What And Why For A Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDI)
Termites, termite report, saying that makes the process seem rather simple. Actually it’s a Wood Destroying Insect Report (WDI). Sure the primary intent of the report revolves around termites but there’s much more to a WDI than that.
What A WDI Report is:
- It’s an official report promulgated by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Services (SPCS). Most of the reports are 2 pages long in a legal page formant. Some of the reports are 3 pages long in a letter page format. There is no limit as to how long a WDI report can be. My reports are typically 5 pages long in a legal page format. My reports typically have more information and documentation on them than the majority of the WDI reports I see being written in this market.
- The report identifies conditions on and around the structure which are conducive to wood destroying insects.
- The report makes recommendation on how to rectify the conditions which can be changed to help prevent WDI infestations.
- When possible, the report identifies whether the structure has been treated for WDI’s in the past. And where such treatment has occurred.
- When possible, the report will attempt to identify who treated the property, when it was treated, and what it was treated with. This type of information can be rare. When available, it’s typically presented as photograph of a pest control notice or invoice.
- The report attempts to identify any previous WDI activity, visible damage, and the location(s) of these issues.
- The report attempts to identify any active WDI infestations.
- The report attempts to identify the WDI species. These species include but are not limited to subterranean termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles, and wood boring wasps.
- Treatment is recommended if active WDI infestations are discovered.
- If an inactive WDI infestations are discovered with no sigh of prior treatment thn treatment is recommended.
- The foundation perimeter will be measured and a reasonably detailed illustration of of the structure foundation will be supplied with notations identifying the areas of conducive conditions, any previous activity, and/or any active infestation(s).
- This is a limited visual inspection based on what is present and visible at the time of inspection. All comment is based solely on what was present, visible, and accessible at the time of inspection.
When is a WDI Report Required?
If the house is being purchased with a VA loan then an official WDI Report will most likely be required.
- If the house is being purchased with a FHA or a HUD loan then there is a possibility that an official WDI Report will may be required. And there is also a possibility that an official WDI report may not be required. Speak to your lender about this.
- If the house is being purchased with a conventional loan then an official WDI report will probably not be required.
- If the house is a cash purchase then an official WDI report should not be required.
- You should contact your loan officer to find out whether an official WDI Report will be required to help avoid unexpected surprises at the closing.
Should You Get A WDI Report Along With Your Home inspection?
- You might not have a choice it the lender requires it.
- Many people feel more comfortable about the purchase investment they are about to make with the additional information and documentation a WDI Report provides.
- A WDI Report can strengthen and/or reinforce a conventional Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Property Inspection Report. SPCS WDI inspections are beyond the scope of a TREC PI Report.
- A WDI Report can help you make important decisions about preserving and protecting your home purchase investment.
- If it’s apparent that the house has conducive conditions then it might be prudent to have a WDI inspection.
- If it’s apparent that the house has experienced WDI issues then it might be prudent to have a WDI inspection.
- If it’s an older house it might be prudent to have a WDI inspection.
Should You Forgo A WDI Report Along With Your Home inspection?
- If it’s new construction then a WDI Report may not be your best money spent.
- If you are presently working with a pest control company at your current home then you might rather use their service to inspect your new home.
- If the house has recently been treated and has a valid warranty in place then you might think of foregoing an official WDI Report.
What A WDI Report is Not:
- A WDI Report is not a destructive and/or exploratory inspection of the structure. The pest and their behavior are studied, and a lot information about them can be observed and deducted, but all comment is based solely on what was present, visible, and accessible at the time of inspection.
- A WDI Report is not a warranty and does not provide a guarantee.