What is a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection (WDI)?
A WDI Inspection is also commonly called a “Termite Inspection”.
A Wood Destroying Inspection is an inspection of a structure for visible and accessible evidence of an infestation or damage by wood destroying organisms. Usually this means subterranean or dry wood termites and carpenter ants but will also cover wood destroying beetles and carpenter bees. It will look for evidence of past infestations and damage. The inspection will point out conditions that could lead to infestation or support hidden infestation. These include firewood and other debris stored against the home, wood siding contact with the soil, and grade, which does not slope away from the foundation. A WDI inspection report is provided when a home or other structure is being sold and the mortgage lender or buyer requires the inspection as part of the transaction.
What does a “clear” report mean?
A “clear” report means that there was no evidence of wood destroying organisms infestation or damage visible and accessible to the inspector at the time of the inspection. It does NOT mean, however, that the buyer can be absolutely assured that there are no wood destroying organisms infesting the structure or that there is no hidden damage from termites or other wood destroying organisms. It is possible for termite or other WDI damage or infestations to be behind walls or in some other inaccessible location even in structures that receive “clear” reports. Also, damage may been repaired by the seller and therefore not visible and accessible to the pest control inspector.
The existence of a past infestation or damage does not necessarily mean that the buyer should not purchase the home. The buyer should obtain additional information, however, to determine what steps (if any) are needed to put the structure into an acceptable condition.
What if a home buyer discovers damage or an infestation after getting a “clear” letter and closing on the home?
Unfortunately, it is entirely possible for this to happen even when the pest control inspector or the home seller has done everything correctly. As noted above, the WDI inspection reports only evidence that is visible and accessible at the time of the inspection. If evidence of infestation or damage was behind a wall, or under a floor, it may not have been visible or accessible at the time of inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to help reduce the possibility that a problem may be present. Unfortunately there is no way to totally remove that possibility.
Alpha Check Inspections contracts with a local highly trained professional who has many years of experience in the proper detection of any WDI problems that may impact your decision to purchase. This second set of eyes further reduces the possibility of any future issues. The WDI company also provides a full one year warranty with the inspection further guaranteeing the buyer peace of mind.