Some termite inspections are free and some cost real money — and the difference comes down to why you need one. Here's the honest breakdown for 2026.
A homeowner in Tustin called us last spring a little annoyed. She'd scheduled a termite inspection through a company that quoted "$150 to come out," then found out we do the same inspection for free — and wondered what the catch was.
There isn't one, but the confusion is understandable. Some termite inspections in Orange County are free and some cost real money, and the price depends entirely on why you're getting one. Understanding that distinction is what keeps you from either overpaying for a routine look or under-scoping an inspection a real estate deal actually requires.
The Short Answer
| Inspection type | Typical Orange County cost | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard homeowner inspection | Free (with us) | You suspect activity, or want an annual check |
| Real estate / escrow (WDO) report | ~$125–$300 | Buying or selling a home; lender or escrow requires it |
| Re-inspection / clearance | ~$75–$150 | Confirming prior treatment or repairs, or issuing a certification |
The number that surprises people is the first one. Our standard inspection is genuinely free with no obligation — you get a whole-structure inspection and a written report on what was found, whether or not you ever book treatment.
Why the Standard Inspection Is Free
A termite inspection is how treatment work begins. For a company that does its own treatment and repair, offering the inspection for free is straightforward — it's the first step of the relationship, not a product we're trying to sell on its own. That's why we and most treatment-focused companies in Orange County don't charge for it. Companies that charge a trip fee for a basic look are usually general pest-control operations for which termites are a side line.
What "free inspection" should include: a full walk of the accessible structure — attic, garage, crawlspace or slab perimeter, exterior eaves and fascia, window and door frames — plus a written report identifying any activity, the species, and treatment options matched to the findings. If a "free inspection" is really just a salesperson glancing at your baseboards, that's not the same thing.
When You Do Pay: The Real Estate WDO Report
The inspection that costs money is the one tied to a home sale. A Wood-Destroying Organisms (WDO) report — sometimes called a termite report or escrow report — is a formal, standardized document a licensed inspector prepares for a real estate transaction. It's more rigorous and more liability-bound than a homeowner inspection, and it follows a specific state format, which is why it carries a fee (typically $125–$300 in Orange County depending on square footage and property type).
The WDO report divides findings into two categories that every buyer and seller should understand: Section 1 items are active infestations or existing damage (the things that usually must be corrected before close), and Section 2 items are conditions likely to lead to problems — leaks, earth-to-wood contact, poor ventilation. Our post on Section 1 and Section 2 reports explains how each affects a deal, and termite inspection before buying a home covers what buyers specifically should watch for.
If you're on the transaction side of this, our real estate termite inspection page covers turnaround times and how we work with agents and escrow.
What Actually Drives the Cost
For the paid reports, four things move the number:
- Square footage — larger structures take longer to inspect and document.
- Property type — a single-family home is simpler than a multi-unit building or a condo with shared walls.
- Access — tight crawlspaces, finished basements, and hillside substructures add time.
- Report type — a full WDO report costs more than a limited or re-inspection.
Note that the inspection fee is separate from any treatment. If the inspection turns up work, that's quoted on its own — and our termite treatment cost guide breaks down what each method runs across Southern California.
The Practical Advice
If you suspect termites or just want peace of mind, book the free inspection — there's no reason to pay for a routine look. If you're buying or selling, you'll need the formal WDO report, and it's worth getting it from a company that does its own treatment and repair, so any findings can be addressed without handing you off to a third party.