Why Manufactured Homes in Our Area Still Need a WDO Inspection

I was doing a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection on a manufactured home recently. Because the home itself was metal, it might not be the first place you’d expect to find damage. But this home had a wooden deck attached, and that’s where issues showed up.

I crawled underneath the deck to take a closer look and noticed one of the wooden support beams was tilted. That’s never a good sign. When I checked the safety straps securing the structure, they were corroded—something that another inspector had missed before me.

These safety straps are important because they help hold the home in place during strong winds or seismic activity. Corrosion weakens them, which could lead to costly repairs down the road.

Why WDO Inspections Matter Even on Metal Homes

Just because your manufactured home is metal doesn’t mean all parts are free from wood damage or decay. Wooden decks and support structures can still attract termites or suffer rot from moisture exposure.

A Quick Tip About VA Loans

On another job, I asked if the buyer planned to get a WDO inspection on their block home. They initially said no, but later called back once they learned it was required for their VA loan. A quick check ahead of time could have saved both of us an extra trip.

What You Should Do

• If your manufactured home has any wooden elements like decks or supports, schedule a thorough WDO inspection.
• If you're getting a VA loan, check early whether you need this type of report—it could save time and money.