[DangeloInspections]

Dear Rollback,
Yes, I no longer do specific, separate WDO termite inspections. A FEW Home Inspectors do them, but most do not. It is complicated and I will not bore you with details, but suffice to say that the regulations, etc, are stacked against the Home Inspector also doing a WDO inspection. I actually used to have my WDO license, but it just was not worth keeping it.

Let me explain. Actually a WDO and a termite inspection is the same thing pretty much. WDO stands for Wood Destroying Organisms. A specific Florida state form is used and it is a separate inspection. Although some folks illegally get away with it, a official WDO inspection has to be done by a licensed WDO inspector.

Here is where it gets "murky". Some clients want or need for mortgage reasons an official WDO inspection with the WDO Form 1145. This must be done by a licensed WDO inspector. Sometimes companies will have an "on-site" person work "under" another person's license, which in my opinion is not right. Only a person who has the credentials and required , ongoing training should be doing this inspection.

Then there are many folks who do not need this WDO form 1145, who just want to continue the pre-existing, or new, termite bond. This termite bond is basically an insurance policy that says that a company, (like Massey, Dean's, etc,etc,) will if termite damage is found down the road pay for remediation and repairs. Many companies offer this type of inspection because they want you to sign up with them for treatment and the bond. There is nothing wrong with that.....but the inspection you sometimes get with that is superficial dependent on who does it, and is more geared to wanting you to sign up with that company. The odds are in their favor.

So.... would a home inspector notice and call out obvious damage? Yes, usually, and they should know the signs to look for....as long as you understand they are NOT specifically doing a official "Termite Inspection", and cannot legally do so.

I personally think that the best approach for the homeowner is to hire a good Home Inspector to inspect and explain all the major components of your home, structure, grading, roof, framing, A/C, plumbing, electrical, appliances, etc,etc,etc.....he is inspecting hundreds of items, components, etc.

They should also hire a good licensed specific WDO inspector whose only job is to look for wood destroying organisms and any damage, past or present that has been caused by them.

A good analogy may be to stay healthy, I go to a good General Practitioner, who knows a good amount about every system and part of my body and sicknesses, medicines, etc. BUT....if I am specifically worried about my heart, I am going to make an appointment with a Cardiologist.

I hope this helps! Good luck on your home search!

Respectfully,

Frank D.