For those who are in the process of purchasing or selling a property and you’re likely to get an Home inspection report that outlines the condition of the various components such as systems, structures, and systems. In this procedure you can choose the wood destroying organism (WDO) inspection. This will identify any visible infestations of insects or fungal issues that threaten the structural integrity of wood in your house.

An Inspection of the WDO is crucial for both sellers and buyers because it gives an accurate and complete description of the damages to the accessible and visible areas of the house. Particularly, it is important to know if the property is infested by insects or is infected by dry rot or wet or other issues that could result in infection or an infestation. The report is designed to include all the findings and recommendations, as well as repair estimates and bids.

WDO report in Jacksonville are overseen by the Structural Pest Board. If you are for any reason dissatisfied with your initial report, there is the right to seek an additional opinion. The reports prepared by different firms must contain the same information (i.e. termite infestations, damage, fungus damage, etc.). However, the suggestions for correcting these issues may differ from one company to the next.

What are wood-destroying organisms?

Wood destruction organisms (WDOs) are any fungus that can affect the wood’s structural integrity. They include termites, wood-boring insects as well as fungi such as dry rot and wet rot.

Termites Termite problems are a regular occurrence within and around within the Sacramento region, likely due in part to the fact they thrive in temperatures that range from 75 to 95 degrees. They can cause significant destruction to wooden structures. Once they’re established, they’re difficult to eradicate as they swiftly reproduce and are robust creatures.

There are two kinds of termites called Subterranean, and Drywood termites. Subterranean termites are found in soil and dig a burrow beneath the ground. They are only at the surface to consume wood, or surfaces that resemble wood, or leave their colonies to start a new one in another location. Drywood termites are actually inside the wood they eat and thrive in hot, dry environments. Both termites can cause destruction to entire wood structures if they are left unchecked.

Within the Jacksonville region, Subterranean termites reproduce during the spring which results in an increase in subterranean termite population that continues into summer. Dry wood termites reproduce throughout the final days of summer, and their numbers increase towards the end of fall.

Wood-boring beetles There is a variety of kinds of wood-boring insects: deathwatch, powder post as well as false powder post. Each takes over and destroys wood both on the exterior and interior of houses and other structures. The larvae of the beetle consume and cause the most of the destruction to wood. Once they reach the adult stage, beetles exit through holes that they make by chewing on the surface of wood. Adults of certain species may create exit holes using plastic, wood or even soft metals that could over the wood beneath.

Like termites, beetles could cause serious damage to wood structures as well as be difficult to eradicate.

Dry rot and wet rot Dry wet rot and dry are both fungi that require a lot of moisture in order to thrive.

Wet Rot ( Coniophora puteana) is found in wood pieces that contain moisture levels of around 50 percent. The fungus can cause brown-rot in conifer and hardwood woods two kinds of wood typically found in houses. The fungus causes the wood to break down which results in soft spongy wood.

Dry decay ( Serpula lacrymans) can affect wood in similar to wet rot, however it is considered to be more damaging because the fungus can be spread throughout the whole timber regardless of the moisture content. It can also cause soft wood that feels spongy.

As previously mentioned this WDO inspection report clarifies the evident evidence of active infestation or infection caused by insects or other organisms and recommends the actions to address the issue.

If you get the report, you will find several sections outlining the nature of the inspection and detailing what was discovered.

The first and second pages define the scope of the inspection. This includes the type of report, if it’s one of the following: complete report, Limited Report, Supplemental Report, or Reinspection Report. It is likely that you will receive an Complete Report, unless a professional inspector has indicated that otherwise prior to the inspection. The next page will explain the limits and scope that the Final Report will contain including the areas that were unaccessible or not checked for WDOs.

The third page is a description of findings. It is here that you’ll be informed about the WDOs discovered as well as the damage that was caused as well as a repair recommendation and an estimate of the repair cost. The section will end with an estimate of the total repair cost. This will give you a rough estimate of the amount you’ll be required to spend to get rid of WDOs and improve the strength of your home’s structure.

As you go on, you’ll get more details concerning the inspection, and legal notices pertaining to the work performed.

If the inspection firm you hired to prepare the report also makes repairs and repairs, you’ll have the choice to sign a work order agreement to perform the recommended repairs.

It is important to note that you are entitled to request another inspection report from a different firm should you are not satisfied with the initial report, or simply want more assurance.

If you are buying a home which party pays for WDO repairs – the buyer or seller?

While certain home inspection results can be negotiated, those which pose a risk to the structural integrity of a house are typically paid for by the buyer. This is especially the case if prospective buyers put an contingent on the sale of the house. A sale contingency which includes an inspection of the home prior to finalizing the sale (a usual contingency!) lets the buyer quit in the event that the home is not repaired.

But, this isn’t applicable to each sale, so be sure to discuss this issue with your real estate agent or lawyer.

If you’re looking to buy or sell your home, or need to have a WDO Inspection in Jacksonville, call for assistance. Our experts specialize in WDO inspections, and will give you a clear written report, with suggested repairs and solutions. We also repair termite or decay-related damage, and repair structural issues in a variety of ways.