The Importance of Licensed Home Inspectors in Milwaukee Real Estate

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. When you’re looking at homes in Milwaukee, it’s important to carefully inspect each property before making an offer. This is where hiring a licensed home inspector can make all the difference.

What Does a Home Inspector Do?

A home inspector will thoroughly examine both the interior and exterior of the home. They check the structure, construction, and systems to identify any issues or defects. Some of the main things they look for include:

• Roof condition – They will inspect the roof age, material, drainage, gutters, visible flashing, skylights, and chimneys.
• Exterior siding – They examine the siding, trim, paint, caulking, windows, and doors for damage or deterioration.
• Foundation – They check for cracks, moisture issues, or structural problems with the foundation.
• Electrical – The inspector tests the electrical panel, wiring, outlets, and fixtures for function and safety.
• Plumbing – They run water and flush toilets to assess water pressure, drainage, leaks, water heater, and pipe condition.
• HVAC – The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are checked for age, capacity, and proper function.
• Kitchen appliances – Stovetops, ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators are tested for issues.
• Basement, attic, and crawl spaces – Inspected for water intrusion, insulation, ventilation and structural soundness.
• Overall interior – Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and built-in appliances are examined.

The home inspector will also check for issues such as mold, radon, pests, and more. At the end, you receive a detailed report summarizing any repairs or potential concerns.

Why Hire a Licensed Home Inspector in Milwaukee?

There are a few key reasons why it’s so important to hire a licensed home inspector when buying a Milwaukee home:

Expert Evaluation

A qualified home inspector has extensive knowledge in construction, architecture, and home systems. They know exactly what to look for and how to identify issues that an untrained eye would likely miss. Their detailed inspection and report will reveal defects and maintenance needs that could be dealbreakers.

Save Money

Making an offer on a home without getting a professional inspection is incredibly risky. You could end up with expensive repairs and renovations down the road that you weren’t aware of initially. Paying for an inspection upfront can uncover defects and save you from costly surprises later.

Negotiation Leverage

If the inspection reveals repairs that need to be made, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller. You may be able to lower the purchase price, require certain fixes, or get credits towards closing costs. A home inspection gives you leverage in the negotiation.

Peace of Mind

Even if the inspection goes well, it provides tremendous peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that a trained expert combed through the property and didn’t find any major structural, electrical, plumbing, or other defects. The report also establishes a baseline for the condition of the home.

Legal Protection

Home inspections help shield buyers from misunderstandings down the road. You can’t come back to the seller later and claim they hid a major defect if the issue was documented in the inspection report. The inspection creates a legal record of the home’s condition at the time of sale.

Mortgage Contingency

Most lenders require a home inspection to approve financing. If issues are found, you can back out of the deal and get your earnest money deposit returned. The inspection satisfies your mortgage contingency when buying with a loan.

What to Look for in a Home Inspector

There are a few important factors to consider when hiring a home inspector in Milwaukee:

Licensing

Home inspectors are required to hold a license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Look for an active license number, which you can verify on the state regulator’s website. `Licensed Home Inspectors in Milwaukee have met experience and testing requirements.

Education & Training

Look for inspectors accredited with professional organizations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This demonstrates proper education and commitment to ongoing training.

Experience

Find an inspector with ample experience in the Milwaukee area. Look for references from recent buyers and evidence they’ve inspected homes similar to the one you’re considering. An experienced local inspector will best recognize regional issues.

Sample Reports

High-quality inspectors offer sample reports on their website so potential customers can preview the level of detail and professionalism. The report should be clear, thorough, easy to understand, and contain many photos.

Reviews & References

Check online reviews and ask for references to confirm the inspector provides a smooth process and high-quality service. Follow up with references personally to see what past buyers have to say.

Certifications

Some inspectors hold certifications in specialized areas like radon testing, infrared thermal imaging, mold assessment or lead paint hazards. Consider extra certifications if relevant to your home purchase.

Insurance

Properly insured inspectors carry errors and omissions insurance as well as general liability insurance to protect you from potential mistakes or oversights during the inspection. Verify they have active policies.

Independent Inspector

Some real estate agents have in-house inspectors or may recommend inspectors who tend to benefit their deals. It’s wise to pick an inspector who only works for you as the buyer, not the agent or seller.

What Happens During a Home Inspection?

It’s smart to have a general idea of what happens during a professional home inspection. Here are some things you can expect:

• Walkthrough – The inspection begins with a tour of the interior and exterior while the inspector observes the property to get an initial impression of the condition.
• Attic – The attic is examined for leaks, ventilation, insulation, framing issues, and moisture conditions. Proper access to the attic is very important.
• Roof – The inspector will get on the roof if possible and use binoculars for an overview. They look for damaged materials, drainage issues, skylights, chimneys, and abnormal wear.
• Exterior – The inspector examines the siding, trim, paint, windows, doors, porches, decks, and garages for flaws. They also check patio, walkways, and drainage.
• Foundation – Basements and crawlspaces are evaluated for structural concerns like cracks and moisture intrusion. Ventilation and insulation are also inspected.
• Plumbing – Faucets and fixtures are tested, toilets are flushed, and water pressure is checked. Pipes, valves, water heaters, and sump pumps are evaluated.
• Electrical – Inspectors check the service panel, wiring, outlets, and light fixtures. They look for safety issues, evidence of updates or repairs, and problematic wiring configurations.
• HVAC – Age, capacity, and condition are determined for furnaces, heat pumps, central air, and ductwork. Inspectors confirm proper operation and airflow.
• Appliances – Any included appliances are turned on to test for issues. This includes checking stove burners, oven function, dishwasher operation, and more.
• Interior – Moisture levels, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, cabinets, railings, counters, and built-in appliances are scrutinized.
• Ventilation – Inspectors confirm adequate ventilation in attics, crawlspaces, kitchens, and bathrooms to prevent moisture and indoor air problems.
• Pests – All accessible areas are checked for evidence of termites, carpenter ants, rodents, and other pests. Traps, nests, droppings, and wood damage are searched for.
• Finishing up – The inspection concludes with a final walk through to double check anything missed earlier. The inspector then reviews findings and prepares the detailed written report.

Be present during the inspection ask the inspector questions as they work. This helps you learn about the home.

What Does an Inspection Report Contain?

A thorough home inspection report contains the following:

• Date of inspection and weather conditions
• Full address of the inspected property
• Name of the inspection company and inspector
• Description of key components examined
• Detailed notes on the condition of the roof, exterior, structure, foundation, attic, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, appliances, interior rooms and more.
• Summary of any maintenance needs, concerns, defects, or recommendations
• Photos documenting issues discovered during the inspection
• Any systems not fully inspected and why (e.g. limited attic access)
• Inspector’s certification indicating whether the home passes or fails

You should receive the digital inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection being completed. Take time to review the details closely, as it can impact your negotiation position. Be sure to follow up on any concerns raised in the report before closing.

Common Problems Found in Milwaukee Home Inspections

There are a few issues that tend to frequently come up during Milwaukee home inspections:

• Lead pipes – Old lead service lines connecting homes to municipal water mains are common in Milwaukee and concerning for lead contamination. Inspectors test pipes with a scratch test kit. Replacement may be recommended.
• Galvanized pipes – Outdated galvanized steel pipes and lead solder joints tend to corrode and restrict water flow. Inspectors check pipe age and recommend updating old plumbing.
• Radon – Radon levels above EPA guidelines are common in Milwaukee homes, especially with concrete slab foundations. A radon test during inspection is wise if not recently conducted.
• Faulty laterals – The underground sewer pipes connecting homes to city sewers often have root intrusion or other defects. Inspectors scope the laterals when possible.
• Old wiring – Homes with outdated knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring may need electrical upgrades for safety. This is checked thoroughly.
• HVAC issues – Old furnaces, boilers and air conditioners that are past their service life may need replacement. Limited life expectancy is left.
• Moisture & mold – Basement moisture and mold resulting from cracked foundations, dated materials, poor grading, and insufficient gutters is a frequent finding.
• Pest damage – Carpenter ants and termites are active in Milwaukee. Inspectors look for wood damage, especially in older homes. Treatment and repair may be required.

Thorough understanding of typical Milwaukee home inspection findings will make you a savvy buyer. Keep these common issues in mind while house hunting.

In Summary

Hiring a professional, licensed home inspector when purchasing a Milwaukee home provides tremendous value for buyers. A thorough inspection by an experienced local inspector will uncover issues that could cost you thousands down the road. Paying a few hundred dollars upfront for an inspection could save you from expensive hidden problems.

Look for a state-licensed inspector with certifications, extensive Milwaukee experience, great references, and detailed reports. Use the inspection findings to make an informed buying decision or negotiate repairs from the seller. While not always required, a home inspection is an extremely wise investment before purchasing a home in Milwaukee.