So you’ve finally found your dream home in Chicagoland and are ready to make an offer! Congratulations! Buying a home, especially for the first time, is such an exciting milestone. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to have the home thoroughly inspected so there are no big surprises later.
Why You Need a Home Inspection
Getting a home inspection before finalizing a home purchase is crucial. A home inspection allows a qualified, unbiased professional to evaluate the condition of the home and its systems and features. The Chicagoland home inspector will check for issues or defects and determine if there are any repairs needed.
The inspection report you receive will summarize the condition of the roof, attic, exterior, structure, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, ventilation, interiors, insulation, fireplaces and more. This information allows you to make an informed decision about moving forward with the home purchase.
Understanding the Different Types of Home Inspectors
There are a few different types of professionals that perform home inspections:
General home inspectors – These inspectors examine all aspects of the home to provide an overview of its condition. This is the most common type of inspection for home buyers.
Specialized inspectors – Some inspectors specialize in one area, like the roof, plumbing, or heating systems. You may need a specialized inspection if issues are found during the general inspection.
Certified inspectors – Make sure any inspector you hire has the proper certifications, which varies by state. Certifications indicate inspectors have received specialized training and adhere to standards.
Chicagoland Home Inspector – There are also local inspectors that specialize in homes in the Chicagoland area. They understand common issues that pop up in Chicago area homes related to weather, construction materials, codes and more.
Tips for Choosing the Best Chicagoland Home Inspector
Picking the right Chicagoland home inspector for a Chicago area property requires a bit of research. Here are tips on choosing the best inspector for your situation:
Check licensing & certifications – Confirm the inspector carries active licenses and certifications indicating proper qualifications. Some credentials to look for include InterNACHI, ASHI, CREIA and state-level licenses.
Look for local knowledge & experience – Find an inspector with extensive experience specifically inspecting homes in the Chicagoland region. They’ll best recognize local issues. Ask about the number of inspections they’ve completed locally.
Read reviews – Spend time reading through reviews from past clients. This gives great insight into inspectors’ thoroughness, communication skills, professionalism and more. Pay attention to trends in the reviews.
Consider specialization – If your home is historic, green or has unique elements, consider a specialized Chicagoland home inspector qualified in that area. For example, if you have a brick bungalow, seek an inspector with experience dealing with common brick issues.
Compare multiple options – Set up consultations with at least three inspectors before deciding. This allows you to get a feel for each one and make comparisons. Pay attention not only to expertise but also communication approaches.
What to Expect During Your Home Inspection
Home inspections involve detailed visual examination of the interior and exterior by a certified professional. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
The process takes 2-3 hours on average for a typical single-family home. The inspector visually surveys all areas of the home and operates equipment where accessible. They may use common tools like moisture meters, outlet testers, thermography equipment, magnifying glasses, and flashlights.
The inspector will evaluate:
-
Structural integrity
-
Function of all systems
-
Integrity of insulation, windows, and doors
-
Signs of leaks or damage
Some key areas checked include the roof, gutters, foundation, walls, windows, plumbing, gas lines, electrical, HVAC, ventilation, drainage, built-in appliances, garages, and fireplaces.
The inspector will not cause damage or dismantle equipment for further internal inspection. For liability reasons, they will not walk on roof surfaces but will inspect them from the ground with binoculars and ladders.
Once finished, they will review initial findings with you and point out significant defects or areas needing further evaluation.
Within 24 hours, you will receive a comprehensive written report summing up conditions and recommended repairs, replacements or upgrades needed.
Preparing for Your Home Inspection Appointment
You obviously want optimum effectiveness from your home inspection investment in identifying lurking problems.
Follow these tips when prepping for the inspector’s arrival:
Clear access paths – Remove stored items blocking attic entrances, crawl spaces, electric panels/heating systems, and walking paths. Inspectors need unobstructed access to fully see, touch and operate equipment.
Open all faucets – Activate all sinks/tubs/showers to check hot/cold water flow and drainage. Flush toilets to verify proper operation. Leave all water elements on for testing as the inspector moves through rooms.
Activate pilot lights – Light all furnace, water heater and fireplace pilots so heating elements can undergo testing procedures and deliver hot air/water. This better evaluates fuel system integrity and heat efficacy.
Insert light bulbs – Screw bulbs into light fixtures missing them so switches and wiring can be examined room-to-room for functionality. Properly lit spaces also allow thorough visual examinations.
Gather documents – Have paperwork like building plans, past inspection reports, disclosures and warranties easily accessible to bolster historical physical records for reference.
Keep pets contained – For safety, isolate pets away from access areas so they do not escape outdoors or interfere underfoot. Lock them securely in bedrooms/bathrooms with fresh food/water, a comfy bed, favorite toy and background noise as comforting distractions.
Remain on-site – Stick around the entire session to unlock doors, clarify questions, operate features, contain pets, verify previous repairs, etc. Your first-hand presence enables a fully seamless inspection.
Finalizing Your Offer with Confidence
After poring over the home inspection findings and addressing identified defects through negotiated remedies, it is finally time to confidently sign your name and finalize purchase terms!
While still an exciting milestone, you likely feel more assured and educated about the home’s realities from consulting an unbiased Chicagoland Home Inspector. The process moved you beyond initial surface-level enthusiasm to make an eyes-wide-open decision bolstered by a professional diagnostic examination.
Rather than inheriting surprises post-purchase, you gain priceless peace of mind knowing the home’s functional and structural integrity, existing faults, upcoming lifespan of systems/components and estimated maintenance costs for properly budgeting.
Though often uncomfortable in revealing less-than-perfect realities, home inspections grant the gift of information empowering you to invest wisely. Thanks to picking the right Chicagoland Home Inspector, you can finally sign your name without second-guessing or future regrets.
Here’s to happy homeownership ahead as you start this exciting new chapter, resting assured in your home’s readiness thanks to the thorough, expert insights from your home inspector! Congratulations on finding both your dream home and ideal inspector to launch your journey off right!
