Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, and no house, not even new construction, is perfect. My job isn't to scare you off a home. It's to give you the full picture so you can make the call with confidence, not guesswork.
Here are seven issues that show up again and again across the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
1. Roof Damage and Aging Shingles
Wisconsin doesn't go easy on roofs. Snow load, ice dams, hail, wind, it all adds up. I check for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, signs of past repairs, soft spots, and attic evidence of leaks. Catching this early means you can negotiate repairs before you own the problem.
2. Electrical Safety Concerns
I look for missing GFCI protection, double-tapped breakers, open junction boxes, improper wiring, and damaged outlets or switches. Not every finding here is a five-alarm fire, but several of these are worth a licensed electrician's attention before you move in.
3. Water Intrusion and Moisture
Water is patient and it's relentless. I check basements, crawl spaces, foundations, windows, and roof penetrations for signs of moisture. A small leak today is mold and rot tomorrow if nobody catches it.
4. Grading and Drainage Problems
Most people never think about the dirt around their house, until it's pushing water toward the foundation. Bad grading can mean basement moisture, foundation movement, and landscaping damage down the line. Often the fix is simple; the cost of ignoring it isn't.
5. HVAC Maintenance Issues
Your furnace and AC are a real investment. I evaluate the visible condition and operation of the furnace, air conditioner, thermostat, and accessible ductwork. Regular maintenance stretches the life of these systems and keeps your energy bills in check.
6. Plumbing Leaks
Small leaks hide well, until they don't. I check visible plumbing for active leaks, corrosion, improper installs, slow drainage, and water heater condition. Catching these early is a lot cheaper than replacing drywall and flooring later.
7. Safety Items
Some of the best value in an inspection is the simplest: loose handrails, missing smoke alarms, no carbon monoxide detectors, trip hazards, deck issues. Inexpensive fixes, real difference in safety.
Why This Matters
A good inspection isn't about finding a reason to walk away. It's about knowing exactly what you're buying, so you can prioritize what matters, budget for what's coming, and close with peace of mind instead of a knot in your stomach.
Serving the Fox Valley and Beyond
I proudly serve buyers and homeowners in Hortonville, Appleton, Greenville, Grand Chute, Neenah, Menasha, New London, Kaukauna, Oshkosh, and the surrounding communities, whether it's your first home, a home you're selling, or an 11-month builder warranty inspection.
Ready to Schedule?
At True Point Inspections, it's Precision in Every Point, detailed reporting, thermal imaging, and a straight answer to every question you ask. Don't wait until closing week to find out what's really going on with the house.