The Hidden Termite Risks of San Jose Home Additions and Remodels

---

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.

---

What Most Homeowners Miss During a Remodel

Remodeling your home or adding new living space is exciting—but it’s also one of the most common times termites are uncovered in San Jose homes. Why? Because walls come down, floors are lifted, and old framing is exposed. That’s when hidden termite damage often comes to light.

If you’re planning a remodel or home addition in the Bay Area, this is your best chance to inspect and protect your home from termites, before new materials hide the problem again.

Why Remodels Uncover Termite Activity

Termite damage hides behind drywall, under flooring, and inside beams. When you start tearing things out, you expose:

• Old drywood termite galleries in framing

• Subterranean mud tubes in slab foundations

• Water-damaged wood that invites future activity

• Gaps and entry points that were never sealed

Many homeowners only discover termites mid-remodel, when a contractor opens a wall and sees damage that can’t be ignored.

Key Risks During Home Additions

Adding a new room, deck, or structure often includes:

• Connecting new wood to old framing

• Breaking open stucco or siding

• Pouring new concrete near soil Each of these steps can create new termite entry points or expose untreated wood to moisture.

Without a proper inspection and treatment plan, your new addition could become the next feeding ground for a colony.

What Can Go Wrong If You Skip Inspection

• Structural damage is covered back up and continues to spread

• Warranties may be voided if prior infestations weren’t treated

• Contractors may not notice termite signs if they’re not trained

• You may end up paying twice—once for the remodel, and again for post-remodel repairs

When to Schedule a Termite Inspection

Ideally, book your inspection at one of these two stages:

1. Before demo starts – so you can plan ahead if issues are found

2. During framing/exposure – so any damage or active signs are clearly visible

At Good Sense Termite, we work with homeowners and contractors to schedule inspections around construction timelines.

How Good Sense Termite Helps Protect Remodels

We’ve worked with thousands of Bay Area homeowners and general contractors to:

• Inspect exposed framing during renovations

• Provide clear photo documentation of any termite or moisture issues

• Apply localized treatments before new materials go up

• Set up long-term protection plans for both new and existing structures

All inspections are performed by licensed professionals with 14+ years of experience.

FAQ: Termites and Home Remodels

Can I still treat for termites after the remodel?

 Yes, but your access to problem areas may be limited. It’s far easier (and often cheaper) to treat during construction.

Do I need a separate inspection for a new addition?

We recommend inspecting both the existing structure and the new work. Connecting old and new framing can spread activity.

Will this delay my remodel?

Not if planned properly. Our inspections are free, fast, and easy to schedule around your project timeline.

Build Smart. Protect Early.

Don’t let termites undo your investment. If you’re remodeling or adding to your home in San Jose, schedule a free inspection with Good Sense Termite today. We’ll help make sure your upgrades last.