Two More Important Inspections

Alright, let’s keep the inspection momentum going and dive into the nitty-gritty of two more important ones: wind mitigation inspections and WDO inspections! These are two key home inspections, especially if you’re in a place like Florida where storms and critters can be a big deal. I’ll break each one down with plenty of detail, so you’ve got the full picture on these.

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Wind Mitigation Inspection

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A wind mitigation inspection is all about figuring out how well your home can stand up to strong winds, like those from hurricanes or severe storms. It’s a specialized inspection that focuses on specific features of your home to assess its wind resistance. The goal? To help you qualify for insurance discounts (sometimes big ones!) and give you peace of mind that your home won’t blow away in a gale. Here’s the deep dive:

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What It Involves

A certified inspector (think licensed home inspector, contractor, engineer, or architect) comes to your home and checks out seven key areas, mostly centered around your roof and openings. These are based on standardized forms, like Florida’s OIR-B1-1802 (aka the 1802 form). Here’s what they look at:

Building Code Compliance: Was your home built or renovated under strict wind-resistant building codes? Homes built after March 1, 2002, often get better ratings because codes got tougher after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Roof Covering: What’s your roof made of (e.g., asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, metal)? They check its condition, age, and whether it meets current standards. Newer roofs with proper permits score higher.
Roof Deck Attachment: This is about how the roof deck (usually plywood or OSB) is nailed to the rafters or trusses. They look at nail type (e.g., 8D nails are better than 6D) and spacing (6 inches apart is ideal). Better attachment means less chance of your roof flying off.
Roof-to-Wall Connection: How is the roof tied to the walls? Inspectors check for things like hurricane straps, clips, single wraps, or double wraps (stronger is better). A weak connection, like just toenails, won’t score you many points.
Roof Geometry: The shape of your roof matters. Hip roofs (sloped on all sides) are more aerodynamic and resist wind better than gable roofs (with vertical ends). Hip roofs often get the best credits.
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): Is there a self-adhering underlayment (like peel-and-stick) beneath your shingles? This helps prevent water from sneaking in if shingles get blown off.
Opening Protection: Are your windows, doors, and garage doors impact-resistant or protected by hurricane shutters? They check for ratings like Miami-Dade or ASTM standards. Everything needs to be protected to get the full credit—no partial points here.

The inspector takes photos (required for insurance purposes), checks permits, and often needs attic access to see connections and decking. The whole thing usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Why It’s Important

Insurance Savings: In states like Florida, insurers are required to offer discounts if your home has wind-resistant features. Savings can range from 3% to 55% on the wind portion of your premium—potentially hundreds or thousands a year, depending on your home and location. A good report can pay for itself quickly.
Storm Preparedness: It shows you what’s solid and what needs work. If your roof-to-wall straps are weak, you can fix them before a hurricane hits.
Property Value: A strong wind mitigation report can make your home more attractive to buyers, especially in storm-prone areas.

Fun Facts & Tips

Cost: Typically $75–$150, depending on your area and inspector.
Validity: Reports are good for 5 years unless you make major changes (like a new roof) or switch insurers, who might want a fresh one.
No Penalty: A bad report won’t raise your premiums—it just means fewer discounts. So there’s no downside to getting one.
Prep Tip: Clear attic access and have any permit docs (for roofs, windows, etc.) ready. If you’ve got shutters, make sure they’re accessible, even if stored.

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WDO Inspection

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A WDO inspection (Wood-Destroying Organism inspection) is about checking for creepy crawlies and fungi that can munch through your home’s wood structure. Think termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and dry rot. It’s a big deal when buying or selling a home, especially in humid climates where these critters thrive. Let’s get into the details.

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What It Involves

A licensed inspector—often a pest control pro or home inspector with WDO training—does a visual check of your home for signs of wood-destroying organisms and damage. Here’s what goes down:

Areas Inspected:
- Interior: Baseboards, window sills, door frames, cabinets, and any exposed wood. They look for tiny holes, sawdust-like frass, or mud tubes (termite highways).
- Exterior: Siding, eaves, decks, fences, and wood touching the ground. They check for rot, insect trails, or weakened wood.
- Attic and Crawlspaces: These are hotspots for termites and beetles, so inspectors poke around for damage or live bugs.
- Basement/Garage: Any damp or dark spots where fungi or insects might set up shop.
What They Look For:
- Termites: Subterranean and drywood termites are the biggies. Signs include mud tubes, discarded wings, or hollow-sounding wood.
- Carpenter Ants: These guys carve out wood for nests, leaving frass that looks like sawdust.
- Wood-Boring Beetles: Powderpost beetles and others leave tiny exit holes and fine powder.
- Fungi/Dry Rot: Discolored, soft, or crumbly wood from moisture damage.
Report: In places like Florida, the report follows a state-mandated form (e.g., Form NPMA-33 or Florida’s equivalent). It notes any active infestations, past damage, or conditions that could invite pests (like wood-soil contact or leaky pipes). If treatment happened before, they’ll mention it.

The inspection takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the home’s size and accessibility.

Why It’s Important

Protect Your Investment: Termites alone cause billions in damage yearly in the U.S. Catching them early can save you from costly repairs.
Sale Requirement: Many lenders or buyers require a WDO report before closing to ensure the home isn’t a termite buffet. In Florida, it’s often mandatory for financed purchases.
Peace of Mind: Even if not required, knowing your home is pest-free (or what to fix) is worth the small cost.
Insurance Angle: Some insurers want to know about WDO risks, especially if damage could weaken your home’s structure.

Fun Facts & Tips

Cost: Usually $100–$200, but can be bundled with other inspections for less.
Who Pays?: In home sales, it’s negotiable—sometimes the seller, sometimes the buyer, depending on the contract.
Not a Guarantee: It’s a snapshot in time. Termites can show up later, so regular checks (every 1–2 years) are smart in high-risk areas.
Prep Tip: Clear clutter from crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls so the inspector can see everything. Fix any moisture issues (leaky faucets, poor drainage) to reduce pest appeal.
New Homes: Even a 2020-built home can have WDO issues if construction was shoddy or materials were compromised, so don’t skip it thinking “new = safe.”

Wrapping It Up

Both inspections are like health checkups for your home—one for storm resilience, the other for pest protection. A wind mitigation inspection can save you serious cash on insurance and prep your home for hurricanes, focusing on roofs, connections, and openings. A WDO inspection guards against silent destroyers like termites, ensuring your wood structure stays solid, especially during a sale. They’re quick, affordable, and can prevent massive headaches later.