Before Your Inspection

Make your own list of questions or concerns about the property you’re considering buying or selling, and provide them to the inspection company in advance. This will help ensure that each issue is addressed and that any special arrangements can be made ahead of time.

Real estate agents should instruct sellers to ensure that all areas of the home are easily accessible to the inspector. For example, if the attic access point is inside a closet, all clothes and belongings should be removed for ease of entry and exit.

During the Inspection

If you’re a homebuyer, it’s especially important to be present during the inspection. By accompanying the inspector and paying close attention, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Get all of your questions and concerns addressed as they arise.
• See the condition of each key component throughout the house and property, helping establish a better understanding of the home and the resulting inspection report.
• Ease any concerns you may have about report findings that look worse on paper than they really are. For example, the inspector might explain that an inexpensive lubricant can easily quiet an alarming noise, that a seemingly damaged column needs only a little paint, or that the problem causing a water spot has already been corrected.
• Save time and avoid frustration by learning about the operating requirements of your new home. You may find out how the heating system works, how to light pilot lights, how to turn on various appliances and components, and where shut-offs are located. The inspector can also point out maintenance needs and procedures, and explain how and when to check on specific items that need periodic monitoring.

After the Inspection

Read your home inspection report thoroughly. If you have concerns or need clarification—no matter how minor the issue may seem—never hesitate to call your home inspector to find out more.

AmeriSpec Inspectors are always willing to go the extra mile to help put your mind at ease. Whether you choose to hire AmeriSpec Inspection Services or not, please be sure to use a qualified, trained professional to conduct your home inspection. A home purchase is the investment of a lifetime, and you deserve to have complete confidence in your financial decision.

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

• The basement and subflooring

• The joists and beams

• The walls and roof

• The window and door frames

• 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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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

A WDO, or termite, real estate inspection is a Wood Destroying Organism Inspection. This inspection is also known by other names, such as a Real-estate inspection, clear-to-close inspection, or just a termite inspection. A WDO inspection is typically required by a financial institution when a potential home buyer looks to take out a mortgage on a home they may buy. A current homeowner may want to refinance their home to get a better interest rate. I have also seen many times that existing homeowners have a WDOl

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