Follow Us x
Q: What is a home inspection?
A: A home inspection is a snapshot of a house that can reveal marginal and defective items. Marginal would be items which need attention, such as - a roof that is in poor shape, a door that doesn't fit right, loose hand railing, worn carpet/ flooring, walls that have cracks, paint peeling, etc. Defective items are things that are not doing the job they were designed for, such as roof linking, pipes leaking, doors and windows that don't fit or function, major wood rot, poor foundations, etc.
Q: What does a home inspection include?
A: Home inspectors look at most everything from chimney to basement, these are visual elevations. We can't see things that are hidden but can many times see an effect from a defective item and call it out. We are not allowed to do destructive testing or cutting into walls.
Q: Why can't I do it myself and why do I need a home inspection?
A: Wisconsin home inspectors are licensed by the state and have to get 20 hours of education very year. Being a member of the WAHI (Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors) is something a home buyer should look for in a home inspector. Michigan and Minnesota inspectors don't have to be licensed or have any education including home inspecting knowledge.
Q: What do I do if my home inspection report reveals problems?
A: The problems your home inspection finds can allow you to negotiate with the seller for fixing problems or getting the price lowered so you can correct the issues.
Q: Do I have to be home for a home inspection?
A: Usually an inspector inspects a home that you are going to buy. Some inspectors like the buyer to be home for the home inspection and some like the buyer to show up when the home inspection is complete. At that time, they would take you through the entire property and revel any issues and concerns the inspector finds. This usually takes an hour or so.
Q: Is it possible to fail an inspection?
A: Passing or failing an inspection is up to the buyer. It depends what a buyer can live with and what concessions they can get from the seller. There are a few homes that will just not be worth buying.
Q: How long will a home inspection take?
A: Home inspectors take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to inspect a property. Depending on size and problems found, sometimes it will take longer.
Q: Do I need a home inspection for a new home?
A: Even new homes can use an inspection. I find that they're not finished or they cut corners. There are always areas of concern, I've never been inside a home without some kind of issue(s).
Q: Why should I hire a home inspector and what are the benefits?
A: Using a licensed home inspector will give you piece of mind. Best to know what you are buying right away.
Q: Is pre-inspection necessary?
A: Pre-inspection is a GOOD THING. This can help you as the seller. Many times the deal will fall through at the inspection. Pre-inspection allows the seller to fix or reveal problems before the sale. This gives signs of good faith and can get buyer to be more at ease.
Q: How much does a home inspection cost?
A: Pre-inspection is a GOOD THING. This can help you as the seller. Many times the deal will fall through at the inspection. Pre-inspection allows the seller to fix or reveal problems before the sale. This gives signs of good faith and can get buyer to be more at ease. Expect to pay anywhere from $300-400 for a home inspection.
Q: Do I need to get radon testing in addition to my home inspection?
A: Consider getting a radon test too, especially when there are living spaces in lower levels
Extra Helpful Tips:
- I always hear that home owners were happy to have a home inspection and would strongly recommend it to anyone they know buying a property with a structure
- When shopping around for Inspectors: look for years of service, licensed home inspectors, insured home inspectors, REVIEWS!
- Remember the lowest price inspection may not be the best home inspection
*All homes are not perfect. It all depends on what you can live with. Some issues are small and some are big.
Lic#. 2189-106
