You of course make the initial contact.
After answering any questions you may have, we will need to set a date and time for the inspection.
Please be prepared to be present for the inspection. It is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended.
If you are not present, I will need to have you read and sign a standard pre-inspection agreement form. Payment is required when the signed pre-inspection agreement is returned.
If you are present for the inspection, I will have you read and sign the pre-inspection agreement form while I am inspecting the roof. Payment is required by the end of the inspection.
A normal inspection will take about 2 to 3 hours including talking over the report findings at the end. You are encouraged to walk along with me as I do the inspection. This will allow you to see first hand and ask questions along the way.
My inspection report includes 4 copies. One copy is for my records, one is for you and up to 2 copies can go to the realtor etc., but only with your permission. I cannot legally share inspection information without your permission.
I only offer recommendations of necessary repair or replacement of damaged or worn items. I do not make the repairs myself. In fact, Wisconsin law does not allow me to perform any repairs in a house I have inspected for 2 years after the inspection, unless you sign an agreement before the inspection begins, thereby releasing me to perform repairs.
The inspection is performed at or above State and NACHI standards as required by the State of Wisconsin.
This is not a code inspection. This is a trained and detailed look at the house and its componets to judge if there is damage, defects, health concerns etc. that need to be addressed.
An inspection is not a warranty or a guarantee against problems arising in the future. An inspection is to find existing problems.
Think of the inspector as a "General Practitioner." He is trained to have general knowledge about everything so that if there are common problems he can offer solutions. If, however, there are specialized problems that are out of the general field he has enough training to recognize the problem and then recommend further evaluation by an expert that specializes in that area.