Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge?
The cost for a Home Inspection varies depending on the location, size, and complexity of the house. Every house is unique, and our pricing varies accordingly. We find our inspection fees are mid range compared to other inspection companies, and we offer more thorough Home Inspections and superb Inspection Reports, not a cookie cutter computer or paper form. Call for exact pricing.
What do you inspect at the house?
We follow the state of WI standards of practice for home inspections. For a buyer’s inspection, we inspect the major items that most buyers want to know about. For a full list, please visit our Buyers Inspections page. Any halfway reputable home inspection company will cover all of these items; it’s a pretty standard list. What sets us apart is our knowledge, experience, attention to detail, inspection report, and passion for our work.
Do you inspect commercial buildings?
Yes. We offer inspections of office buildings, restaurants, churches, apartment buildings, warehouses, and other commercial buildings.
Are you licensed?
Yes.
How will you get in to the home?
We’ll set up the inspection with your listing agent, typically, and we’ll get the lockbox combination from them.
I’m getting an FHA loan. Can you do the FHA inspection?
FHA loans require FHA appraisals, which are often confused with home inspections.
The furnace is really old. Should I hire a furnace guy to look at it?
We typically don’t recommend hiring any other inspections right from the start; isn’t that what you’re hiring us to do? If we find a possible significant issue in the furnace, we’ll inform you; If we suspect a crack but we can’t prove it, we’ll recommend a leak seek test by an HVAC contractor, but we’ll be specific about our concern, and we’ll write it out in our report.
Will you get on the roof?
As long as we can safely do it, yes. Commonly we have a ladder at edges and a camera with good resolution.
What if mold is present?
Have it removed or paint per EPA protocols. More importantly, fix the conditions that are causing the mold. If you can see mold, you have a moisture problem. A large portion of our home inspections are focused on looking for staining and moisture issues.
Can I see the inspection agreement before you do the home inspection?
Yes, we will be happy to email the inspection agreement and Wisconsin Standards of Practice to our clients as requested. If the clients do not request this, we go through the Inspection Agreement with them at the time of inspection and give them time to read through it for themselves and ask any questions that they might have.
Can I be there for the inspection?
Definitely. We encourage our clients to attend the entire home inspection, if possible.
When will I receive the home inspection report?
Your Inspection Report will be emailed to you the same or following day of your inspection.
Why don’t you provide your inspection reports on-site?
It takes us a long time to type up our reports. We don’t produce generic checkbox reports with three ring binders; we actually sit down at the computer and take the time to write out our reports in plain English. We’ll often spend more time writing the report than we do inspecting the house. We provide a lot of detail in our reports, and we try to write them for you the same way we would for a friend or family member. After you read one of our inspection reports, we think you’ll understand why we don’t produce the reports on site.
Do you offer termite inspections?
Yes, we provide termite inspections to ensure the property is free from termite infestations that can compromise its structure.
Can I attend the inspection with my real estate agent?
Absolutely, your real estate agent is welcome to join you during the inspection to gain insights into the property’s condition.
How long does a typical home inspection take?
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the property, but a comprehensive inspection usually takes a few hours.
Do you provide a warranty on your inspection services?
We do not offer warranties, as our inspection is a snapshot of the property’s condition at a specific time.
What is the purpose of a pre-listing inspection?
A pre-listing inspection helps sellers identify and address issues before listing, streamlining the selling process.
What is your experience with historic homes?
We have extensive experience inspecting historic homes and understand their unique needs and potential challenges.
Can I request additional tests, like well water or air quality testing?
Yes, we can arrange additional testing for well water quality, air quality, or other specialized tests upon request.
Do you inspect appliances like refrigerators and stoves?
While we don’t inspect appliances in detail, we do a visual check to ensure they are in working condition.
Can I use the inspection report to prioritize repairs?
Absolutely, the report can help you prioritize and plan for necessary repairs or maintenance tasks.
What should I do if I disagree with something in the inspection report?
If you have concerns about the report, feel free to discuss them with us. We strive for accuracy and are open to addressing questions.
Can I share the inspection report with contractors for repair estimates?
Yes, you can share the report with contractors to obtain repair estimates or address specific issues.
Are you available for consultation after the inspection?
Yes, we’re available to answer any questions or provide clarification on the findings in the inspection report.
Do you check for code compliance during the inspection?
Our inspection focuses on the current condition of the property. While we may identify potential code violations, our main concern is safety and functionality.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please refer to our cancellation policy outlined in our terms and conditions.
Can you help me understand the implications of an item in the report?
Certainly, we are here to help you understand the report and its implications for the property.
What if I need to reschedule the inspection?
If you need to reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.
Do you inspect detached structures like sheds or garages?
Yes, we can inspect detached structures as part of our service.
Can you assess the energy efficiency of the property?
While we don’t conduct detailed energy audits, we can provide some insights into energy-related aspects during the inspection.
What if I discover a problem after moving in that wasn’t in the report?
Our inspection is a snapshot of the property’s condition at the time of inspection. If you encounter issues later, they may not have been evident during the inspection.
