Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. Before signing on the dotted line and handing over your hard-earned money, it’s crucial to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. This is where a professional home inspection comes in.
A thorough home inspection conducted by a licensed home inspector can potentially save you thousands of dollars down the road by identifying issues that may require repairs. It also provides you with peace of mind that there are no major hidden defects.
If you’re in the market to purchase a home in Milwaukee, here are some tips to ensure your home inspection goes smoothly and you get the information you need:
Research and Choose a Licensed Home Inspector Carefully
Not all home inspectors are created equal. You want to find someone who is licensed, experienced, and will provide a detailed inspection report. Look for a Licensed Home Inspection Milwaukee with certifications from reputable industry organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).
Ask for references from past clients and read through online reviews. Make sure the inspector has experience inspecting homes in Milwaukee, as they will be familiar with common issues in the area related to weather, construction methods, local codes, etc. Don’t just go with the cheapest option – experience and expertise matters when it comes to finding potential issues with the home.
Ask About What the Inspection Will Cover
A standard home inspection looks at the physical structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, interiors, insulation, ventilation and more. The exact components can vary.
Prior to booking the inspection, ask the Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee what specific areas will be covered to ensure there are no surprises the day of. For example, they may or may not test things like radon levels, mold, well water quality, and septic systems unless you request and pay for it.
Also find out if the inspector provides any guarantees on their work, which can give you peace of mind. Many inspectors offer 90 days of guaranteed coverage.
Be Present for the Entire Inspection
You will get the most out of your Licensed home inspection in Milwaukee if you plan to be on-site while the inspector is there. This allows you to see issues first-hand, ask questions immediately, and have a better understanding of any problem areas.
The inspection usually takes 2-3 hours for the average single family home. Following the Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee throughout the home allows you to see exactly what they are looking at in each room. You’ll also get a better sense of their inspection process and thoroughness.
If you can’t be there for the entire inspection, try to at least be present for the final walk through. This gives you a chance to get clarification on any findings.
Take Notes on the Verbal Report
Listen closely as the Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee shares their observations out loud throughout the inspection. Oftentimes they will point things out verbally on the spot before they make their way into the final written report.
As you follow along during the inspection, have a notepad handy. Jot down anything they flag as a concern, along with your own observations about any defects like cracks or stains you want to ask about later. This helps refresh your memory once you review the full report.
Review the Written Report Thoroughly After the Inspection
Within 24-72 hours after the inspection, you should receive a comprehensive written report from the Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee summarizing their findings. Set aside time to review this document closely, including any photos, charts, or additional information provided.
If any items require repair or replacement, the report should provide details on the location, scope of the problem, and severity. Look out for common major issues like roof leaks, foundation cracks, electrical concerns, pest damage, HVAC problems, etc.
Also see if the inspector noted any violations of state or local building codes.
Conduct Follow-Up Tasks After the Inspection
There are a few important follow-up items to take care of once the inspection is complete:
- Review inspection report with real estate agent: Your real estate agent should also receive a copy of the home inspection report. Discuss any concerns with them. They can provide perspective on which issues may require repairs, negotiation, or further professional evaluations.
- Get contractor cost estimates: For problems identified in the inspection, contact appropriate contractors to get estimates on the scope and cost of repairs. This will inform negotiations with the seller.
- Submit repair requests: Use the inspection findings to submit repair requests to the seller for them to remedy before closing. This helps reduce the surprises when moving into your new home.
- Determine next steps: With your real estate agent, determine whether to move forward as-is, re-negotiate the sale price, request repairs, or walk away based on inspection findings. Make sure you know what you are getting into with any existing defects.
Ask About Any Recent Updates or Improvements
When meeting with the Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee at the beginning of the inspection, be sure to ask if the seller has disclosed any recent updates or improvements made to the home.
Sometimes these won’t be immediately evident upon visual inspection. Knowledge of recent roof repairs, electrical upgrades, HVAC replacements, etc. will help the inspector better evaluate these systems.
The seller may also omit or forget recent work done, so it’s good for the inspector to have context of maintenance history.
Consider Specialized Inspections as Needed
While a general home inspector covers the major systems and components, they may recommend additional specialized inspections depending on the home’s age, location, and specifics.
For example, it’s smart to get sewer line inspections on older homes to check for cracks or root intrusions. In flood zones, additional water testing may be prudent. If there are underground oil tanks present, soil testing for contamination may be needed.
Think about conditions unique to the property and discuss options for further inspection with your Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee. Often these specialized inspections are offered at an additional cost.
Make Inspection Contingent on Sales Contract
It’s highly advisable to make your purchase offer contingent upon a professional home inspection, at least initially. This gives you the ability to back out or re-negotiate the deal without penalty based on new information.
If you waive this contingency, you take on greater risk if unexpected repairs are needed. Only remove the contingency once you fully understand the inspection findings and determine it’s still a smart purchase.
Consult your real estate agent on the best strategy for your local market when making offers. In competitive markets, some buyers will waive contingencies to make their offer more attractive and then absorb the risk.
Don’t Rely on Inspections from Years Past
If a home you are considering has been previously sold in the last 1-2 years, you may be tempted to forgo your own inspection and rely on reports from the past. This could be a mistake.
Many issues like leaks, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more can arise quickly due to wear and tear. Just because something checked out years back doesn’t mean it’s still in working order today.
Do your own due diligence by having a new inspection. This also allows you to choose your own inspector versus relying on one used by different buyers.
Remember the Inspection is a Snapshot in Time
While a Licensed Home Inspection in Milwaukee provides extremely valuable information, keep in mind it’s ultimately a snapshot in time assessing the current condition of the home. Even a very thorough inspector can’t predict any future issues from arising.
Within days or weeks of the inspection, something like an unseen leak could spring up and cause major damage. This doesn’t necessarily mean the inspection was faulty. Home ownership always carries some inherent risks.
Use the inspection to gain as much knowledge as possible upfront to make a wise purchasing decision. Going in with eyes wide open helps minimize unwelcome surprises down the road.
Consider Hiring an Inspector Early in the Process
If you want the most flexibility on next steps, consider hiring a home inspector early in the home shopping process, such as when you are viewing potential homes.
This allows the inspection to inform whether you decide to make an offer in the first place, rather than scrambling to inspect after your offer was already accepted. It also builds in more time for negotiations around repairs.
Just make sure your contract stipulates the inspection is for informational purposes only, should you decide not to move forward with purchasing the home.
Ask About Preparing for the Inspection
To ensure the Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee can conduct a thorough evaluation, ask if there’s anything you should do to prepare the home beforehand.
For example, they may recommend clearing cluttered areas, removing stored items to access electrical panels, cleaning gutters, or trimming vegetation blocking certain features.
If the inspection will involve checking plumbing drain lines, they may ask that all drains are clear of obstructions ahead of time.
Taking a few minutes to prepare can allow the inspector better access and visibility for the systems they need to check out.
Don’t Let the Inspection Scare You Away
Even the most meticulous home inspection will likely identify at least a few issues that will need to be addressed. Things like worn roofs, faulty electrical, cracked siding, and old furnaces are par for the course with resale homes.
While the long repair list may seem daunting, don’t let it scare you away from a home you otherwise love. Inspection findings are meant to educate you on the true condition of the home, not necessarily make or break the deal.
Work with your real estate agent to determine which repairs are critical before move-in versus which you can budget for over time. Expected repairs and maintenance should already be factored into your buying calculus. Understanding the facts ahead of time reduces big surprises later.
View It as One Data Point, Not the Only Factor
Think of the inspection report as one important data point as you evaluate purchasing a home, but not the only make-or-break factor.
The report may reveal some flaws, but you also need to look at the big picture of what you’re getting versus what you’re paying. This includes location, size, layout, amenities, and potential.
If the home checks many of your boxes for long-term enjoyment, don’t let the inspection alone derail you unless critical hidden issues are found. Partner with professionals to make repairs and improvements over time.
For example, outdated cosmetics you plan to remodel anyways may not be a deal breaker if the bones of the home are solid. Keep things in perspective.
Ask About the Inspector’s Background
When choosing a Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about their industry experience, training, and certifications.
Some key things to find out:
- How long have they been inspecting homes? Look for 5+ years minimum.
- How many inspections have they completed, ideally 500+?
- Do they focus solely on home inspections or have mixed business services? Specialization is better.
- What is their continuing education and training to stay current on codes, standards, and technology?
- What professional organizations and certifications do they hold? Know the acronyms to listen for.
- Will the actual inspector be assigned to your job or do they use additional contract inspectors? Meet your inspector.
- Do they have experience with homes in your specific area of Milwaukee? Local geographical expertise is a plus.
Vetting the inspector thoroughly gives you confidence in the quality and reliability of the service being provided.
Compare Multiple Inspection Quotes
Like with any major home service, it’s wise to contact 3-4 home inspection companies to compare options and pricing. Expect to pay $300-$500+ for a standard inspection of a typical single family home, potentially more for larger luxury homes.
When comparing quotes, look for inspectors that offer:
- Detailed reports with photos outlining issues found
- Guarantees on their inspection work
- Advanced equipment like thermal imaging cameras
- Strong communication skills to explain findings
- Value-added testing like radon, mold, water quality
Think of it as an investment to gain potentially 10-20X more information than the cost of the inspection itself.
Keep the Inspection Confidential
By default, home inspection results stay between you, the inspector, and real estate agents directly involved in the transaction. However, always confirm the level of confidentiality provided by the Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee.
You don’t want private inspection details accidentally becoming public knowledge or shared with other parties. Report contents should not be used for any purpose outside of the intended real estate transaction.
Also realize that once repair requests are submitted to the seller, they will gain knowledge of inspection findings. But the full inspection report should remain private.
Focus on the Big Picture of the Home
It’s easy to get lost in the minute details of the home inspection and fixate on every small issue noted. Try to also keep perspective on the big picture.
While loose railing, worn roof shingles, or an older A/C unit may require attention, these are common things you’ll encounter with any resale home. Don’t miss out on a great home because of distractions over inevitable repairs.
The inspection is meant to inform you, not overwhelm you. Focus on safety and function over cosmetics. Partner with professionals to tackle projects over the years. The home doesn’t have to be perfect.
In Summary
A Licensed Home Inspection in Milwaukee provides invaluable insight into the current condition of a home you’re looking to purchase. By following tips like choosing an experienced Licensed Home Inspector Milwaukee, being present for the inspection, asking the right questions, and keeping findings in perspective, you can make the inspection process simple and helpful versus stressful.
Use the knowledge gained to make a well-informed decision on proceeding with the purchase, negotiating the deal, or walking away. Don’t let the inspection alone make or break the deal – weigh all factors. With the right inspector and mindset, you’ll gain useful peace of mind about your most important investment.
