Detailed Questions for Termite (WDI) & Moisture Inspectors
- Adam Garrett
- Oct 19, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Termite (wood-destroying insect) and moisture (wood-destroying organism) inspection requests aren't as simple as many make them out to be, but being more informed can be very advantageous.
Direct questions buyers and agents can ask the wood-destroying insect/moisture inspection companies if the buyer's agent representing you doesn't already know & if your buyer's agent can't fill in gaps (i.e. providing a camera on a pole like I have with a short/skinny termite/moisture inspector before, who didn't have the equipment necessary to inspect without cutting a hole in ductwork and repair the ductwork after the inspection):
Termite & Moisture?
Do you perform wood-destroying insect & wood destroying organism inspections?
The VAR contract (used in many locations in VA outside of Hampton Roads, & some within Hampton Roads) doesn't include the wood-destroying organism inspection by default, while the REIN Standard Purchase Agreement used primarily in Hampton Roads does. If you're a seller and the buyer is using a VAR contract, there's no need for you to get the wood-destroying organism inspection, and doing so could cost you thousands if there are issues. Conversely, if you're a buyer with a VAR contract, it's best to include a wood-destroying organism inspection with your home inspection, and it's often no cost to add on a wood-destroying insect inspection to a WDO.
Their Own Repairs?
Do they do estimates on woodwork & other repairs directly?
Due to the high skill levels of termite/moisture companies, a simple job may be significantly more costly if done by that company than if done by another contractor you know. For instance, I received a quote for $600 after discount for putting basic screens onto 2 gables from a company. I confirmed with other termite/moisture companies that this simple task was not an overestimate and some said that they would charge more. Keep in mind that it is a task that I could do DIY for maybe $50, mostly with tools I already have in a few hours.
If they do the estimate and repairs themselves...
What class of contractor is your company or the company you typically work with? (Class A will typically do better work than Class B or C, though typically will be more expensive)
Do you allow me to hire any contractor to perform the woodwork or other repair, or only you/your contractor of choice in order to produce a clear letter(s)?
Is it a separate company or a separate inspector that comes in?
If a separate company or a separate inspector, what kind of turnaround time does that require for 2nd inspection & report?
What is the cost of the inspection?
(if applicable) Any additional cost for additional detached structures? How do you handle detached structure issues, such as a wooden shed located in standing water? (I was surprised to find an example where 1 wood-destroying insect/organism company didn't flag a wooden shed for being located directly in a significant puddle of standing water)
Attics without floors policy (if applicable - Buyers)?
Will your company traverse areas of attic where there is no floor? If not, will they utilize other resources (i.e. an extension pole/camera/light) to explore those areas?
Availability
When would you be available for inspection at my house? How long between the inspection & report?
This timing may vary based on location, attic access, crawl space, detached structures, home size, and other factors. In some cases, the above questions won't be able to be answered directly. For instance, an inspector might say that a report will likely come on one day, but if the job is more than the inspector can handle, his superior may need to come in to provide an estimate, which could add more time to the equation.
Gadgets (Buyers)
Do you have droids with cameras, cameras on poles, or any other means of accessing otherwise inaccessible areas?
Inspector size (Buyers)
Are you able to send a small & skinny inspector?
While many buyers aren't comfortable asking this question, it's ideal for the inspector to be small/skinny. Many of the items that inspectors will be looking for will be either near the floor or exterior foundation & within the crawlspace if applicable. In the crawlspace & in the attic, tight spaces are more easily navigated by those who are small. Those who are tall or overweight have a distinct disadvantage & there are more locations that will be inaccessible for them unless they have gadgets to navigate those areas. Those who are short and skinny have a distinct advantage in many regards over those who are not because of it.
Many of the above questions in a single stream intended for text or email for buyers
Do you perform wood-destroying insect & wood destroying organism inspections?
Do they do estimates on woodwork repairs directly?
If so, is it a separate company or a separate inspector that comes in?
If a separate company or a separate inspector, what kind of turnaround time does that require for 2nd inspection & report?
What class of contractor is your company or the company you typically work with?
Do you allow me to hire any contractor to perform the woodwork, or only you/your contractor of choice in order to produce a clear letter(s)?
When would you be available for inspection at (insert address)?
How long between the inspection & report?
Do you have droids with cameras, cameras on poles, or any other means of accessing otherwise inaccessible areas?
Are you able to send a small/skinny inspector?
What is the cost of the inspection? Any additional cost for additional detached structures? How do you handle detached structure issues, such as a wooden shed located in standing water?
(if applicable) Will your company traverse areas of attic where there is no floor? If not, will they utilize other resources (i.e. an extension pole/camera/light) to explore those areas?
Many of the above questions in a single stream intended for text or email for sellers
(if both needed depending on the contract) Do you perform wood-destroying insect & wood destroying organism inspections?
Do you do estimates on woodwork repairs directly?
If so, is it a separate company or a separate inspector that comes in?
If a separate company or a separate inspector, what kind of turnaround time does that require for 2nd inspection & report?
What class of contractor is your company or the company you typically work with?
Do you allow me to hire any contractor to perform the woodwork, or only you/your contractor of choice in order to produce a clear letter(s)?
When would you be available for inspection at (insert address)?
How long between the inspection & report?
What is the cost of the inspection? (if applicable by the contract) Any additional cost for additional detached structures?
Additional questions for agents
What is your coverage area?
Items agents ideally are familiar with or that buyers/sellers can find in reviews/experience
How do their prices compare to that of other inspectors in the area?
How does the quality of their work compare to other inspectors in the area?
How knowledgeable is a company compared to other inspectors in the area? One important factor here is how long they have been in business, though sometimes a company/inspector with 10 years of experience could be more knowledgeable than a company/inspector with 30 years of experience. Sometimes a more knowledgeable company can find cheaper effective solutions than a less knowledgeable company.
How honest is the company? For instance, if they are not honest and perform woodwork themselves, they could require high-cost work that they would do themselves without allowing another company to do it, while a more honest company/inspector wouldn't be as likely to do that to you.
Additional Information:
Do I Need a Termite Inspection?
The answer to this question varies based on how you plan to buy a house. Local contracts may or may not include a requirement for a clear termite/wood-destroying insect letter by default. If using financing, your lender may or may not require a wood-destroying insect letter. With VA loans, a clear wood-destroying insect letter is required in these states per Veterans United:
Even if not getting a VA loan, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA loans may require a termite letter if the appraiser spots something that could be termites. Even if buying in cash, termite letters may be beneficial as peace of mind. Here are the locations where they are needed the most per the International Residential Code of 2021:
Keep in Mind the Time of Year & Possibility that Dormant Issues May Not Be Flagged in Winter
It's important to note with termite/moisture inspections, the winter often won't be able to be as enlightening as during the summer in places like SE VA in locations that are exposed to the elements. For instance, often in the winter, unless a crawlspace is relatively warm vs the average temperature outside, wood-destroying fungus will go dormant. In a dormant state, it may be mentioned on a wood-destroying organism inspection, while not requiring remediation. Those same fungus may have been required if examined in the following summer. While termites slow down in the winter, they don't go completely dormant, per Percor. However, some wood-destroying insects, like carpenter bees, will go dormant in the winter.
If Adam's Client
If you're my client, ask me for my spreadsheet of WDI/moisture inspectors if you want to choose one yourself. In it, I have answers to many of the below questions already for a number of inspectors.
The advantage of a thorough agent
In the real estate business, not being thorough can cost you, whether you're an agent or a buyer depending on an agent who isn't thorough. As an agent myself, I like to keep a spreadsheet of wood-destroying insect (termite)/moisture companies that I work with, including their contact info, costs, reviews, and a number of other important pieces of information. My business is one where I constantly seek to grow as well, so often with some of the spreadsheets I develop, I'll add completely new columns/rows over time as I find more and more information that is important to note.
Additional Detached Structures
If getting a VA loan, additional detached structures should be included in your termite letter if you want them to be considered as part of the value. If they are not, the lender may be unable to include that structure in the value for an appraisal, and if there's a low appraisal, you may need to get them back to include it.
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