Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection determines the present condition of the home’s major systems, based on a visual, non-invasive inspection of readily accessible components. Inspections are typically performed during a real estate transaction but can be done anytime.
A home inspection is:
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A professional opinion of the condition of the home at the time of inspection.
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A visual, non-invasive inspection of readily accessible components.
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Intended to identify components that need maintenance, are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life.
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Documented written report.
A home inspection is not:
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A guarantee or warranty of the home
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An insurance policy
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A code inspection
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Intended to identify concealed defects
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Intended to predict future performance or life expectancy
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An energy audit or environmental review
Components Included:
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Roofs
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Exterior
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Foundation and structure
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Electrical System
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Plumbing System
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Heating and Cooling System
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Interior
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Insulation and Ventilation
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Attached Garages
What’s Excluded?
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Cosmetics
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Outbuildings
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Swimming Pools and Spas
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Wood Burning Furnaces
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Standby Generators and Transfer Switches
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Specialty systems including telephone, cable TV, alarm systems, SMART systems
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Environmental Testing
How long does a home inspection take?
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An average size home can take 2-3 hours. Older, larger, and more complex homes can take much longer.
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If we are also preforming a septic evaluation and well system inspection it can take 3-4 hours for an average size home.
Can I attend the inspection?
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Absolutely! You will get the most out of the inspection if you attend.
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Since the entire inspection could take several hours, you may not want to be present the entire time. If this is the case, we recommend attending 2 hours after you scheduled appointment. Once the inspector has completed the inspection, he will do a walk through with you explaining any issues that he may have found.
Who can attend the inspection?
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To get the full benefit of being on site with the home inspector and to avoid distractions and disruptions, only clients purchasing the home and their agents should attend. Please do not invite friends, building contractors or anyone else to the home during the inspection appointment.
Can you tell us if we should or should not buy the house?
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No, we provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Only you can decide what you are comfortable with.
How long before I receive my written report?
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Written reports are typically emailed to you and your agent within 24 hours after the inspection has completed.
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Water test results can take 3-5 business days to receive back from the state certified lab.
How much does a home inspection Cost?
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Our pricing is based on the square footage, age of the home and services being requested. Please reach out to us for a price quote by calling 715-934-9105 or by filling out a quote request online at https://www.northwoodspropertyinspections.com/request-inspection
I am wanting to buy a foreclosure being sold in “as is” condition. The bank will not do anything to the property. Can you inspect a home that has no electricity, no fuel source and the water is shut off?
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Yes, but our inspection of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems will be limited to a visual only inspection.
Can you complete inspections during the winter months?
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Yes, we can! However, there may be limitations. During the winter visibility of certain areas is limited. It is normal in this climate to have no visibility of the roof covering, grading and drainage systems. We can only report on visible components. These systems will be disclaimed in our report.
What if the home has been winterized?
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We can still perform a home inspection, but the inspection of the plumbing system will be limited to a visual only inspection. This will be disclaimed in our written report and will be recommended to have inspected once weather permits.
Can you perform a well system inspection and take a water sample if the home has been winterized?
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No, the system needs to be functional at the time of inspection. The well pump must produce the water for the sample.
Can you perform a septic inspection during the winter months?
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Yes, but only if the lid is accessible. Occasionally lids can freeze shut or may be buried deep below frozen ground making it impossible to access. The drain field visibility will be limited due to snow cover and will be disclaimed in the report.