Know the Home Before It Becomes Your Problem
Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will ever make.
Unfortunately, many of the most expensive problems are hidden behind walls, above ceilings, beneath floors, and inside systems that homeowners rarely see.
A professional home inspection provides the information you need to make a confident, informed decision before you buy, sell, or invest in a property.
At Mister Sweep, we believe a home inspection is more than a checklist. It's an opportunity to understand how a home functions, identify potential concerns, prioritize repairs, and protect your investment for years to come.
Our inspections are detailed, unbiased, and focused on helping you understand the true condition of the property.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the home's major systems and components at the time of the inspection.
The goal is to identify:
✓ Safety concerns
✓ Structural issues
✓ Defective components
✓ Deferred maintenance
✓ Water intrusion
✓ Potential repair costs
✓ Conditions requiring further evaluation
A home inspection helps reduce surprises and gives buyers valuable information before closing.
Why Home Inspections Matter
A beautiful home can still hide expensive problems.
We routinely discover issues involving:
• Roof damage
• Water intrusion
• Foundation concerns
• Electrical defects
• Plumbing leaks
• HVAC problems
• Attic ventilation issues
• Moisture damage
• Unsafe installations
• Structural deficiencies
Many of these conditions are not obvious during a typical showing.
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements.
We inspect:
✓ Roof coverings
✓ Flashings
✓ Roof penetrations
✓ Chimneys
✓ Gutters
✓ Downspouts
✓ Roof drainage
✓ Visible signs of damage
Roof issues are among the most expensive repairs homeowners face, making this portion of the inspection especially important.
The exterior protects the structure from weather and moisture intrusion.
We evaluate:
✓ Siding
✓ Trim
✓ Windows
✓ Doors
✓ Decks
✓ Porches
✓ Walkways
✓ Driveways
✓ Grading and drainage
✓ Visible structural concerns
Water management is a major focus because moisture is responsible for many long-term building problems.
We inspect visible structural components including:
✓ Foundations
✓ Basement walls
✓ Crawlspaces
✓ Support beams
✓ Floor structures
✓ Visible framing
✓ Structural movement indicators
While no home is perfectly level, significant movement can indicate conditions requiring further evaluation.
The attic often reveals hidden issues occurring elsewhere in the home.
We evaluate:
✓ Insulation levels
✓ Ventilation
✓ Moisture intrusion
✓ Roof framing
✓ Visible damage
✓ Air leakage concerns
✓ Mold-like conditions
Attic inspections frequently uncover problems that are otherwise invisible.
Electrical defects are among the most common safety concerns discovered during inspections.
We inspect:
✓ Main service equipment
✓ Electrical panels
✓ Branch wiring
✓ Receptacles
✓ Grounding systems
✓ Visible electrical defects
✓ Safety concerns
Electrical issues range from minor corrections to potentially serious hazards.
Water leaks can cause extensive damage long before they become visible.
We inspect:
✓ Supply piping
✓ Drain piping
✓ Fixtures
✓ Water heaters
✓ Functional operation
✓ Visible leaks
✓ Water pressure concerns
✓ Drainage performance
Early identification of plumbing issues can prevent significant repair costs.
Minnesota winters make heating systems especially important.
We inspect:
✓ Furnaces
✓ Boilers
✓ Heat pumps
✓ Visible venting systems
✓ Functional operation
✓ Safety concerns
✓ Distribution systems
While a home inspection is not a full HVAC performance evaluation, it provides valuable information about system condition.
We evaluate:
✓ Air conditioning systems
✓ Visible components
✓ Functional operation
✓ Airflow concerns
✓ Visible defects
Cooling systems represent a major investment and should be evaluated carefully.
Inside the home we inspect:
✓ Walls
✓ Ceilings
✓ Floors
✓ Windows
✓ Doors
✓ Stairs
✓ Railings
✓ Cabinets
✓ Built-in components
Visible signs of moisture damage, structural movement, or deferred maintenance are documented.
Water Intrusion: The Number One Enemy of Homes
Water causes more damage to homes than almost any other single factor.
During every inspection we pay close attention to:
• Roof leaks
• Basement moisture
• Foundation drainage
• Window leaks
• Exterior water management
• Attic moisture
• Chimney leaks
• Plumbing leaks
Even small amounts of water can lead to:
• Rot
• Mold growth
• Structural damage
• Indoor air quality concerns
• Expensive repairs
The Chimney & Fireplace Difference
Unlike many inspectors, Mister Sweep brings specialized chimney and fireplace expertise to every inspection.
We evaluate visible components of:
✓ Chimneys
✓ Fireplaces
✓ Wood-burning systems
✓ Gas fireplaces
✓ Venting systems
✓ Hearth components
Because fireplaces and chimneys are among the most overlooked systems during real estate transactions, this expertise can provide significant value.
If a dedicated chimney inspection is not ordered, the inspection does not determine the safety, code compliance, or operational readiness of concealed chimney and venting components. A Level 2 Chimney Inspection is recommended whenever a property changes ownership.
New Construction Inspections
Just because a home is new doesn't mean it's perfect.
We frequently identify:
• Installation defects
• Incomplete work
• Missing components
• Safety concerns
• Water management issues
• Mechanical deficiencies
An independent inspection helps ensure the home was built as intended.
Sellers can benefit from inspections as well.
A pre-listing inspection helps:
✓ Identify issues before listing
✓ Reduce surprises during negotiations
✓ Improve buyer confidence
✓ Speed up transactions
✓ Allow repairs on your timeline
After the inspection you'll receive a detailed report that includes:
✓ Photos
✓ Findings
✓ Safety concerns
✓ Maintenance recommendations
✓ Defect descriptions
✓ Professional observations
✓ Easy-to-understand explanations
Our goal is to provide useful information—not overwhelm you with technical jargon.
What a Home Inspection Is Not
A home inspection is a visual inspection of accessible systems and components.
It is not:
❌ A code compliance inspection
❌ A warranty
❌ A guarantee against future failures
❌ A destructive evaluation
❌ An environmental assessment
❌ An appraisal
No inspection can predict every future condition, but it can provide valuable insight into the home's current condition.
Chance Loves Hidden Problems
Chance doesn't want buyers asking questions.
He loves:
❌ Hidden leaks
❌ Deferred maintenance
❌ Aging systems
❌ Structural concerns
❌ Electrical defects
❌ Water damage
❌ Expensive surprises after closing
The less you know, the more opportunities Chance has.
Steve Helps You Buy With Confidence
Steve believes every buyer deserves to know what they're purchasing.
Our inspections are thorough, objective, and designed to help you make informed decisions about one of the biggest investments of your life.
No scare tactics.
No pressure.
No unnecessary alarm.
Just honest information from a trained professional who wants you to understand the home you're buying.
Protect Your Investment Before You Sign
Whether you're buying, selling, building, or simply want a better understanding of your home's condition, a professional inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Know what you're buying.
Understand what needs attention.
Move forward with confidence.
Let Steve uncover the hidden issues before Chance turns them into expensive surprises.
📞 (612) 552-2848
🌐 www.mister-sweep.com
🏠 Local. Reliable. Trusted.
🔍 Detailed Inspections. Honest Answers. Peace of Mind.