What is a WDO Inspection?
What is a WDO inspection? A WDO inspection, also known as a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection, is an inspection that is conducted to check for the presence of wood-destroying insects and organisms on a property. Mortgage lenders and insurance companies often require these inspections as a condition of loan approval or insurance coverage.
How is a WDO inspection performed? During a WDO inspection, the inspector will check for evidence of infestation by wood-destroying insects and organisms, such as termites, wood-decaying fungus, and powder post beetles. The inspector will also look for evidence of previous infestations and damage caused by these pests.
The inspector will typically check the following areas:
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The foundation and crawl space
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The basement and subflooring
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The joists and beams
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The walls and roof
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The window and door frames
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The decks and porches
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To check for the presence of these pests, the inspector will use a variety of tools and techniques, such as tapping on walls and floors to listen for hollow sounds, using a flashlight to look for signs of damage, and using a moisture meter to look for elevated moisture levels that can attract pests.
Following the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report of their findings, including any evidence of infestation or damage discovered and any treatment or repair recommendations. If there is evidence of an infestation, treatment will be required before the sale can be completed.
It's worth noting that WDO inspections typically focus on the presence of active infestations rather than previous issues.
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Overall, a WDO inspection is a type of inspection used to check a property for the presence of wood-destroying insects and organisms. Mortgage lenders and insurance companies frequently require these inspections as a condition of loan approval or insurance coverage. They are required to ensure the property's structural safety and integrity.
Why Do I Need a WDO Inspection?
Here are some reasons why you may need a WDO inspection:
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To detect active infestations of termites and other wood-destroying organisms: The most important reason for a WDO inspection is to detect active infestations of wood-destroying insects and organisms. These pests can cause significant damage to the structure of a property, making it unsafe to live in and costly to repair.
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To meet lender requirements of a mortgage company: Many mortgage lenders require a WDO inspection as a condition of loan approval. They want to ensure that the property you purchase is free from wood-destroying insects before they approve a loan.
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To meet insurance requirements: Some home insurance companies also require a WDO inspection as a condition of coverage. They want to ensure that the property is free from wood-destroying insects and that their policy will cover any damage caused by pests.
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To protect your number one investment: If you're buying a property, a new home, or a place of business, a WDO inspection can give you peace of mind by ensuring you're not purchasing a property infested with wood-destroying insects and organisms such as wood decaying fungus.
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To protect the health of the occupants: Wood-destroying insects and organisms can also cause health issues, such as allergies and respiratory problems, by releasing allergens and irritants into the air. Although this is rare and unlikely, the possibility still exists.
Overall, a WDO inspection is an essential step in protecting your investment, ensuring the safety and integrity of the property, and protecting the health of the occupants. It is also a requirement by many lenders and insurance companies.
How Long Does a WDO Inspection Take?
The duration of a WDO inspection is determined by the size and complexity of the property under inspection. A standard single-family home WDO inspection can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Inspecting a larger or more complex property, such as a multi-unit apartment building or a commercial property, may take longer.
The inspector will typically check the following areas:
​
-
The foundation and crawl space
-
The basement and subflooring
-
The joists and beams
-
The walls and roof
-
The window and door frames
-
The decks and porches
​
To check for the presence of wood-destroying insects and organisms, the inspector will use a variety of tools and techniques, such as tapping on walls and floors to listen for hollow sounds, using a flashlight to look for signs of damage, and using a moisture meter to look for elevated moisture levels that can attract pests.
Following the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report of their findings, including any evidence of infestation or damage discovered and any treatment or repair recommendations. This procedure may take some time, but it is critical for safeguarding your investment, ensuring the safety and integrity of the property, and safeguarding the health of the occupants.