Do I need to be present during the inspection?
While you don’t necessarily need to be present for your inspection, it’s a good idea to plan to attend. For many inspections, being present allows you to ask questions, get answers in real time, and point out any issues or concerns you may have without relying on a third-party contractor. This is also a chance to learn more about the details of the home or commercial property you’re planning to purchase, including where important elements like the fuse box are. Regardless of if you attend the entire inspection, it’s especially important to come at the end so the inspector can review their findings with you.
How long does a home inspection typically take?
A typical home inspection takes about two to three hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. During a home inspection, we will check for potential issues with all major components such as the plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, and structural components like walls and foundations. Additionally, we will check appliances, inspect crawl spaces and attics, and look for signs of water damage or pests. It’s important to note that the time spent on a home inspection may vary based on these factors, as well as any special requests from the client.
What kinds of inspections do you perform?
At Towne & Country, we offer a wide variety of inspection services, including home inspections in Waukesha and surrounding communities, commercial property inspections, historic home inspections, radon testing, and termite inspections. Click here to learn more about our services.
Do you provide a written report with the results of my inspection?
Yes, we provide a detailed written report with the results of your inspection. Our report will include photos and descriptions of any areas that need attention or repair. It also includes our recommendations for corrective action and information on possible safety hazards. The report is delivered digitally and provides a helpful summary of everything that was inspected as well as any findings.
What areas will you inspect during my home inspection service?
During our home inspection service, we will inspect the major components and systems of your home such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, crawl spaces, attics, and structural components. We’ll also check for any signs of pests or water damage and inspect all appliances. Additionally, we can provide specific inspection services based on your needs such as radon testing or termite inspections.
Will you provide any recommendations or advice on how to repair any issues found during my inspection?
While we know our way around a home, as home inspectors, we are unable to provide any recommendations or advice on how to repair any issues discovered during your home inspection. However, we will review our findings with you in detail so you are equipped to make the best decisions moving forward. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek out the help of a qualified contractor or specialist in order to get the best results in resolving these issues.
Are there any issues that are covered or not covered by your inspections?
Our home inspections cover a wide range of items and areas in order to ensure that your new home is safe and up to code. However, certain areas are not inspected due to safety or other reasons. Home inspections are visual inspection, so anything that is behind walls or otherwise out of sight is not covered. Our inspectors will explain what areas are not inspected during the inspection and why they cannot be safely examined. Additionally, we are available to answer any questions you may have about what is or isn’t covered in the scope of the inspection.
Is it possible to book an appointment in advance or is it limited to same-day service only?
Yes, it is possible to book an appointment for a home inspection in advance. We quickly and efficiently to ensure that you can get your inspection booked as soon as possible. We offer same-day inspections if availability allows, as well as appointments in advance based on the inspector’s schedule. Call us today to book your appointment: (414) 228-6573
Can I contact you after the inspection if I have further questions about its results and/or recommendations?
Of course, we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the inspection results. Our experts can provide additional information and recommendations for any repairs or improvements that may be needed. After the inspection, a comprehensive report will also be available to you in order to review the findings at your convenience. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
What type of qualifications and certifications do your inspectors have to carry out an accurate assessment of my property?
When you work with Towne & Country for your Waukesha home inspection, you can trust that you are in the capable hands of Scot McLean. Scot is a certified home inspector and radon measurement provider with over two decades of experience in Wisconsin. He holds state-approved certifications and is a member of both the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation and Wisconsin Historical Society. His extensive knowledge covers multiple areas including construction, plumbing, electrical systems, safety codes, HVAC systems, and structural integrity. Furthermore, he is certified by the American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI) as well as the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). You can rest easy knowing that your property investment is in the hands of one of Waukesha’s most knowledgeable experts.
Do you also inspect commercial buildings and what is the difference between residential and commercial inspections?
Yes, we do inspect commercial buildings as well. The differences between residential and commercial inspections are mainly in the scope of the inspection. Residential inspections are typically more focused on the health and safety of inhabitants while commercial inspections emphasize structural integrity and functionality of the building, taking into account any underlying systems such as electrical or plumbing. Additionally, commercial inspectors may consider zoning regulations, fire codes, disability access requirements, and other factors that may not be applicable to residential assessments.
What do you look for in a historic home inspection?
When inspecting a historic home, our home inspector will assess the overall structure of the building, focusing on things like rot or decay. They will also check for wear and tear, termites, and pests, as well as any water damage. The inspector will additionally look at the electrical systems and plumbing to ensure they are up to code and meet modern safety standards. Additionally, they often use specialist tools such as thermal imaging cameras to determine if any insulation is missing or faulty. Finally, an important part of a historic home inspection is looking for any structural changes that may have been made to the original design of the house which could indicate changes in functionality or even health concerns.
Do you serve Waukesha County in addition to Milwaukee County?
Yes, we are proud to provide you with an expert home inspection in Waukesha County or Milwaukee County.
If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to ask us — we want you to feel informed and comfortable with every aspect of the process. Remember that inspections are visual only; random testing is conducted for certain items (like doors or windows), but this does not constitute an engineering report or a technically exhaustive survey.
