,500 with annual monitoring fees. Repair contractors will not warranty their work unless treatment is documented.

“Have you confirmed with the pest control company that the infestation has been fully treated before starting repairs?”

Why this matters: Repairing termite damage without eliminating the infestation is wasted money. A reputable repair contractor should insist on seeing treatment documentation before beginning structural work.

“Will you probe all adjacent framing members to confirm the extent of damage before finalizing the scope?”

Why this matters: Termite damage is often more extensive than visible inspection shows. Screwdriver probing of adjacent members is essential to identify all compromised wood before you finalize the repair contract.

“Are you replacing damaged members with pressure-treated lumber?”

Why this matters: Any framing in contact with concrete, masonry, or soil should be replaced with pressure-treated lumber per current building code. This is especially important for sill plates.

“What temporary shoring plan do you have during structural member replacement?”

Why this matters: Load-bearing members must be properly shored before removal. A contractor who dismisses this question or says shoring is unnecessary is a red flag.

“Is a permit required for the scope of repair you are proposing?”

Why this matters: Structural framing repairs typically require permits. An unpermitted structural repair can cause problems at resale and may not be covered by homeowners insurance.