Everything You Need to Know About Home Inspections
In the event that you are purchasing a new home, a thorough home inspection is one of the most important steps in this process. However, you might have a myriad of queries that you’d like resolved prior to moving forward – questions such as who should attend the inspection, precisely what components are included in the inspection, and how much should you budget for a professional inspection.
At Towne & Country Building Inspectors in Milwaukee, WI, we offer a variety of inspection services to help ensure that you make an informed decision about your purchase — things like buyer inspections, seller inspections, and radon testing. We even offer historic home inspections for the many beautiful older Milwaukee homes in this area. Here are some common questions and answers about home inspections that you may find helpful.
Who Should Be Present During a Home Inspection?
It’s always advisable for the potential buyers to personally attend the inspection. This will allow ample opportunity to clarify doubts and gain insight into the property’s condition from the inspector’s own words. Although, if the seller is present, they could provide additional information that may be useful. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that having the seller there is not a requirement and it may even be beneficial to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
What is included in a home inspection?
A home inspection is a detailed evaluation of the property and its readily accessible features. This includes the condition of the structure, such as the foundation, walls, and roof (if safely accessible). Additionally, a qualified inspector will investigate the electrical system (testing light switches and outlets), plumbing (turning faucets on and off, and flushing toilets), HVAC system, and other visible or easily testable components.
The inspector will often start outside, inspecting the property’s exterior and grading, drainage, and any decks or porches. They will then move inside to evaluate the interior areas, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as the basement and attic. Unless specifically requested (and usually at additional cost) a home inspector will not look at outbuildings such as garages or sheds.
In addition to checking the condition of these components, the inspector will also look for signs of damage, such as water damage, mold, or pest infestations. They will also evaluate the age and condition of the property’s major systems and appliances and assess their expected lifespan.
After completing the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report of their findings. This report typically includes any issues identified during the inspection, such as safety hazards or code violations, and recommendations for repairs or further evaluation.
The information provided in the report can be invaluable in making an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the property. It can also help buyers negotiate a fair price or request repairs or upgrades before finalizing the sale.
What if the inspection report reveals problems?
If the inspection report reveals problems, it is important to carefully consider your options. Depending on the severity of the issues, you may need to renegotiate the purchase price, ask for repairs to be made, or even walk away from the deal. This highlights the importance of attending the inspection and thoroughly reviewing the report with your real estate agent.
What types of inspections do you offer?
At Towne & Country Building Inspectors, we offer a variety of inspection services to meet your needs. In addition to our standard residential home inspections, we also offer historic home inspections, seller inspections, foreclosure inspections, and even radon testing. Each inspection is tailored to the specific needs of the property and client.
How long does a home inspection take?
A home inspection typically takes between two to three hours, but may be longer for larger or more complex properties. It is important to set aside enough time to allow for a thorough inspection and to ask the inspector any questions you may have.
What if I cannot attend the inspection?
If you are unable to attend the inspection, we can arrange to have the report sent to you via email or other methods. However, we strongly recommend that you work with us to reschedule the inspection so you can attend in person if possible to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the property’s condition.
How much does a home inspection cost?
The cost of a home inspection varies depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. At Towne & Country Building Inspectors, our pricing is competitive and transparent. We provide a detailed quote for our services so that you know exactly what to expect.
A home inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process. It is an investment in your future and can help you avoid costly surprises down the road. At Towne & Country Building Inspectors, we are committed to providing thorough, professional Milwaukee home inspections to help our clients make informed decisions about their purchases. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
By Scot McLean, owner of Towne & Country Building Inspection. Scot is a highly experienced licensed home inspector and radon measurement provider with over 20 years of service in Wisconsin. He held the past presidency of the Milwaukee chapter of WAHI (Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors) and is an active member of both the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation and the Wisconsin Historical Society. Scot also carries certifications from the American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI) and the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). Get your project inspected by a professional – contact Towne & Country today.
