Yes! we can perform Wood Damaging Organisms “WDO” inspections.
Basically, all the little things that can eat your house.
- This is a value-added feature of our inspections that is not included by most Home Inspection companies in Hampton Roads.
- We document issues with photos and videos so you have factual evidence.
- Most banks and mortgage companies require a WDI-NPMA-33, AKA Termite and Moisture letter for closing.
- We are not a pest control or repair contractor so you’ll get an unbiased inspection and a report based on actual findings.
- We don’t do repairs, so don’t worry, we’re not going to hand you a repair estimate in lieu of a termite/moisture report.
A termite inspection is a general term used for inspection, discovery, and reporting of any wood-destroying insects that can cause damage to wood framing.
The Moisture inspection is the inspection, discovery, and reporting of any moisture conditions that provide a conducive environment for wood damaging fungi to grow which is the cause of rot in the crawlspace framing.
We are licensed, trained, and certified to perform WDO inspections in Virginia
We will provide the NPMA-33 documents you may need for closing
All Termite, Fungus, and Rot are documented with photos and videos so you have factual, unbiased evidence of the extent of issues and how to address them
What is the Termite and Moisture inspection?
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These are the specific inspections for organisims that can damage the structure. It’s obviously important but outside the scope of a normal inspection for most inspection companies.
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Final Analysis Property inspections can provide this service at the same time as a home or building inspection.
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The inspection looks for and reports on any wood destroying organisms (WDO) such as termites, powder post beetles and fungi, and those conditions that foster WDO such as high moisture or water vapor levels in the crawlspace or wood framing.
What and how do you do these inspections?
- Wood damaging inspects – We are looking for wood damaging insects such termites, powder post beetle larvae, etc. in any part of the structure. We report on any damages they have caused that may need repair. We identify if they are active and may need treatment for extermination.
- Moisture and Fungi – We look at the history and current evidence of moisture problems. We look for those moisture conditions that support rot and decay such as the climate in a crawlspace. We take moisture and humidity readings in the wood and air. We look for wood-damaging fungi that cause decay. We look at moisture controls such as drainage, vapor barrier, ventilation, and dehumidification. We document and report any damage, repairs, or conditions that need correction.
Do you provide the documents that the bank needs for closing?
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YES. We provide the NPMA-33, a standardized wood damaging inspect (WDI) form required by mortgage companies and banks at closing. Note: the bank requires a “clear letter” meaning NO Wood destroying organisms or damage was found. If we find WDO you or the seller will have to get repairs and /or treatments from appropriate contractors.
- We also provide the Moisture Report which documents those moisture conditions that can foster fungal growth, damage and structural rot. We’ll also recommend controls of these issues as needed.
- Any termite and moisture issues will also be documented with photos and videos in the building inspection report.
I'm the buyer, am I allowed to get my own WDO inspections?
- Absolutey! If it’s “lender required”, they don’t care who orders the report or what comnpany does it as long as it’s been done and it reflects the correct address of the property.
- It’s best to choose your own company because they will be representing your best interest and will also be liable to you as their client.
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Inspection fees are often mistaken as part of closing costs. Some loans such as Veterans Administration, the veteran is not allowed to pay for closing costs so oftentimes those costs are packaged back into the loan to give the appearance that the seller is paying those costs. However, Inspection fees are not part of the closing cost and can be paid by the buyer. Many times the contract is written so that the seller pays for the termite inspection at closing. In that case we would defer payment and bill the settlement copmpany.
Do you accept escrow payments for WDO inspections at closing?
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Typically all inspection payments are due when the inspection is complete. However, We can make arrangements to defer the WDO fees to settlement.
- If the “seller” has agreed in the contract to pay, we send a bill to the settlement company and they’ll take it out of the sellers proceeds.
- Any deferred payment require the settlemnt company information.
Do you offer treatments or repairs?
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No – It’s a conflict of interest for inspectors to offer repairs or treatments on their findings and it’s prohibited by DPOR. You should use an inspector that is unbiased and doesn’t have a financial interest in the sale. Beware of repair contractors that present themselves as termite and moisture inspectors and provide a work order for repairs.
If it fails your WDO inspection, How do we get a “clear letter ” ?
- We’ll recommend corrective actions needed to clear any problems notes
- A virginia liscensed contractor should complete any structural repair work and provide evidence of completion such as a completed work order and reciepts for payment.
- The VDACS licensed extermination company that provides any required treatments such as termite or fungicide, should provide a “clear” letter.