While Realtors play an important role in the home purchase process and in the busy time we live in, it is understandable why it would appeal to a buyer to have one less thing to do by allowing the Realtor to set up the inspections. However, we recommend you contact us so we can build rapport and ask each other questions directly rather than through the Realtor, which could leave room for miscommunication.
After answering any questions, you may have, we will gather information from you such as the homes address, size (pricing is based on size), age and your contact information. We will also need to know your inspection need; home, well, septic inspection, radon testing or all the above. Then we will need to set a date and time for the inspection.
Please be prepared to be present for at least the end of inspection. It is not a requirement but is highly recommended so we can discover and discuss items together. Arriving an hour after the start time would be an option which would allow time for some of the mondain tasks (pictures, getting on the roof, etc.) to be completed before your arrival.
If you are not present, we will need to have you read and sign an inspection agreement emailed to you for electronic signature. Payment options can be discussed in the event you are not able to attend the inspection. An invoice will be emailed at the same time as the inspection agreement. Checks are welcome, but please try to have the check to us by the day of the inspection so we can release the inspection report the day of the inspection. We can also email an invoice to you so you can pay securely online through Square Reader. Square Reader charges a 3% transaction fee that we pass along to you.
If you are present for the inspection, we will have you read and sign the inspection agreement. Payment is usually collected at the end of the inspection unless other arrangements have been made. If you wish to pay by credit card, please let us know ahead of time so we can email the Square Reader invoice to you. Square Reader can be conducted through a cell phone but depends on a strong cell phone signal and isn’t a reliable option.
A normal inspection will take 2 to 4 hours including talking over the report findings at the end. You are encouraged to walk along with me as I do the inspection. This will allow you to see first-hand and ask questions along the way. Many people over the years have opted to come toward the end of the inspection. In this case we will go back and look at noteworthy issues so that you don’t miss important information.
While a blessing, children tend to be a distraction to the inspection process. At times a couple will bring one or occasionally, both sets of parents to the inspection. They value their parent’s opinion and want their input regarding such a large investment. However, focusing on the inspection process, both for the inspector and for the buyer, becomes exponentially more difficult with each additional person present.
Our inspection report will be emailed to you. While not a common occurrence, if you do not have an email address, special arrangements, such as sending the report directly to your Realtor, will need to be made. Even with your own email address, you may want to give a copy to the Realtor, bank etc., but I can only give copies with your permission. I cannot legally share inspection information without your permission.
We only offer recommendations of necessary repair or replacement of damaged or worn items. We do not make the repairs ourselves.
The inspection is performed at or above State Standards as required by the State of Wisconsin.
A home inspection is not a code inspection. A home inspection is a trained and detailed evaluation of the function of the house and its components to judge if there is damage, defects, health or safety concerns etc., that need to be highlighted.
An inspection is not a warranty or a guarantee against problems arising in the future. An inspection is to find existing, visible issues.
Think of the inspector as a “General Practitioner.” He/she is trained to have general knowledge about all areas so that more common issues can be recognized and discussed. If, however, there are specialized problems that are out of the general field he/she has enough training to recognize the problem and then recommend further evaluation by an expert that specializes in that area.