What is a home inspection?
​

 A home inspection is the process by which a licensed home inspector examines the observable systems and components of improvements to residential real property that are readily accessible.

Types of Inspections

1. Pre-listing inspections:

​

​
​
2. Pre-Purchase Inspection:

Pre-listing inspections are a great way for home owners (sellers) to be made aware of defects which, if not repaired or replaced, may affect the home's final selling price. If the defects are corrected prior to selling, the owner will experience a much smoother selling process​​. 
​
​Pre-Purchase Inspection is typically requested by a buyer during the home buying process. Benefits include:

• Giving the buyer the opportunity to become familiar with the property before purchasing the property.
• Revealing defects and concerns  from minor repairs to critical safety hazards. 
• Identifying problems which would normally be missed by the untrained eye or by a first time home buyer.
• Testing mechanical systems such as the heating and air conditioning units.
• Operating all readily available systems and components with normal operating controls, for example; the furnace will be turned on with the thermostat,  lights will be switched on/off by their switches, facets turned on, sinks filled, drains monitored, all to verify functionality.​​

Most home inspections occur during the home buying process.
However, as homes age, things break and not every homeowner has the skills or training to identify problems along the way. A home inspection can benefit any homeowner. If you’re a homeowner, here are 4 good reasons to make the call and hire an inspector today.

#1: A Certified Home Inspector Has a Trained Eye

​Some home defects are easy to spot. If the roof loses a few shingles or there’s a plumbing leak under the sink, sooner or later, you’ll spot in on your own. But do you have the training and skills to spot defects that aren’t as obvious?
A certified home inspector has completed training. They learn about home systems inside and outside the structure, and understand how each system interacts with the ones around it. When you hire an inspector, you invest in the expertise of a professional.

​#2: It’s Easy to Grow Accustomed to Problems.

​Is there a light that always flickers when a storm passes through? Does the GFCI outlet that supplies your washing machine trip without any apparent cause? Have you grown accustomed to living with those issues because they’ve crept up slowly over time? If so, you’re not alone.
Your home inspector enters the house with a fresh set of eyes. Faulty light switches, leaky shower diverters and windows that won’t open shouldn't become part of everyday life. Chances are, your inspector will find many more defects than you knew you were living with.
Maybe your house isn’t chilly because you need a new HVAC system; maybe it just needs better insulation.

#3: Some Defects Grow Where You Never Go

​Some home defects don’t need the slow passage of time to miss your radar entirely. Sometimes, defects happen in spaces where you seldom go or never go at all. That’s especially true with attics and basements, but it can happen in plain sight, as well. An unused fireplace chimney might contain a safety hazard. If you haven’t built a fire in 10 years, there’s no reason that you should know.
A certified home inspector goes through residential property top to bottom, inside and out, with a methodical process. They take photos and fill out a report, testing specific systems along the way. If you don’t like the idea of shimmying through a crawl space, no problem. Your inspector will do it for you.

#4: A Home Inspection Helps You Prioritize Repairs and Improvements

​If you plan to make repairs, add on or otherwise improve your home, a thorough home inspection can help you create a realistic budget. That way, you won’t spend it all on a superficial or decorative project only to learn that an expensive system needs repair right away.

​MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN ♦ WISCONSIN JOURNAL SENTINEL SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2021
​​HOMEBUYERS IN HOT MARKET CUT CORNERS, RUN BIG RISKS

What items does Ron's Home Inspections Inspect/operate:

​   a. Columns, Piers, foundations

   b. Flooring systems

   c. Roofs, chimneys, flues, skylights, flashings, roof drainage systems

   d. Exterior doors, windows, wall cladding, garages or car ports, eaves, soffits, fascias, grading, drainage, patios, walkways, decks, porches, balconies

   e. Plumbing systems including interior water distribution system, hot water heaters, facets, tubs showers, drain-waste-vents systems, sump pumps, fuel storage and distributions systems.

   f. Electrical systems, service equipment, main and sub-panels, branch circuit conductors, their over current devices, polarity and grounding of outlets, existence of smoke/CO detectors

   g. Interiors, walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways, balconies, railings, counters and all sink base cabinets, doors, windows(random samples), bathrooms, kitchen, family room, bedrooms, laundry room

   h. Heating systems, wood burning fireplaces/stove, gas fireplaces

   i. Central air conditioning

   j. Insulation and ventilation

After observing/operating all the systems and components, an easy-to-read, yet thorough, report will be shared describing the findings made by Ron's Home Inspections, LLC.
​

What is a Home Inspection Report? A written opinion of a home inspector concerning all of the following:

• The condition of the improvements (structures) to a residential property.
• The condition of mechanical and structural components in the structures.
• The home inspection report must also meet the new State of Wisconsin's 2021 Senate bill 74 which adds additional regulations on home inspections and home inspection reports.

A home inspection will take approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours, after which, the inspector will discuss the findings with you before we leave.
A written report will be made available electronically within 24 hours of the physical inspection. 

Sample page from one of Ron's Home Inspection reports

​Ron’s Home Inspections, LLC is a licensed (license #3341-106) home inspection service offering service in two locations: Crandon, WI and Springbrook, WI. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and a comprehensive inspection with a detailed, easy to read, report with pictures specifically written for your inspection within 24 hours of the onsite inspection. We also offer radon testing with continuous monitoring equipment that is listed with the National Radon Proficiency Program. Whether you are buying or selling a home, a professional home inspection will help you make an informed decision by determining whether there are any major defects in the structure or systems which could cost thousands of dollars down the road.