Termites And Remodeling: How To Protect Your Home When You Open Up Walls And Floors
- Jameson Elam
- Dec 16, 2025
- 6 min read
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
Remodeling Can Fix Problems, Or Hide Them.
Kitchen upgrades. New floors. Open concept living. In the Bay Area, older homes are constantly getting face lifts.
What many homeowners do not realize is that remodeling is one of the best chances you will ever have to:
Find hidden termite damage
Fix moisture and soil issues that invite termites
Seal new openings before they become entry points
It is also one of the easiest times to accidentally:
Cover over an active infestation
Add new wood in contact with soil
Create fresh gaps around plumbing and electrical lines
At Good Sense Termite, we have seen both sides. We get called into projects that caught problems at the right time, and others where termites were sealed in behind brand new finishes.
This guide walks through how to protect your home during a remodel, and when to loop us in so your new work sits on a solid base.
Why Termite Problems Often Show Up During Remodels
When you open up a house, you also open up its history.
Common moments when termites are first noticed in a remodel:
Old flooring is pulled up and the subfloor looks chewed or brittle
Drywall comes down and studs have channels or hollow spots
Tubs, showers, or cabinets are removed and there is obvious damage behind them
Framing around doors and windows looks more damaged than expected
Sometimes contractors think:
“That is just old dry rot.”
“We will just replace this section and move on.”
The risk is when no one checks whether insects caused the damage and whether they are still active nearby.
If the source is not addressed, you can end up with:
New floors over compromised framing
Fresh drywall hiding live galleries
Fresh trim nailed into wood that is already weak
Key Risk Areas When You Open Up A Home
Not every part of a remodel has the same termite risk. Some areas are more likely to reveal or create problems.
1. Bathrooms And Laundry Rooms
Why they are risky:
Past and present plumbing leaks
Old tile and subfloor that have seen years of moisture
Subterranean termites entering near wet areas from the crawlspace below
What to consider:
If you see staining, soft subfloor, or rusted pipes, it is smart to have that area inspected from above and below before closing it up.
2. Kitchens
Risk factors:
Old sink cabinets with water damage
Dishwasher and refrigerator supply lines that may have leaked
Penetrations through floors and walls for plumbing and electrical lines
Termites often follow:
Moist wood around framing
Openings where pipes meet wood and concrete
3. Exterior Walls And Additions
When you:
Open up walls on the weather side of the house
Tie in an addition to the original structure
Change siding or building paper
you may find:
Old Subterranean entry points at the base of walls
Drywood galleries in studs, headers, or sheathing
Hidden damage behind stucco or siding
This is a prime time to look for mud tubes, frass, and softened framing that would never show up in a surface only inspection.
4. New Decks, Steps, And Outdoor Features
Remodels often include:
New decks or extensions
New stairs or landings
Planter boxes, benches, or trellises
Problems happen when:
Wood is placed directly on soil
Posts do not have proper hardware or footings
Soil is built up against siding to “blend” new features
These choices can turn a clean house into a high risk structure in a single project.
When To Call A Termite Inspector During A Remodel
You do not need us for every new light fixture. There are, however, smart checkpoints where a quick look can prevent big surprises later.
1. Before Major Demo
Best for:
Full kitchen or bathroom remodels
Removing flooring in large areas
Changing exterior siding or opening many walls
Why:
A pre remodel inspection helps identify known risk areas in the crawlspace, attic, and foundation
It alerts you and your contractor to parts of the home that deserve extra attention once opened
2. During The “Open” Phase
Best moment:
After walls, floors, or ceilings are opened
Before insulation and drywall or new subfloor go back in
Why:
This is the only time we can directly inspect framing that is usually hidden
We can see the full extent of any termite or fungus damage and confirm if it is old, inactive, or still active
If we find active termites at this stage, treatment is easier, more precise, and often less disruptive.
3. After Structural Repairs, Before Final Finishes
Once repairs are made:
New framing is in
Damaged wood is replaced
Moisture or drainage issues have been corrected
A final check lets us confirm:
No active termite signs remain around the repaired area
New penetrations, cuts, and seams are sealed properly
The crawlspace or attic access points used during the job have not created new gaps
For homeowners not in active escrow, these checks can often be done as part of a standard inspection visit.
Common Remodeling Mistakes That Invite Termites
We see certain patterns over and over in homes that had nice remodels and later termite problems.
Mistake 1 - New Wood In Contact With Soil
Examples:
New deck posts set directly into dirt
Landscape sleepers or edging touching siding
Steps or landings framed in wood right on grade
Fix:
Use proper post bases and concrete footings
Keep a visible gap between soil and siding or trim
Use materials rated and detailed correctly near grade
Mistake 2 - Unsealed Penetrations
Examples:
Plumbing or conduit passing through foundation or wall openings without proper sealing
Gaps left where old lines were removed and not patched
Fix:
Seal around all penetrations with appropriate materials
Do not leave openings that lead from soil or exterior air directly into wall cavities
Mistake 3 - Covering Old Damage Without Checking It
Examples:
Putting new subfloor over old subfloor that has soft spots
Framing over damaged studs instead of identifying the cause
Skimming and painting over fascia boards with hidden Drywood activity
Fix:
When you see damage, stop and ask if it might be termites
If there is any doubt, bring in a termite inspector before building over it
Mistake 4 - Ignoring Crawlspace And Attic After A Big Job
Many remodels change:
How pipes and ducts run through the home
How vents and access points are used
How weight is distributed across framing
If no one checks the crawlspace or attic after major work, it is easy to miss new moisture patterns, unintended wood contact, or areas that lost ventilation.
How Good Sense Termite Works With Homeowners And Contractors
Our role during a remodel is simple:
Confirm whether damage is termite related or not
Identify any active infestations and risk conditions
Make treatment recommendations that work with the construction plan
Help avoid “fix it twice” situations
We are used to working around:
Construction schedules
Open walls and floors
Homeowners who are already juggling multiple trades
For homeowners not in active escrow, we offer inspections at no cost. For jobs tied directly to sale or purchase, we offer escrow ready inspections for a fee.
If your contractor is unsure whether they are looking at old rot, new termites, or both, we are happy to be the ones who make that call.
FAQ: Remodeling And Termites
Q: My contractor found damaged wood. How do I know if it is termites or just rot?
Look at the pattern and location, but the safest option is to have a licensed termite inspector confirm. We can tell you if insects are involved and whether activity is current.
Q: Do I really need a termite inspection if I am already opening everything up?
Yes. Opening walls and floors gives us a better view, but you still need someone who knows what to look for and how to treat it if needed.
Q: Should I treat for termites even if the damage looks old?
Not always. We look for signs of current activity, fresh galleries, and nearby risk conditions. If damage is old and inactive, we will explain that and focus on prevention instead.
Q: Can you work with my contractor directly?
Yes. We often coordinate with general contractors, plumbers, and other trades so treatment and repairs fit smoothly into the project.
Final Thoughts: Do Not Build Over A Hidden Problem
A remodel is a big investment. It is also your best chance to make sure the structure behind your new finishes is solid and termite free.
You do not want to find out, a few years after your dream kitchen or bath is done, that termites were already in the framing when you tiled over it.
If you are planning a remodel, are in the middle of one, or just opened a wall and saw something that does not look right, bring us in.
Schedule an inspection with Good Sense Termite. We will look behind the scenes so your new work rests on a strong foundation.
It is just Good Sense.
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