Associate Member of the Realtors Association of Northwestern Wisconsin
Member of Internachi,
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
* State Home Inspector License # 3414-106
* NRPP # 112237-RMP (Radon Certification)
* International Assoc. of Certified Home Inspectors # 03120709
* IAC2 International Association of Indoor Air Consultants # IAC2-93775
* Wisconsin Pump Installer License # 9046
* We have the "BUY YOUR HOME BACK" guarantee through InterNachi. Please click the image above to find out more.
​* Thermal Imaging is included on full home inspections at NO CHARGE. (See more information below)
Certifications
     
​   A home purchase or sale can be a daunting experience with a lot of information to absorb. Watch the below video on "What Really Matters"

Why Choose Northern Waters for your inspection and testing? 
      Your comprehensive inspection will be based on years of Building Science experience and training.
      Having experience in building homes of all different types, from stick-built, to modular and panelized construction, as well as experience in the HVAC industry, gives us a unique understanding of your home.  We understand not only how the home is/was built, but by also applying current building science knowledge and continuing education of new building techniques, we have an understanding of how the environment and daily life cycles are affecting the home. A full understanding of the home includes understanding how that home handles moisture, and the environment it is in.  

Thermal Imaging is included on full home inspections  at  NO  CHARGE

   Thermal Imaging is not required by law to be included in a home inspection,...but it should be! 
Thermal imaging is used to see what the eye cannot. You may not see hidden moisture, heat loss/gain through the envelope of the home, or electrical hot spots. Using Thermal Imagining is a tool to help see what we cannot.   Infrared alone will not tell the whole story.  When we employ thermal imaging, we will always include the use of moisture meters, humidity observations, digital photography, and Building Science knowledge to make the picture of the home become much clearer. We will find the reason for any issue and not just document the issue. We will find the "why". 
Shown above is water infiltration beneath the windowsill from the exterior and migrating down the inside of the wall cavity, unseen from the interior. This was initial spotted with IR but confirmed with a moisture meter and a further inspection of the exterior trim detail.
        The above thermal images alert to a cool spot on the wall that is not visible with the naked eye but reveals missing insulation. This area is prone to heat loss and can be a place of condensation/moisture issues.
Your Report
You will receive a comprehensive report, complete with thermal images and many digital photos.
       The inspection report will contain a lot of information. We know this can be a lot to digest but it is all important information. 

* To give you a place to start, your Confidential Inspection Report will have a "Summary" page for items that are Safety related and any "Defects" as defined by the State of Wisconsin.
         - This summary page can be the initial place for your attention for immediate concerns, but all information in the report is there for a reason. Always take time to review the entire report and do not hesitate to have us explain anything that is not understood.

* Your report will be color-coded, to provide ease in understanding.
          - An explanation of the color-coding is included in the report details.

* Your report will include our Standards of Practice which lists the minimum items that will be included.
          - We will always provide more than the minimum standards. 

* We do not create the report and move on down the road.
           - We are here to answer questions as many times as needed until you are comfortable with the information. Sometimes, technical issues need to be explained in multiple ways to finally understand them. We get that. We will provide any support you need to make the report as clear as possible. If you are not clear on anything, please ask.
EXPECTATIONS YOU SHOULD HAVE FROM YOUR HOME INSPECTION 
    First and foremost..... a home cannot fail a home inspection.
   All homes age. All homes require a certain amount of maintenance and updates. Although we rely on very technical equipment, and hours of ongoing training and experience, an inspection is not technically exhaustive or a review of all codes related to the home. A Home Inspection is a visual determination of the current condition of the home at the time of the inspection.  The inspection report can be used to help you make an informed decision when buying or selling. The inspection will meet or exceed all local and national Standards of Practice. 

Although we try, an inspection does have limitations and cannot guarantee every defect will be visually seen.
  - The inspector is not required to physically move furniture or remove building finishes. PLEASE refer to the Standards of Practice to understand our limitations by clicking on the STANDRADS of PRACTICE button below,

Your inspection will include at a minimum;
   ~ Safety Related Items
   -Roof (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items)
   ~ Attics (insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items)
   ~ Plumbing and Fixtures (water pressure, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system,
         and other plumbing system components)
   ~ Interior (floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable), finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors and
        safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components)
   ~ Heating and Cooling Systems (furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, electronic monoxide testing, air conditioner and lines, and other
        visible related HVAC components)
   ~ Electrical Systems (service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system,
        and other related electrical components)
   ~ Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation (insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items,
        floors and walls, and columns)
   ~ Exterior (moisture damage, grading and drainage, siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and
        other visible exterior related components)
   ~ Electrical Service and Meter Box
   ~ Decks and Porches
   ~ Fireplaces
   ~ Structural Elements
   ~ Main Disconnects and Service Amperage
   - Fireplaces Included

   The inspection report will usually be completed and sent to the client on the same day or within 24 hours of the inspection.

     Some, but not all, of the limitations of an inspection are;
     * We cannot move personal belongings of the homeowner so we HIGHLY encourage you to review all areas that were covered by furniture, pictures, window coverings, etc. at the final walk-through to review for items we cannot account for during the home inspection. A home inspection does not include moving any personal items. 
     * A standard Home Inspection does not inspect for hazardous material which includes mold, wood destroying insects, and air quality testing. We do offer additional services which can be included with your standard Home Inspection for these possible hazards. 
     * We do not review property lines.
                    Did you know.... that in this state, that if a survey is incorrect, you cannot pursue damages from the surveyor after a short number of years, depending on the type of survey? If you are not offered a valid land survey of the property, that was performed recently, we suggest that you request, or have, a new survey completed. The financial expenses, if property lines were originally incorrect, can add up quickly. Even the current home owner may not know of survey or boundary issues.
     * A standard Home Inspection does not assess value of a property. Your Real Estate professional should assist with the value of the home.
     * Adequate sizing of appliances, such as furnace, is not calculated. 
    
            We will inspect the home with the same detail that we would if the clients were our own parents. You can count on it. 
Northern Waters Inspections and Testing LLC.
nwinspectandtest@gmail.com
www.northernwatersinspections.com
​715-255-0478
                   Nationally Certified, State Licensed, and insured 
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