Wisconsin home inspection report template

Set up for Wisconsin

• The report lists the items the rule requires a home inspector to inspect and those actually inspected, and describes the condition of eachWis. Admin. Code SPS 131.33 (1) (a) to (c) · Wis. Stat. s. 440.975 (3) (a), (b)
• The report states the property address, the name of the inspector who conducted the inspection, the inspection date, the names of the individuals who prepared the report, the date it was prepared and, if it was revised, the revision dateWis. Stat. s. 440.975 (3) (bm)
• The date the report was prepared is on the reportWis. Admin. Code SPS 131.33 (1) (bm)

Also required in Wisconsin

These rules are about how and when you report, not the template's fields. Check them before you deliver.

• Each defect detected is described, using the word "defect" for any condition the inspector believes meets the statutory definition: it would significantly impair occupants' health or safety, or, unless repaired, removed or replaced, would significantly shorten or adversely affect the component's expected normal lifeWis. Stat. s. 440.975 (3) (cm) · Wis. Stat. s. 440.97 (2m)
• The report includes a summary page listing conditions labeled as defects, then the other components needing repairs or further evaluation, items to monitor and maintenance items, with references to the heading in the full report, and the three statements the statute prescribes word for wordWis. Stat. s. 440.975 (3) (cr) · Wis. Admin. Code SPS 131.33 (1) (f)
• The report describes the methods used to observe the roof; walking on the roofing is not requiredWis. Admin. Code SPS 131.32 (4) (b), (c)
• The report lists any material adverse facts the inspector knows of or observedWis. Admin. Code SPS 131.33 (1) (e)
• The inspector observes and describes the type and condition of the items present: foundations, columns, flooring systems, roofs, exteriors, plumbing, electrical, interiors, heating, central air conditioning, and insulation and ventilation, as the rule lists themWis. Admin. Code SPS 131.32
• A home inspector may not report, in writing or verbally, on the property's market value or marketability, or on whether it should or should not be purchasedWis. Stat. s. 440.975 (5)
• A home inspector is not required to report on life expectancy, the cause of the need for a major repair, how to make a repair or what it costs, suitability for a specialized use, or compliance with regulatory requirementsWis. Stat. s. 440.975 (4)
• A home inspector may not deliver the report to anyone other than the client without the client's consent, inspect where they or their family or business has an interest adverse to the client without written consent, take pay from more than one party without everyone's written consent, or pay or take referral fees from people who are not home inspectorsWis. Stat. s. 440.975
• An inspection agreement may not disclaim or cap the inspector's liability for failing to meet the standards of practice, and a claim must be brought within 2 years after the inspection, a period that an agreement cannot shortenWis. Stat. s. 440.976 · Wis. Stat. s. 440.977 (1)
• A home inspector performs a reasonably competent and diligent inspection to detect observable conditions; it need not be technically exhaustive, and access panels normally removed by an occupant are the only disassembly requiredWis. Stat. s. 440.975 (2)

What is in it

• Foundations, columns and flooring systemsFoundations, Columns, Flooring systems
• RoofsRoof coverings, Roof drainage systems, Flashings, Skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations, Signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components
• ExteriorsWall claddings, Flashings and trim, Entryway doors and at least one window per side, Garage door operators (reverse or stop on resistance), Decks, balconies, stoops, steps and porches, including railings, Eaves, soffits and fascias, Grading, drainage, driveways, patios, walkways and retaining walls abutting the dwelling
• Plumbing systemsWater supply and distribution, Drain, waste and vent system, Hot water systems, Fuel storage and distribution systems, Sump pumps
• Electrical systemsService entrance conductors, Service equipment, grounding equipment and main overcurrent device, Main and distribution panels, including their location, Service amperage and voltage, overhead or underground, Branch circuit conductors and overcurrent devices, including any aluminum branch wiring, Representative lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles, Polarity and grounding of receptacles near plumbing fixtures, in the garage and outside, Ground fault circuit interrupters, Power sources for smoke detectors
• InteriorsWalls, ceilings and floors, Steps, stairways, balconies and railings, Counters and all sink base cabinets, A random sample of doors and windows, Separation walls, ceilings and doors to an attached garage or another dwelling unit, Signs of water penetration or abnormal condensation
• Heating systemsHeating equipment and distribution systems, Normal operating controls and energy source, Automatic safety controls, Exterior surfaces of chimneys, flues and vents, Solid fuel heating devices, An installed heat source in each room
• Central air conditioningCooling and air handling equipment, Normal operating controls, An installed cooling source in each room
• Insulation and ventilationPresence or absence of insulation in unfinished spaces, Ventilation of attics and foundation areas, Kitchen, bathroom and laundry venting systems
• Material adverse factsMaterial adverse facts known or observed:

Rules last reviewed October 10, 2026. Read the full Wisconsin home inspection report requirements.