If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in the Tucson, Arizona area, you need to be aware of a little-known requirement for home sale, wood destroying insect inspection reports (WDIIRs) are a seldom-understood but vital step in the home-buying process. Some previous owners have failed to disclose damage to their homes from termite infestations or have pleaded ignorance after the sale is final. As a result, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) has created a form for a formal inspection that will give peace of mind to both parties in a real estate transaction.
What Is a WDIIR?
The wood destroying insect inspection report is a document that records the results of a formal inspection determining if infestation or damage by insects is present in a home. It is prepared by licensed pest control professionals who have the expertise to recognize the signs of an infestation or insect-related damage.
In some cases, the WDIIR is a requirement from a lending institution to finance a purchase but may also be requested by a buyer prior to closing a sale. It can also be a requirement for government housing assistance programs such as HUD housing or FHA/VA loan programs.
What a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Reports Entails
The WDIIR consists of two pages that record the results of the pest control professional’s inspection. It documents visible evidence of infestation or prior pest control efforts as well as any damage that is found. It is often necessary to list obstructions to the inspection or areas that the professional is unable to fully inspect. In the case that the homeowner is aware of the damage, the form is also concerned with who will be responsible for the repairs to the structure.
The more detailed second page of the report allows the inspector to map all areas of concern and ensure accurate reporting of all known deficiencies that are found. The results of the inspection may be used to determine whether or not a property sale goes forward.
Things the Inspector Will Look for When Filling Out the WDIIR
The WDIIR has certain limitations. For example, as a non-destructive inspection, there is a recognition that some areas are inaccessible, such as under the foundation or inside walls. These areas could hide pests from even the most thorough inspector. But experienced inspectors can determine a great deal even with a limited inspection.
An analysis of any cracks in foundations can determine the vulnerability of the property to future infestation. Unrelated damage, such as leaking plumbing, may also be noted because it can create the conditions a colony will thrive in. Wooden structures, wood piles, and planters in close proximity to the home may also be recorded if it is believed that they make the home vulnerable to burrowing insects.
Do you need a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report? Click here to schedule an inspection and consultation and get your home ready for sale.
