Termite treatment is only part of the bill. Here is what structural repairs typically cost in Melbourne, what insurance will not cover, and how to limit the damage.
Treatment Cost vs Repair Cost
Many Melbourne homeowners budget for termite treatment and are shocked by the repair invoice that follows. Termite treatment often runs $2,500–$5,000+, but structural repairs — replacing skirting, flooring, architraves, subfloor timber, or load-bearing members — can add thousands more. CSIRO estimates Australian termite damage costs hundreds of millions of dollars a year, and standard home insurance almost never covers it.
Typical Melbourne Repair Cost Ranges
- Cosmetic timber only (skirting, trim, door frames): $500–$3,000
- Flooring or subfloor boards: $2,000–$10,000+
- Structural framing / bearers / joists: $5,000–$30,000+ depending on access and engineer requirements
- Severe whole-area rebuilds: $50,000+ in extreme cases
Costs rise when damage is hidden behind plaster, under tiles, or in roof voids. Always complete a thorough termite inspection and active colony treatment before major repairs — otherwise you may rebuild on top of live termites.
What Increases the Repair Bill
- Delayed detection (mud tubes ignored, hollow timber left unchecked)
- Slab homes where activity is under tiling or in wall cavities
- Heritage or hard-to-match timber
- Need for a structural engineer or building permit
How to Limit Damage and Cost
Book annual termite inspections, especially if your home has previous activity, timber-to-ground contact, or poor subfloor ventilation. Install a monitored termite barrier or baiting system after treatment. Fix moisture issues — leaking bathrooms, blocked drains, and garden beds against walls all accelerate termite pressure in Melbourne's clay soils.
Related guides: signs of termites, inspection cost, and barrier vs baiting.
Suspect damage? Call 0416 528 547 for an inspection before you start repairs.
