WDI Inspections

For many of us, the purchase of a house can be the single greatest purchase we make. Choosing the right one is a labor of love, and most buyers have a list of what is most important to them. The feeling of walking through the first time and feeling right at home is a joy. Unfortunately, there may be things lurking under the surface that are not apparent to the naked eye, and their presence can be costly. In Louisiana, termites are running rampant, and we are the number 6 state overall for infestations, and the Baton Rouge area is tops in the state.

For home buyers and sellers alike, a termite inspection is a crucial piece of the financing puzzle. For VA loans in Louisiana, a wood-destroying insect report is required for all properties. FHA loans are governed by the Department of Urban Development and their Single-Family Housing Policy Handbook, which came into effect in October of 2019, requires a WDI inspection and the proper documentation by a licensed professional. In Louisiana, the state inspection form is used, but HUD can also request an NPMA-33 be filled out. For conventional loans, homeowners generally are required to have an inspection. However, if the contract stipulates in section 4, item 1, that the seller or buyer pays for a termite inspection, it is required.

It makes perfect sense that a buyer would want to be sure their home is termite-free and that there is no previous damage before signing on the dotted line. However, an inspection is also in the seller's best interest. In Louisiana, there is precedent on books stating the "manifestation theory." This law states that the date of the loss, which includes termites, is the same as the date it is discovered. What this means is that home builders or pest control professionals can be responsible for hidden damages.

If your dream home is found to be termite-free but there is damage from previous infestations, the inspection report by CheckMate Termite & Pest Management may keep the door open to your purchase. These types of homes can come with price reductions and depending on the extent of the damage and where it is located, it can be fixed. If the damage appears to be on the surface of wooden structures, it is considered minimal. Structural damage, though, can become quite costly.

These inspections are also advantageous to current homeowners, and they are suggested annually as part of an overall pest management plan. It is estimated that 50% of the area's oak trees are infested, and when they swarm, they can travel about 300 yards. With Formosans causing over five hundred million dollars damage in the Bayou State, it is better to be safe than sorry.

The top choice for termite and WDIR inspections in Denham Springs, Baton Rouge, and the surrounding areas is CheckMate Termite & Pest Management. We've been checking for the insidious pests, reporting on, and eliminating them for over ten years. Put your largest investment in the hands of a company that truly cares. Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule your inspection.