WDO Inspection When Buying Or Selling A Home

Who pays for a WDO inspection depends on the sale contract and local practice, so it is agreed between buyer and seller rather than set by a universal rule. In many sales the buyer orders and pays for it as part of due diligence, while in others the seller provides it. Check the contract early, and confirm who arranges access and who receives the report, so there is no delay at closing.

How long a WDO report stays valid depends on the lender, the programme, and the sale timeline, so no fixed validity period is stated here. Lenders often want a recent report, and a report from months before closing may need updating. Ask the lender what age of report it accepts, and time the inspection so the report is fresh at closing, with room for treatment or re-inspection if needed.

A sale can sometimes go through with old termite damage, depending on the lender, the contract, and whether the damage is inactive and structurally sound. Old damage usually needs a clear report distinguishing it from live activity, and sometimes a contractor's view on repair. Lenders vary in what they accept, so ask early what evidence is needed, rather than assuming old damage will be overlooked.

A WDO inspector cannot check timber hidden behind finished walls, under fixed flooring, inside sealed voids, or in areas with no safe access. The report lists these inaccessible areas, and they remain unknowns, not proof of safety. If a hidden area worries a buyer, further checks after opening access may be agreed, but they are separate from the standard inspection and need the seller's agreement.

WDO inspections cover the organisms named in the report form, which usually include termites, wood-boring beetles, and wood-decay fungi, but the exact scope follows the form and local practice. Some organisms or conditions may sit outside the standard report, so read the form to see what is included. If a specific organism concerns you, ask the inspector before the visit whether it falls within the inspection.

If a seller disagrees with a WDO report, the usual next step is a second inspection or a follow-up check by another pro, with the findings compared and the disputed areas re-examined. Photos, samples, and clear notes help settle whether activity is live or old. The sale contract decides how disputes are handled, so both sides should follow it and keep all reports and correspondence for the lender.

Buyers often benefit from their own inspection, even when the seller provides a report, because an independent check gives the buyer direct answers and a pro to question. A buyer-ordered inspection also sets the buyer's own record for later treatment or warranty decisions. Whether to order one depends on the sale terms and the buyer's comfort, but it is a common and sensible step in termite-prone areas.

VA and FHA loans have their own termite and inspection requirements, which vary by programme and property, and are explained in a separate guide on this site. In general, these loans may require an inspection, treatment, or clearance letter where evidence is found, and the lender confirms the exact proof needed. Ask the lender early, because loan requirements can change the closing timeline if treatment is needed.

After a WDO inspection, keep the report, any treatment records, repair invoices, clearance letters, and correspondence about who paid for what. These records help future buyers, lenders, and pros understand the home's history, and they support warranty or bond decisions later. Store them with other sale documents, and pass them on if the home is sold again, so the next owner inherits the full picture.