Wisconsin Home Inspection FAQs – Why Choose Anderson Home & Foundation Inspection

Answers from Anderson Home & Foundation Inspection—your trusted home inspector in Milwaukee and all of Southeastern Wisconsin. Led by Donn Anderson, Certified Master Inspector with 30+ years of experience.

What does a home inspection from Anderson Home Inspection include?
When you hire Anderson Home & Foundation Inspection, you get more than a quick walk-through. Donn Anderson, a Certified Master Inspector with over 30 years of experience, performs a detailed, top-to-bottom evaluation of your home—inside and out. We check the structure, roof, foundation, basement, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, attic, insulation, ventilation, and exterior. We also offer advanced services like drone roof inspections and radon testing to give you the clearest picture possible.

– Home Inspection Report (PDF) – Your PDF report will be delivered within hours after the home inspection, typically that same evening.
– Drone & Aerial Images (typically on a 2 story home with a steep roof) – No Charge with Inspection (within FAA Guidelines)
– Thermal Imaging Inspection of Hydronic Heat Supplies (Radiators) (as needed) – No Charge with Inspection. This service is dependent on the temperature. Please inquire.
– Nearly 30 years of home inspection experience and knowledge
– A wealth of experience, credentials and current associations
– And we always treat you with care, patience and loyalty. We will inspect your home as if we were inspecting it for ourselves and our family. Since 1995, our goal is still 100% customer satisfaction

Do I really need a home inspection before buying a house in Wisconsin?
Absolutely—and it matters who you choose. We’ve helped thousands of buyers across Greater Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin avoid costly surprises by uncovering hidden issues before closing. Our inspections give you the confidence to move forward—or the leverage to renegotiate—with a clear, detailed report in hand.

How much does a home inspection cost in Wisconsin?
Anderson Home & Foundation Inspection offers competitive rates, starting at $450. Prices are based on size/square footage, age, mechanical equipment, Special Appointment requests, date and time of inspection, applicable discounts, etc.

Considering the thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs we’ve helped clients avoid, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make when buying a home.

How long does a home inspection take?
Our inspections are never rushed. A typical single-family home takes about 2–3 hours, but we take the time needed to document every finding thoroughly. You’ll receive your comprehensive, photo-rich report the often the same evening—so you can make decisions quickly.
Approximate Duration
– Up to 2500 sf 2.5-3.5 hours
– 2500 – 4000 sf 3-4 hours
– 4000 – 5000 sf 3.5-5.5 hours
– 5000 – 6500 sf 5-6 hours

What’s the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?
An appraisal estimates value for your lender. Our inspection is for you—giving you a detailed understanding of the home’s safety, condition, and repair needs. When you hire Anderson Home & Foundation Inspection, our loyalty is 100% to you, the client—not the bank or the seller.

What happens if my home inspection finds problems?
Our role is to give you the facts and the clarity to act. If we uncover concerns, our report will clearly explain their severity and recommended next steps.

Many of our clients have used our findings to successfully negotiate repairs or price reductions—sometimes saving thousands!

Should I attend my home inspection?
Yes—and we encourage it! Walking through the property with Donn means you can ask questions in real time, see what we see, and get expert advice.

This personal interaction is one reason so many clients recommend us to friends and family!

What should my home inspection report include?
Our reports are designed to be clear and useful—not overwhelming. You’ll get detailed descriptions of every finding, labeled photos, and plain-language explanations. We also prioritize issues so you know what needs attention now versus later.

What are the most common issues found in Wisconsin home inspections?
In Greater Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin, we often find roof wear from harsh winters, basement water intrusion, foundation settling, outdated electrical panels, and plumbing leaks. With decades of local experience, we know exactly where and how to look for these regional issues.

What questions should I ask my Milwaukee home inspector?
Ask us anything—that’s part of the service. Common questions include: What’s included in my inspection? How soon will I get the report? Are any of these issues urgent? We’ve been answering these questions for over 30 years, and we’re always happy to explain our findings so you can buy with confidence.

How to Choose the Most Qualified Home Inspector in Wisconsin

Choosing the right home inspector can mean the difference between a confident purchase and costly surprises. At Anderson Home & Foundation Inspection, we’ve been helping buyers, sellers, and commercial clients in Greater Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin make informed decisions since 1995. Here’s how to compare inspectors — and why we stand out.

1. Do Your Research

Check reviews and credentials before hiring an inspector. Look at:

  • Google Reviews
  • Angi’s List
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Recommendations from your lender, attorney, or real estate agent
  • Referrals from friends and family

Not all home inspectors have the same experience, background, credentials, and services — so due diligence matters.

2. Questions to Ask Before You Hire

How long have you been a full-time home inspector?

Experience matters. Ten years is a good benchmark.

Our Answer: Licensed Wisconsin home inspector since 1995, with over 30 years of residential and commercial inspection experience.

How many inspections have you completed?

Volume shows proven skill.

Our Answer: More than 17,000 inspections performed in Southeastern Wisconsin.

What’s your background before inspecting homes?

Construction experience means practical, hands-on knowledge.

Our Answer: Strong construction background — from mason laborer to project manager on both modest rehabs and multi-million-dollar residential and medical projects.

What credentials do you hold?

Credentials indicate professionalism and advanced training.

Our Answer:

  • Certified Master Inspector®
  • NACHI member (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
  • State of WI Certified UDC Building Inspector
  • Expert Witness in legal proceedings for inspection-related cases

Do you carry Liability and Errors & Omissions insurance?

Both are essential for your protection.

Our Answer: Fully licensed, bonded, and insured — including Errors & Omissions coverage.

Are you a full-time inspector?

Full-time inspectors typically have more hands-on experience.

Our Answer: Yes — this is our full-time profession and passion.

How long does the inspection take?

Thorough inspections typically last 3+ hours.

Our Answer: We take the time needed — quality comes first.

Do you inspect the roof?

Inspectors aren’t required to climb roofs, but a good one evaluates it closely.

Our Answer: If it’s safe, we’ll get on the roof. If not, we use high-resolution photography and drones to capture its condition.

Do you take photos of defects?

Photos provide valuable documentation.

Our Answer: Every report includes clear, labeled photos of findings.

How much do you charge?

Lowest price rarely means best quality.

Our Answer: Pricing depends on the property’s size, type, and systems. Call for a no-pressure, accurate quote.

Why Choose Anderson Home & Foundation Inspection?

  • 30+ years of full-time inspection experience
  • 17,000+ inspections completed
  • Certified Master Inspector® credentials
  • Specialized in foundations and basements
  • Serving Milwaukee and all of Southeastern Wisconsin
  • Same-day reports with photos and clear explanations

📞 Call us today to schedule your inspection and protect your investment.