Building Inspections

J. Krentz Design offers both residential and commercial building inspections for the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Unlike typical home inspectors we are licensed in the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin and receive the most up-to-date training. Below are the types of inspections we perform. Please contact us for specific assembly inspections and your commercial property needs.

Home buyers inspection
Buyers inspections are the most common type of inspection in the United States. The persons purchasing the property hire an inspector to help identify major defects and other problems so they can make an informed decision about the building’s condition and the expense of related repairs.

Home sellers inspection
A homeowner who is selling their house hires an inspector to identify problems with their house.

Foreclosure inspection
Foreclosure inspections are often referred to as REO (real estate owned) inspections. Professional home inspectors are qualified to do these. We hold professional licensing in the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin

Four point inspection
Insurance companies sometimes require an inspection of a house’s roof and the HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems before providing homeowners insurance. This inspection is usually only required on homes which are 20-25 years old or older.

Disaster inspection
A disaster inspection occurs after a natural disaster such as a floods, hail damage, or tornados in which a large numbers of buildings may have been damaged. In the United States the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepares for and coordinates large scale disaster relief efforts, including the inspection of damaged buildings. Disaster inspectors document conditions of buildings for government disaster relief payments.

Section 8 building inspections
In the United States the federal and state governments provide housing subsidies to low income people through a program often known as Section 8. The government expects that the housing will be “fit for habitation” so a Section 8 inspection identifies compliance with HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS).

Pre-delivery inspection
The pre-delivery inspection, which generally applies to newly built homes, is a real estate term that means the buyer has the option (or requirement, depending upon how the real estate contract is written) to inspect the property prior to closing or settlement. These inspections generally take place up to a week before a closing, and they generally allow buyers the first opportunity to inspect their new home. Additionally, the inspection is to ensure that all terms of the contract have been met, that the home is substantially completed, and that major items are in working order.

Eleventh month inspection
The State of Minnesota requires a builder to warranty a new house for one year. An 11th month inspection is an inspection of the new home before the warranty ends to discover any defects requiring warranty service.

Structural inspection
Structural inspections report on the foundation and supporting elements of a home. When performing a structure inspection, we will look for a variety of distress indications that may result in repair or further evaluation recommendations by a licensed engineer.

Plumbing inspection
The plumbing inspection will consider readily accessible pipes, fixtures and components, while noting recognized adverse and material defects present at the time of inspection. Minor defects may also be reported. The inspection typically reviews the visible water supply and waste removal sewage system.

Water flow performance is judged by running water through the pipes and sewage systems in normal modes and in a representative manner. The water heater is usually inspected for heating of the water and safe operation which may include venting (gas/oil/butane models) and the temperature and pressure relief valve.

Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) building inspections
A heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) home inspection reviews the heating and cooling system of a home from a performance perspective. The inspection usually does not inspect or compare to codes or manufacturer requirements unless requested. A typical inspection will carry out a visual observation and operation of the HVAC system. The inspection will consider visible and readily accessible components, while noting recognized adverse and material defects present at the time of inspection.

Thermal imaging building inspections
A thermal imaging inspection using an infrared camera can provide inspectors with information on home energy loss, heat gain/loss through the exterior walls and roof, moisture leaks, and improper electrical system conditions that are typically not visible to the naked eye.