What makes you different from other inspectors?

 Home Inspector Gary Roholt is unique in that he has diverse knowledge acquired from 40 years of hands on and professional inspection experience. Gary participates in top quality training from some the best educators in the industry from across the USA and Canada.  Our Company provides excellent customer service.   Our clients know Gary is an honest, thorough, and professional home inspector.  We encourage prospective clients to do their due diligence when choosing our home inspection, well inspection, and septic inspection services including reading the feedback from our past clients.

What does a home inspection include?

Our home inspection report will observe and describe the current condition of the properties systems and components. Included are heating systems, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems, roofing, attic and visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, structures, basement and/or crawlspaces, the attached or detached garage, landscaping conditions that may adversely affect the improved property, and safety concerns.  The report includes narratives explaining the findings observed and described during the inspection.  It is a comprehensive but easy to understand report that can be used to make informed decisions prior to purchasing the property and as a resource for doing general maintenance or minor repairs after you own the property.

Other outbuildings and components may be added to the inspection report that are not listed in the Standards of Practice.  When you make your offer to purchase make sure to write in any additional items that you want inspected.

Why do I need a home inspection?

The primary purpose is to make you aware of any potential issues that may cost you money or jeopardize the health and safety of the occupants after you purchase the home.  To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you'll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A  properly conducted home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

If you already are a homeowner, our home inspection can identify problems in the making and or report will suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.

If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

What will it cost?

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well, or radon testing.

Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection when selecting your home inspector. If your purchasing budget is limited this would be the last area I would recommended looking to cut cost.  Call enough inspectors, you can find a cheap inspection, but you may end up paying the higher price of regret later. 

The sense of security and knowledge gained from a thorough inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain.  Use the inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with state regulations, and professional affiliations like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) as a guide.

Why can't I do it myself?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a qualified professional home inspector.  Certified ASHI Home Inspectors are familiar with all of the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance, and home safety. Home Inspector Gary Roholt understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a certified professional in the field of home inspection.

Did the home pass inspection?

The home inspection process is not a "pass/ fail" process.  A professional home inspection is a visual examination of the current condition of a property. It is not an appraisal, which is an opinion of the market value. It is not a UDC (uniform dwelling code) inspection, which verifies state and local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, should not pass or fail a house, but rather describe the current condition of components and systems. Some may need major repair or replacement or pose a significant health and safety hazard. Less significant items should also be noted even though they may only require general maintenance or are in acceptable condition.  We have inspected thousands of properties that have had significant defects but the purchase still goes through. Nobody likes a positive report better than us.  Our the goal is to insure you know as much about the property as possible, good or bad, by providing a report to you in an honest and objective manner.  

What is ASHI? 

ASHI is short for American Society of Home Inspectors. Since 1976, ASHI has worked to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance the professionalism of its membership. Other organizations have followed but their standards appear as a copy and revised version of ASHI's Standards of Practice.  The ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serves as a performance guideline for certified ASHI home inspectors, and is universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental bodies.

What is WAHI?

WAHI is short for Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors. It is a state association that provides excellent training and networking opportunities for inspectors and affiliate members. The organization was founded buy an ASHI member who had a positive vision for establishing a state level organization. This organization provides exceptional representation for the membership. WAHI membership requires dues payment to become a member.

Who belongs to ASHI?

ASHI is an organization of independent, professional home inspectors who are required to make a commitment, from the day they join as ASHI Associates, to conduct inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, which prohibits engaging in conflict-of-interest activities that might compromise their objectivity. ASHI Associates work their way to ASHI Certified Inspector status as they meet rigorous requirements, including passing a comprehensive, written technical exam and performing a minimum of 250 professional, fee-paid home inspections conducted in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Mandatory continuing education helps the membership stay current with the latest in technology, materials and professional skills.

Note: There are inspectors who, although are not members of ASHI, advertise that their inspections meet ASHI Standards.  This is misleading as it implies a relationship with ASHI that does not exist. Dealing with such individuals may make you ask yourself." what else am I going to be misled about?"

When do I call a home, well, or septic inspector?

Immediately after your offer to purchase has been signed as accepted. Before you sign the forms, have your Realtor review the home inspection contingency, any well, septic, or testing contingencies (if applicable) that you want  to be sure they are properly documented in your purchase contracts. In Wisconsin the contract most commonly used for offers on dwellings is form WB-11. Addendum A is used to specify specific testing, radon, lead paint, etc. are written in on Addendum A.  Addendum B is used for any potable water quality testing, private well and septic system inspections, and are added to your WB-11 offer to purchase. These contracts make your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of Licensed home inspectors report, or for well and septic system inspections, the appropriate licensee, and any testing that you need. These contingencies should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

Do I have to be there?

While it's not required that you be present for the home inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspection process and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.  90% of all of our clients have attended the home inspection. Some or our past clients have traveled from overseas to be at the property. Make sure you have enough time (typically in number of days ex. 14-20-30 days) in your home inspection contingency so, if at all possible, you can be there. If you cannot attend we understand.  Clients that cannot attend also receive a detailed photo report in addition to the comprehensive written report. 

How long does a home inspection take?    

Depending on the size and condition of the property, a thorough inspection will take 2 hours (small property home inspection only) to 3 hours or more on larger properties. Ideally, you will accompany your home inspector during the entire inspection so that you will have visual reinforcement of the written report. Inspector Gary Roholt has worked on some large estates, condo developments, and apartment complexes that have required several days on site to complete as well.

Who should be invited to the inspection?

Only the client's should attend. You should not invite friends, building contractors, carpet layers, painters, surveyors, or anyone else to the home during the inspection appointment. The sellers have to approve our request for an appointment knowing who is attending and what we are doing (type of inspections, testing). Property owners and there agents can and will hold us accountable for the property condition during that time. More importantly in order for you, the client(s), to get the full benefit of the time on site without disruptions and distractions, you should always work alone with the home inspector.  If you are buying from a private party (Fisbo) tell the sellers to allow us exclusive access to the home during the inspection appointment.

What if the report reveals problems?

We will provide you with a prioritized list and recommendations on your report. If the inspector identifies defects, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don't want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs. This valuable information is for you to use as you choose, you decide what you can live with or not.

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You'll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will have that information for future reference. No one likes to deliver a positive report better than us.