When you’re buying a new home, you always make sure to have a home inspection done. It’s a no-brainer – but what about a WDIR? Do you even know what it is or why you would have one done? We have the answers.
What Is a WDIR?
A WDIR stands for “Wood Destroying Insect Report.” It does exactly what it sounds like it does. It finds and reports evidence of any wood-destroying insect that could be in the home you’re looking to buy. It’s a legal document that can sometimes be required by the mortgage company. As the buyer, you can request to have one done for your own peace of mind. Specifically, it will show you the following:
- Does the house have a current infestation?
- What type of insect is causing the infestation?
- Has the house had an infestation in the past?
- Is there structural damage due to current or past infestations?
- Has the home been treated in the past for infestations?
It’s an inexpensive way to avoid problems before you sign the dotted line. It will also save you time since seeing termite damage may help you move on to another house that doesn’t have it. If they inspect the dwelling and find nothing concerning, then there’s one less thing you need to worry about as you look to close on your new home.
Why Have a WDIR Done?
Termites are not the only wood-destroying insect out there, but they are the most important. They may be small, but the damage they can do is mighty. In the U.S. alone, these wood-destroying insects are responsible for billions of dollars of property destruction every year. This damage, however, can go unnoticed for many years. The pests are small, so they can be hard to see or detect until there are a lot of them or there is a swarm (when termites from a colony break off to form another). They also slowly eat away at wood from the inside out potentially causing structural damage. Approximately 600,000 homes are damaged by termites in the U.S. each year and about $6 billion are spent annually by U.S. residents to control termites and repair damage.
Unfortunately, in most cases, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover termite damage or removal because it can usually be prevented through routine home maintenance or a professional termite treatment plan. The cost of repairs varies greatly from case to case and is dependent on a variety of factors such as how much wood the termites have eaten, how long the colony has been in the home, and where the damage was done inside the home. In rare cases, termite damage can be so extensive that the home is completely demolished.
When it comes down to it, you don’t want to take on a house that has termite damage or damage from any other wood-destroying insect. Without a professional WDIR, you can’t be sure you won’t be. It’s not a lot of upfront cost but what it can save you down the road can be in the thousands+. So, don’t guess. In addition to your home inspection, request a WDIR. They are not the same thing so don’t let anyone tell you they are. Sleep easy in your new home.