What is a CL-100 Termite Inspection?

Frequently Asked Questions

South Carolina is one of the most active areas for termites in the US. The climate of the southeast United States contributes to active termite swarms throughout the year, particularly in the Spring and Summer.

There are eight species of termites in South Carolina. Four species are dry-wood termites. Four species are subterranean termites. Subterranean termites are the ones that do the most damage and are the focus of most termite treatments.

A CL-100 Inspection is required by your lender to close on any home in South Carolina, so it’s important to get familiar with the term if you’re embarking on the home buying process. CL-100 Inspections, also known as a Termite Inspection, refers to the Official South Carolina Wood Infestation Report.

During a sale of structural property in South Carolina involving a lending institution, a CL-100 is a mandatory report at the time of closing. As a buyer or seller, you will need a “CL-100 clear” to declare the home structurally sound in order to continue the purchase or sale of property.  Click HERE to see a SC Wood Inspection Report.

If a termite inspection is being conducted as part of a real estate transaction, there is usually cost associated because the inspection covers other wood-destroying insects. Typically, the seller will cover any costs associated with the service.

A “clear letter” or a CL will be provided by a professional termite inspector who will thoroughly check the home, including under the structure of the home.

In addition to termites, the inspector will look for carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood-destroying beetles, and other types of wood-decay fungi. If no evidence of any of these insects are found, the home is deemed insect free and not in any threat of wood damage.

What termite inspectors look for in a CL-100 Inspection:

  • Current termite or wood-destroying insect infestation with visible evidence, or evidence of a previous infestation.
  • Evidence that the infestation was treated, if found.
  • Termites or other wood-destroying fungi below the main floor of the home that are:
    • Active – with a 28% moisture content or above
    • Inactive – with a 28% moisture content or less
    • Visible damage to wood below the main first floor of the home

If the inspector finds that there is visible damage below the first floor, for example the porch, columns, outside stairs, door jambs, etc., another report will be performed by the SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulations stating that the issue has been resolved. The letter will have to state either the home is intact and doesn’t need any repairs or that quality repairs have been completed.

In North Carolina, the required document for real estate transactions is the Wood-Destroying Inspect Report (WDIR) and in Georgia it called the Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report. The responsibility of a WIR report is usually that of the seller.

While they’re sometimes confused with termite letters, termite bonds are different documents altogether. A termite bond is part of an agreement between a pest control company and you, the homeowner.

Typically, there are two parts to a termite bond.

First, the bond includes a termite contract, which stipulates that the pest control company will perform ongoing inspections (annually, quarterly, or at some other agreed upon interval) to check for termites; this is similar to any other pest control agreement.

What makes a termite bond unique is the second part concerning future damage to the home. Since termite treatment on its own can be very expensive, termite bonds guarantee that the pest control company will provide termite control services to take care of any termites that are discovered, without any additional costs to the homeowner. Termite bonds also sometimes include coverage for any damage caused to the home.

No. But consider this… if the property owner doesn’t keep up with the termite bond, it will expire and the property will be vulnerable to another infestation. The bottom line is that termites are a part of our lives in the South, but they don’t need to be in your house if you take the proper steps to keep them out.

However long termite treatments last. On average, termite treatment lasts about 5 years. Liquid termite treatments can last five years or more, whereas termite bait stations only last one year and need to be maintained annually.

What is a CL-100 Termite Inspection?

A termite letter in South Carolina is commonly referred to as a CL-100 Wood Infestation Report provided by a qualified termite professional who does a thorough visual inspection for signs of an infestation or damage by wood destroying insects or fungi.

If you’re searching to buy a home, the term “CL-100” will be part of the conversation at some point in your buying process. A CL-100 is a requirement by your lender before they loan any money and this inspection should be performed within 30 days of your closing date, so it’s important that you get familiar with the term.

In the real estate closing process of your home, the importance of a CL-100 Inspection report, is required by your lender to complete the closing on your home. The bottom line is, if termites are found, the source of the issue needs to be uncovered and treatment must be made to rectify the situation in order to prevent future damage to the structure. It’s a small price to pay, knowing your home is protected.

At HelloPro Home Inspections, our focus is providing thorough home inspections; that’s what we do best. We consistently deliver the most thorough and comprehensive home inspections with detailed reports. Scheduling your CL-100 Termite Inspection through HelloPro at the same time we’re performing your home inspection is not only convenient but will save you money.

Understanding Your Wood Infestation Report:

A Guide for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Builders from the University of Clemson’s Department of Pesticide Regulation

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