Termite inspection and WDO reports in San Diego

Yes. WDO is short for wood destroying pests and organisms, and the report is the one prepared under Business and Professions Code section 8516 by a licensed Branch 3 field representative or operator employed by a registered company. Civil Code section 1099 ties delivery to the deal: the seller or their agent must give the buyer a copy as soon as practical before transfer of title, provided that certification or preparation of a report is a condition of the contract effecting that transfer, or is a requirement imposed as a condition of financing. So a termite inspection near you and a WDO inspection near you return the same document.

It is the written inspection report required by Business and Professions Code section 8516. The statute lists what goes in it: the start date and the name of the licensed field representative or operator making the inspection, a foundation diagram or sketch of the structure showing the approximate location of any infested or infected areas, conditions usually deemed likely to lead to infestation such as earth-wood contacts, excessive moisture conditions and evidence of roof leaks, any areas that are inaccessible or not inspected, recommendations for corrective measures, and information regarding the pesticide or pesticides to be used.

The state form separates two things. One is the infestation or infection that is evident, meaning active pests or existing damage. The other is the conditions that are present that are deemed likely to lead to infestation or infection, such as earth-wood contact or excessive moisture. The law is explicit that those conditions shall not be characterized as actual defects or as actual active infestations. Whether a lender or a purchase contract requires either one cleared is set by that deal rather than by the state, so ask your agent and your lender what they need.

No statute sets a validity period, and any firm number you are quoted is someone's policy rather than the law. What the code does say is that after four months from an original inspection, all inspections shall be original inspections and not reinspections. Separately, the board's property address search lets you check its records for any location in California to determine if a WDO inspection was completed within the last two years. Whether your lender or escrow will accept a report of a given age is their rule, so ask them directly.

Both work, and we can match you either way. Some people prefer an independent inspector and a separate treatment company. Whichever you choose, the report itself has to carry this notice in boldface type: reports on this structure prepared by various registered companies should list the same findings, however recommendations to correct these findings may vary from company to company, and you have a right to seek a second opinion from another company.