If you’re selling, buying, or financing a new home in Statesville, North Carolina, inspections reassure everyone that the property up for sale is structurally sound and worth the investment. WDIRs are crucial to the home-buying process, and it’s important to understand exactly what the report covers and what they don’t.
What Is a WDIR Inspection?
A WDIR is different from a home inspection. It’s a written inspection report that answers two primary questions:
- Is there any evidence of a wood-destroying insect infestation?
- If so, is there evidence that the infestation has been previously treated?
It is completed, by law, on all residential and commercial properties being sold or refinanced. The report takes special note of any signs of visible infestation by wood-destroying insects, including
- Subterranean Termites
- Powder Post Beetles
- Old House Borers
- Carpenter Ants
- Carpenter Bees
An infestation is defined as any evidence, past or present, of wood-destroying insects in, on, or under the structure that is being inspected. Any evidence of wood-destroying insects (inactive/active) is considered an infestation.
Evidence of previously treated termite infestation is the signs of drill holes in the garage slab, porch slabs, and crawl space concrete block and brick foundation walls.
What Does a WDIR Cover?
Trained technicians complete WDIRs when conducting a visual inspection of home interiors and exteriors. Our certified experts look for existing damage, signs of wood-destroying insects, and areas that may be prone to infestation. The WDIR records the following:
- Live Insects
- Dead Insects
- Visible Damage
- Evidence of Prior Treatment
- Vulnerable Conditions
- Inaccessible Areas
- Treatment Recommendations
What Will Be Reported?
The WDIR is issued for informational purposes and is required to reveal information concerning evidence of wood-destroying insects only. Our inspectors must report all visible evidence of wood-destroying insects and any conditions conducive to subterranean termites.
It is a report of the visible presence or absence of wood-destroying insects at the time of the inspection.
What Conditions Are Not Reported?
Our inspectors are not required to report the presence of damage or the extent of any damage. However, if the WDIR indicated that wood-destroying insects and their evidence are found, it must be assumed there is some damage.
What Happens if Evidence of Wood-Destroying Insects Is Found?
When our inspectors find evidence of wood-destroying insects (such as termite tubes or cast wings, damage or exit holes from wood-boring beetles, etc.), they must report their presence and specific location on the WDIR.
The report must clearly indicate whether or not the insects have been or are in the wooden members. If no evidence of treatment exists in the case of subterranean termites, our inspector may submit a bid to treat the structure.
Request a Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection and Report
The potential buyer depends on this report to help in the decision-making process on the real estate purchase. The most important thing to remember is that the WDIR is a true indication of the presence or absence of evidence of wood-destroying insects. If you have any questions regarding the WDIR, please feel free to contact us, or request a WDIR here.