Section 1 vs. Section 2 findings
This is the part of the California report that matters most in a real estate transaction. Findings are separated into two groups:
- Section 1: evident, active infestation, infection, or damage that requires correction. These are the items typically required to be cleared for a transaction.
- Section 2: conditions that are present and deemed likely to lead to infestation or infection (for example, conducive conditions like excessive moisture or earth-to-wood contact) but that are not active.
Section 8516 specifically prohibits characterizing a condition that is merely likely to lead to infestation as an active infestation or a defect. Mixing up Section 1 and Section 2 is one of the most common and most consequential reporting errors.
Who can perform and sign a California WDO report
The inspection must be performed and the report signed by a person licensed by the Structural Pest Control Board in Branch 3, the termite and wood destroying organisms branch, either a licensed field representative or an operator.
What "wood destroying organisms" covers
California's report is broader than a typical insect-only report. "Wood destroying pests and organisms" includes subterranean and drywood termites, wood-boring beetles, and fungi or dry rot (wood decay). The inclusion of fungus and dry rot is a key difference from states that only report wood destroying insects.
What the report must contain
Section 8516 sets out the required contents of the inspection report.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Header | Inspection date + inspector. The date the inspection started and the name of the inspector who performed it. |
| Parties | Ordering party + owner. Who ordered the inspection and the property owner or their designated agent. |
| Property | Address + building description. The address or location of the property and a description of the building inspected. |
| Diagram | Foundation diagram. A foundation diagram or sketch of the structure showing the approximate location of infested areas and parts vulnerable to attack, identified using standard construction components (siding, studs, rafters, floor joists, fascia, subfloor, sheathing, trim). |
| Substructure | Substructure + foundation. Conditions of the substructure and foundation observed during the inspection. |
| Roof | Roof statement. A statement of whether the exterior of the roof was inspected. |
| Inaccessible | Inaccessible areas. Areas that were inaccessible, with recommendations for further inspection if warranted. |
| Findings | Findings (Section 1 / Section 2). Evident infestation or infection separated from conditions deemed likely to lead to infestation or infection, with corrective recommendations. |
| Pesticide | Pesticide disclosure. Pesticide information as required by B&P Code Section 8538 when treatment is recommended or performed. |
| Reinspection | Reinspection disclosure. A statement disclosing the consumer's right to a reinspection. |
| Consumer notice | Consumer notice + guarantee. Notice about seeking second opinions and the terms and timeframe of any guarantee. |
The foundation diagram is required
The report must include a foundation diagram or sketch of the structure showing the approximate location of infested areas and parts vulnerable to attack, with members identified using standard construction components (siding, studs, rafters, floor joists, fascia, subfloor, sheathing, trim). This is usually the most time-consuming part of the report.
Delivering and filing the report
The report must be delivered to the person who requested the inspection and to the property owner or their designated agent, and a copy must be filed with the Structural Pest Control Board within the timeframe set by Section 8516. The Board maintains a searchable public database of filed WDO reports. Failure to report and file can carry a fine of up to $2,500 and disciplinary action. A reinspection may be requested when an estimate was provided with the original report; reinspections generally apply for up to four months from the original inspection and are performed within 10 business days of being ordered, at the original inspection price.
Generate the Section 8516 report without the truck-cab paperwork
Serv AI lets a Branch 3 inspector photograph their field sheet or speak their findings, imports the building footprint by address for the required diagram, and produces a report formatted for Section 8516, ready to send and file. The paperwork goes from about 45 minutes to a couple of minutes per inspection.
Related guides: Texas WDI report (Form SPCS/T-5) and the NPMA-33 form (FHA/VA).
California WDO report FAQ
Source: California Business and Professions Code Section 8516 (and Section 8538 for pesticide disclosure), administered by the California Structural Pest Control Board under the Structural Pest Control Act. This guide is for general information and does not replace the statute, the Board's prescribed form, or legal advice.