Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspections for Hampton Roads Real Estate
If you are buying or selling a home anywhere in Hampton Roads, the words "WDI inspection" are going to come up at some point in the transaction. Here is what they actually mean and why they matter.
A WDI inspection is a Wood Destroying Insect inspection, documented on the official Form NPMA-33. It is required by every VA loan in Virginia and by most conventional and FHA loans for homes in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and the rest of the region. Your lender will not close without it.
The inspector checks every visible and accessible area of the home for active or past evidence of subterranean termites, drywood termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-decaying fungi. That includes the crawl space, foundation, attic, garage, and any out buildings on the property. Hampton Roads sits in the top 8 areas in the country for subterranean termite pressure, which is why this inspection carries more weight here than in most regions, and why Virginia is one of the few states where lenders also require a separate moisture inspection report.
Pest Heroes is partnered with Safe House Property Inspections, the firm that has performed over 23,000 home inspections across Hampton Roads. That partnership means tight coordination between the home inspection and the WDI inspection, faster turnaround on closing timelines, and one less moving piece for your real estate agent to chase.
Same-day to 48-hour report turnaround is standard for us. If active termites or moisture issues are found, we provide treatment options on the spot so the transaction does not stall. Free quote, fast scheduling. Call 757-367-8342.
How much does a WDI inspection cost in Hampton Roads?
Most residential WDI inspections in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake fall in the $75 to $125 range, depending on the size of the home and whether outbuildings are included. We provide a firm quote upfront with no surprise fees at closing. Real estate agents working with Pest Heroes regularly often have negotiated rates for their clients.
How fast can you turn around an NPMA-33 form?
Same-day reports are standard when we inspect in the morning. Afternoon inspections typically deliver by end of next business day. For tight closing timelines, mention the closing date when scheduling and we will prioritize. The partnership with Safe House Property Inspections allows us to coordinate timing with the home inspection so both reports land on your lender's desk together.
What happens if termites or other issues are found during the inspection?
The NPMA-33 form documents what was found. If active termite activity, prior damage, or wood-decaying fungi are noted, the lender typically requires treatment and clearance before closing. We provide a treatment quote on the spot with the inspection report so the transaction can move forward without delay. Most issues identified during a WDI inspection are very treatable within a few days.
Do you do WDI inspections for FHA and conventional loans, or just VA?
We do all three. VA loans require WDI inspections in Virginia. FHA and most conventional loans either require it or strongly recommend it, depending on the lender and the specific property. We deliver the same Form NPMA-33 regardless of loan type, which is the form every Hampton Roads lender accepts.
Can the buyer or seller pay for the inspection?
Either party can pay for the WDI inspection. In the Hampton Roads market, the seller often covers it as part of the sale, but this is negotiable in the contract. The inspection itself is the same regardless of who pays. Real estate agents typically know what is customary in your specific micro-market and can advise.