Home Inspections
- Fully Licensed/Certified and Insured
- Over 30 Years of Experience
- Same Day Reports
Basic Outline of a Home Inspection From Wall to Wall Home Inspection Services
The Home Inspection process at Wall to Wall Home Inspection Services
The State of Wisconsin has rules and regulations regarding what we are to inspect, and how to inspect a house. Those rules are very lenient and give home inspectors a lot of discretion with the inspection. The rules and regulations can be reviewed at (State Statute 440.97) and (Chapter SPS 131).
A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.
At Wall to Wall we believe you deserve better! So we do the most thorough inspection in the industry. When Wall to Wall was started 22 years ago, we reviewed the state rules and regulations and used them as the start point for our inspection system. We added to our reports more details, more descriptions and photos which are not required by the State of Wisconsin.
Exterior:
- House and garage structure
- Siding, window/doors trim, flashings, and soffit/fascia materials
- Decks, porches, balconies, stoops, and steps
- Drainage and grading around buildings
- Driveways, patios, and sidewalks
- Roofing, chimney, flashing, roof penetrations and gutters systems
- Any electrical and/or exterior hose bibs
- AC systems
Interior:
- Walls, ceilings, floors, and steps
- Operate as many doors and windows as possible
- Running all plumbing fixtures and checking systems for any leakage
- Operate as many outlets/lights as possible for proper operation / wiring / safety
- Heating, cooling, waste piping, plumbing and electrical systems
- Smoke and CO detectors
- Attic and unfinished spaces (including structure, ventilation, insulation, water stains/seepage and more)
Basement:
- Foundation type and condition (including water leakage, condensation, cracks, movements, discolorations and more)
- Floor type and condition (including water seepage, condensation, cracks, movements, discolorations and more)
- Support system condition (including columns, floors, and beams)
- Furnace (checked for proper operation and safety)
- Water heater (checked for proper operation and safety)
- Waste piping and clean water plumbing systems
- Sump crock systems or Palmer valve systems
- Electrical systems (including removing main panel covers and checking for proper wiring / safety)
All these items are looked at and more. All the conditions are documented on a computerized narrative report. You, and your realtor, will receive the full report, including pictures, the same day by email.
More Information about OUr
Home Inspections
Why schedule a pre-sale inspection?
If you are selling a home it is in your best interest to have a pre-sale inspection completed, to make sure you get the most for your home. The more you disclose about the home, the better. By disclosing all issues upfront in the inspection report, the buyer cannot come back later and ask you to repair them.
Can you ease my fear of buying?
No Need to Fear Buying a Home
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you shouldn’t be afraid of buying a house. The best way to ease your fears is with a comprehensive home inspection from Wall to Wall. The process is simple! We’ll examine your home-to-be from top to bottom to find any potential necessary repairs before you make your purchase.
Why do I need a home inspection?
Our comprehensive home inspections can help you understand the condition of what will likely be your life’s biggest investments. We’ll cover all aspects of a house, including:
- Building materials
- Foundations
- Gutters
- Roofing
- Siding
- Central air controls
- Furnace and water heater valves
- Fuse boxes and circuit breakers
- Gas and water shutoffs
- Heating duct dampers
Tell me about your reports
We provide clear, simple home inspection reports.
- Easy-to-read language
- Photo documentation
- Quick reporting
How to avoid first-time mistakes
Avoid any first-time mistakes. Buying a home comes with many unique challenges.
Be sure to plan ahead by:
- Budgeting for potential repairs and remodeling
- Closing on the house without an inspection
- Navigate the closing cost with repairs in mind
Are your inspectors licensed and certified?
Licensed by the State of Wisconsin
We are Nationally Certified Home Inspectors which means we can do inspections anywhere in the United States.
In addition to being Nationally Certified we are also Wisconsin State Certified Inspectors, which means we must follow the Wisconsin State Rules and Regulations for home inspections. State rules and regulations can be reviewed here (State Statute 440.97) and here (Chapter SPS 131) – State Certification #1037(Al) #3252(Luke)
- Al is a Licensed Real Estate Broker. He received his license in 1988. He does not practice real estate sales however, it gives his unique insight into the real estate process which helps Clients stay within their contract dates. License #40981 (Al)
- NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors), #NACHI08021908 (Al), #NACHI22091226 (Luke)
- Wisconsin State Certified Inspectors, Certification #1037(Al) #3252(Luke)
- Al is a Certified Master Inspector, which means he has completed 1,000 fee-paid inspections and/or hours of education (combined), has been in the inspection business for at least three years, agrees to abide by the inspection industry’s toughest Code of Ethics, and agrees to periodic criminal background checks.
Does Wall to Wall belong to any associations?
We do! We are members of:
- Angi (Angie’s List)
- Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors
- HomeGauge
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
- MerchantCircle.com
- National Association of Realtor Association®
- Natioanl Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP)
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Wisconsin Association of Foundation Repair Professionals
- Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors (WAHI)
- Wisconsin Department of Commerce
- Zillow
Is Radon Testing Available?
Yes! Radon testing is available. Southern Wisconsin is a hot spot for deadly radon gas. Radon is colorless, odorless, tasteless and, most importantly, radioactive. It occurs naturally as a product of decaying uranium found in the earth’s crust. Structures can trap radon gas, creating health problems for their dwellers.
- Radon testing with home inspection – $150
- Radon testing without home inspection – $175
Health Symptoms Associated With Radon Gas
- Chest pain
- Chronic chest infections like pneumonia
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
Do you provide condo inspections?
Yes!