Home Inspection Services We Offer For Wisconsin Homeowners and Home Buyers
The Home Inspection Report...
...has categories for every aspect of the property from the roof to the foundation. Every category also has an area where I add general information from observed conditions either consisting of deficiencies or general maintenance tips to help prolong that portion of the property. Along with the report there will be an index page, receipt transaction page, photo summary, and general home maintenance tips. Hard copies can be ordered that are professionally bound with clear covers and filed away for future reference. With the electronic home inspection report, you can print it, save to disk or desktop, or easily send the report to anyone who you authorize to view it and help complete the real state transaction. Time is of the essence and why wait for snail mail!
Pre-Sale Home Inspections...
...are a vital way to help you sell your property. The first step is to perform an actual home inspection and generate the report. This will bring you up to date on any deficiencies, safety hazards, or major concerns before a buyer’s inspector finds them. You can choose to make repairs as necessary or adjust the asking price in anticipation of negotiating what the buyer’s inspector finds. This saves you money and time. If you do perform repairs prior to listing, for a small fee, I can come and verify what was corrected and adjust the report accordingly. This will clean up the report and make the home more attractive to buyers. Sellers like Pre-Approved buyers and Home Buyers like Pre-Inspected homes. This saves the seller money and time to help expedite the real estate transaction.
Purchase Home Inspections...
...are vital to buyers who are going to invest a lot of money on a property they may have never seen before. This inspection will give you an overall view of the house reflecting any deficiencies, safety hazards, deferred cost items, and major concerns. Then you will have all the facts about the property at the time of the inspection to make an intelligent decision as whether or not to purchase. The inspection may save you thousands of dollars or keep you from buying a severely defective property. Again, it is the same electronic report which, with the push of a button, can be sent to anyone involved and streamline the process.
Radon Testing...
...has become very popular in Wisconsin over the years. Radon comes from the break down of Uranium in the soil. This break down is a radioactive carcinogen called Radon. It can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, and in enough concentration can cause lung cancer. The EPA states that it is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the country. Radon comes through the ground everywhere and your home traps it. At the completion of the test, I offer an electronic report which can also be sent via email to anyone who needs to review the results. The process is pretty simple, canisters are placed in the lowest level of the home for (3-5) days then sent to a laboratory for results. If the results meet or exceed EPA action levels then it is recommended that a mitigation system be installed. Your test can identify this and be a negotiating tool with the seller. If radon levels in the house are high, a mitigation system will reduce them and provide a safe environment to live in. Mitigation systems can range from $500.00 - $1,500.00. The average cost of a radon test is around $100.00 and that is a small investment which can save you hundreds if you identify before you buy, or you may be responsible for the system when you decide to sell!
Moisture Detection Testing...
...is something I strongly recommend. It can help identify potential problems with exterior grading, drainage systems, gutters/downspouts, or as I often see, sump pumps that pump water out the drain tiles up a slight pitch and have it run right back to the foundation. The meter uses radio frequency to penetrate through solid objects up to ¾ of an inch. When run along foundation walls it will reveal areas that have more than average or excessive amounts of moisture currently in the material. Most people know what water stains look like or may be familiar with efflorescence (crystallization left by moisture on the surface of concrete/ block walls). When walking through a basement you might not need an inspector to point these things out, but the meter will tell us if it is an active area and currently has moisture where we cannot see. That information can be used on the exterior of the property to see what is drawing water to that area of the house. It is also very helpful if the property has finished walls in the basement where you cannot see the foundation or a wall may have been added to cover up an area that may have had a problem. The test will tell us at the time of the inspection what the conditions are. Any proactive measures you can take will only help keep you dry!
Hot Tub and Spa Inspections...
...can be helpful especially if you have never owned one before. I put the unit through a function test and open up the access panel to inspect the wiring and pumps for wear and tear. I also check the power wiring to make sure it is safe and up to code and the proper gauge.
Maintenance and Safety Inspections...
...are a great way to determine the current condition of your house, rental property, condominium, or apartment complex. The purpose of this inspection is to identify key items that may need maintenance or replacement in the near future or may pose a safety hazard to yourself or others. These inspections are about one-third of a home inspection in detail and cost. You get an electronic report covering the roof, exterior caulking and grading, stairs and railings, exterior and interior electrical, automatic garage door opener, furnace, water heater, sump pump and/or floor drain, and electrical panel/sub-panel inspection. For rental properties, a safety hazard could be repaired and help prevent a lawsuit. Just like an automobile, parts of your home can be maintained to prolong their lifespan. If there is an item that needs to be replaced in the near future, you can budget for it instead of having a surprise. These inspections have also been great gift ideas for friends and family!
