Professional Real Estate Termite & WDO Inspections (Ontario)

In Ontario’s competitive real estate market, a home is the biggest investment most people will ever make. Wood-destroying organisms (WDO)—including termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles—can hide deep within a structure, causing thousands of dollars in hidden damage. Our professional WDO inspections provide the peace of mind, professional documentation, and structural clarity required by buyers, sellers, lenders, and real estate lawyers to close deals with confidence.

 

1. Comprehensive Structural "Envelope" Audit

A standard home inspection often skims the surface. Our WDO inspection is a deep dive into the areas where structural pests thrive.

• Foundation & Sill Plate Inspection: We examine the critical transition points where the home meets the ground, looking for mud tubes, "frass," and exit holes.

• Crawlspace & Attic Investigation: We navigate the low-traffic areas of the home where moisture is high and wood-boring insects are most likely to establish colonies.

• Exterior Perimeter Scan: We identify high-risk factors like wood-to-soil contact, stacked firewood, or poor drainage that could lead to future infestations.

 

2. Advanced Diagnostic Technology

We use non-invasive technology to "see" inside the walls without damaging the home during the listing or showing process.

• Thermal Imaging (Infrared): We use FLIR technology to detect heat signatures and moisture pockets behind drywall that often indicate active termite sub-colonies or carpenter ant nests.

• Moisture Mapping: Wood-boring insects require specific moisture levels. We use professional-grade meters to identify "wet wood" that serves as a beacon for structural pests.

• Acoustic & Probing Tools: We use specialized equipment to detect the "hollow" sound of damaged timber and the vibrations of active foraging, ensuring no colony goes undetected.

 

3. The Professional WDO Report

Our documentation is designed to be "Lender-Ready." We provide the clear, concise, and professional evidence needed for a smooth transaction.

• Standardized Reporting: Our reports meet the requirements for most Ontario mortgage lenders and relocation companies.

• Photo Documentation: We provide high-resolution images of any identified activity or conducive conditions, providing a clear "map" for potential remediation.

• Clearance Letters: If no activity is found, we issue a formal WDO Clearance Letter that can be shared with real estate lawyers and included in the closing package.

 

4. Remediation Planning & Estimates

If an issue is discovered, we don't just find the problem—we help you solve it so the sale can proceed.

• Itemized Repair Estimates: We provide clear, written estimates for treatment and structural hardening that can be used during price negotiations.

• Fast-Track Service: We understand that real estate deals have tight timelines. We offer $24$- to $48$-hour turnaround times for inspection reports to ensure you never miss a closing date.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why do I need a WDO inspection if I already had a home inspection?

Standard home inspectors look at the general health of a house (HVAC, electrical, roof). A WDO specialist is trained specifically to find the subtle, hidden signs of wood-destroying insects that general inspectors often miss. Many lenders in Ontario require a specific WDO report before releasing funds.

 

What happens if termites are found? Does it kill the deal?

Not necessarily. In Ontario, many homes have had history with termites or carpenter ants. Most deals can proceed once a professional treatment plan is in place and the cost of remediation is negotiated between the buyer and seller.

 

How long is a WDO report valid for?

In the Ontario real estate market, most lenders and lawyers consider a WDO report valid for 30-90 Days. If your closing is significantly delayed, a "refresh" inspection may be required.

Who usually pays for the inspection—the buyer or the seller? This varies by the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. In "hot" markets, buyers often pay for the inspection as part of their due diligence. However, sellers often provide a pre-listing WDO report to increase buyer confidence and speed up the sale.

 

Why Choose Our WDO Specialists?

1. Impartial Reporting: We provide an honest, unbiased assessment of the property’s structural health.

2. Closing-Speed Service: We prioritize real estate files to ensure you meet your "Conditions of Sale" deadlines.

3. Lender Approved: Our reports are recognized by major Ontario banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers.

 

Closing on a new home? Schedule your professional WDO audit today.