When To Get A Second Opinion On Your Termite Inspection (And What It Can Change)
- Jameson Elam
- Jan 20
- 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.
“The Report Is Fine… But Something Feels Off”
You get a termite report. Maybe the company was recommended by your agent, your contractor, or a friend. On paper, it looks complete enough.
But something does not feel right.
Maybe:
The quote seems very low or very high compared to what you expected
The inspector did not enter the crawlspace or attic but still seemed very confident
You have ongoing issues in one room and the report barely mentions it
You are being pushed to tent, and no one can clearly explain why
That is when a second opinion can be worth its weight in framing lumber.
At Good Sense Termite, we are often the “second call” after a confusing report or rushed walk through. This post explains when a second opinion is worth it, what usually changes, and how to use it without turning your home into a debate stage.
When A Second Opinion Is A Good Idea
You do not need a second opinion every time you see a termite logo. It makes sense when at least one of these is true:
1. Access Was Limited And No One Explained What That Means
If your report says:
“Crawlspace inaccessible”
“Limited attic access”
“Some areas not inspected due to stored items or low clearance”
and yet the conclusions sound very final, a second opinion can help you understand:
What was actually inspected
What was not
How much of the structure the report really covers
We treat “inaccessible” as a serious note, not a footnote.
2. The Treatment Plan Does Not Match The Story
Red flags include:
A full structure tent recommended, but only minor Drywood activity mentioned
A small “spot treatment” proposed even though several rooms have damage
A quote that feels generic, not tied to what the inspector pointed out on site
If the plan sounds canned, a second opinion can sort out what your house truly needs.
3. The Quote Is Far Out Of Line With Others
Price alone does not prove quality. Still, if one quote is far lower or higher, and no one can clearly explain why, it is smart to have another company walk the property and give a fresh opinion.
The goal is not to chase the lowest number. It is to understand:
What each company plans to do
What areas they will treat
What they are assuming about risk and activity
4. You Have A Repeat Problem That No One Is Solving
If you have:
A bathroom that keeps having damage
A hallway floor that has been “fixed” more than once
A deck or planter area that keeps showing up in reports
and the new report treats it like a brand new, one time issue, a second opinion can help connect the dots and look for the real cause.
What Usually Changes When You Get A Second Opinion
Sometimes a second opinion confirms the first one. That is useful. You get peace of mind.
Other times, important details shift.
Here is what we often see change.
1. The Scope Of The Problem
A second inspection can:
Find active areas that were missed the first time
Correct misidentified damage (for example, fungus vs termites, or Drywood vs Subterranean)
Clarify whether you are dealing with a scattered issue or a structure wide one
Small errors in scope lead to big differences in treatment and cost.
2. The Treatment Approach
We often see:
Fumigation recommended where local Drywood treatments would be reasonable
Tiny spot treatments proposed where a broader Subterranean plan is more realistic
Plans that leave crawlspaces or high risk zones untouched
A second opinion can bring treatment options back in line with what is actually going on in the house.
3. The Priority List
Some reports treat everything as equally important. Others barely separate:
Active termites
Conditions that will cause problems soon
Nice to handle but not urgent items
A good second opinion will explain:
What is urgent
What is important but can be scheduled
What is preventive
This lets you plan, instead of reacting.
A Quick Example: Two Reports, One House
A common scenario:
First company:
Limited crawlspace access, no photos
Recommends local treatment at two interior sites
Says nothing about soil levels or moisture under the home
Second opinion:
Confirms interior sites, but also finds:
Active Subterranean tubes on piers
Soil touching siding at the back
Old plumbing leak staining under the bathroom
Recommends targeted Subterranean treatment plus moisture and soil corrections
Same address, very different understanding of the risk.
The second plan costs more than the first quote, but less than fixing structural damage a few years later.
How To Ask For A Second Opinion Without Starting A War
You do not need to insult the first company or defend your decision. You are allowed to get more than one opinion on a major decision for your home.
A simple approach:
Thank the first company for their time and report
Let them know you are gathering a couple of opinions before deciding
Share the report with the second company if you want context, or keep it to yourself if you prefer a completely fresh view
When we provide second opinions, we focus on:
The house in front of us
What we see and do not see
How that translates into risk and options
We do not spend our time arguing with the other report. We spend it explaining what we would do and why.
What Good Sense Termite Does In A Second Opinion Visit
Our second opinion inspections look a lot like our first opinion inspections.
We:
Listen to your concerns and what felt “off” in the first report
Inspect exterior, interior, crawlspace, and attic where access allows
Confirm species and activity if present
Take photos of key findings
Compare what we saw with what your report claims, if you share it
Then we explain:
Where we agree
Where we see things differently
What that means for your treatment options and your budget
For homeowners not in active escrow, we provide inspections at no cost. For homes in escrow, we offer fee based inspections that meet real estate requirements.
When A Second Opinion Is Not Necessary
You do not need to call three companies for every small thing.
You can usually skip a second opinion when:
The report is clear and lines up with what you have seen over time
The inspector answered your questions in a way that made sense
The scope, pricing, and warranty feel reasonable for the size of the issue
You have worked with that company before and trust their work
In those cases, your energy is better spent on scheduling the work and addressing conditions that invite termites, not shopping the same problem endlessly.
FAQ: Second Opinions On Termite Reports
Q: Will termite companies be offended if I get a second opinion
A: Good companies should not be. Your home is a major investment. It is normal to get more than one opinion before committing to significant work.
Q: What should I share with the second company
A: You can share the original report, or you can ask for a completely fresh look. If you do share, say what you want: confirmation, a different approach, or more explanation.
Q: What if the opinions do not match
A: Ask both companies to explain the reasons behind their recommendations. Pay attention to who explains things clearly and who is willing to answer follow up questions.
Final Thoughts: When Your Gut Says “Check Again”
If your report and quote feel rushed, confusing, or out of proportion to what you see in your home, listening to that feeling is smart.
You do not need drama. You just need clarity.
Schedule an inspection with Good Sense Termite. Whether it is a first look or a second opinion, we will give you straight answers and a plan that fits your home.
It is just Good Sense.
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