Home Inspection Services

Home Inspection Services

Key Elements of a Thorough Home Inspection

Roofing

As a matter of practice we try to walk every roof we encounter to get a better eye on the strength and protection of the structure, however we usually also employ a drone to gather as much insight as we can. During our inspections we take notice of things such as the roof’s apparent age and condition. Things to note are the flashings at penetrations and valleys, the condition of the roofing materials, and the efficiency of any drainage systems.

Exterior

Moisture mitigation in homes primarily begins with the exterior. During this critical phase, we focus on key elements such as surface grade and drainage, home siding/exterior wall structure, driveways, sidewalks, porches/decks, windows, and doors. The exterior and roof portions of the home inspection may provide the most detailed analysis for some clients. This is because the exterior serves as the home’s first layer of protection against external elements that can lead to deterioration or damage.

HVAC

At each home inspection we test the home’s heating and cooling systems for function, thermostatic response, and expected length of life. Whether your new home is equipped with central heating and air, radiant heat, through-wall or in-window heating and cooling elements, or the classic gravity flow we are equipped with the expertise and knowledge to test the system not only for functionality and efficiency, but also for many common deficiencies or errors in installation.

** At some external temperatures it may be too cold or too hot to safely test both heating the cooling functions.

Plumbing

Thoroughly examining the water supply and drainage systems of the home from top to bottom, we aim to discover any potential issues in water flow, water heating, and drainage. Our role is to test all fixtures, traps, and available pumps in the home to identify any leaks or clogged drains. By uncovering these issues, we aim to save you from potential headaches in the future.

Electrical

Ensuring your home’s electricity is safely wired is an essential part of comfortable home living. During your inspection we look at all visible aspects of your electrical system, from the service entrance cables, to the electrical panel wiring, breakers, fuses and disconnects, all the way to testing every available outlet in the home for correct installation and wiring. 

Interior

An interior inspection covers critical components of the home, including walls, ceilings, floors, and windows. During this thorough examination, we meticulously assess construction quality, ensuring there are no issues related to improper installation or subpar workmanship. However, it’s important to note that our inspection goes beyond surface-level evaluations. We diligently search for signs that may indicate potential larger problems such as plumbing or roof leaks, insect damage, wood rot, insufficient insulation, and more.

While it may seem like a simple walkthrough with a flashlight, our highly trained eyes are attuned to spotting subtle clues that reveal what might be happening behind the walls. Rest assured, our comprehensive interior inspection aims to uncover any hidden issues and provide you with valuable insights into the overall condition of your prospective home.

Additional Services

Drone Photography and Inspection

Inspector Jo is now a certified unmanned aircraft pilot and is allowed to operate drones for commercial use in the United States. FAA Remove pilot certificate number #5003235.

BPI Certified Building Analyst and Trainer in Oak Lawn and the Chicago Area

Owning a home and maintaining it’s value can be overwhelming. We quantitatively analyze your existing home through a series of diagnostic tests to help you compare your home to current energy efficiency standards, then provide you with a full systematic work scope of improvements and repairs for your home.

InterNACHI & BPI Certified Inspector in the Chicago Area

If buying a home is considered a stressful of life situations, then building a home is extreme. You won’t let the months of negotiations, decisions and anticipation for your new home get overwhelming with an honest and experienced third party building inspector on your side.

Looking for a Knowledgable Inspector?

What We Don’t Inspect…

Although Jo observes and notes on hundreds of aspects of a home during an inspection there are some limits to the Standards of Practice (SOP) that either are not part of a General Home Inspection or cannot be observed visually at the time. Jo believes in honestly and clearly and wants everyone to be as prepared and aware of what to expect from and Inspection Report as possible. There are some common areas people assume a Home Inspector might inspect that are actually outside of the SOP guidelines. Read more