Author: First Choice Inspectors

Benefits of a Home Inspection in the Summer

Worker inspecting AC

If you are a potential homeowner that is having a home inspected this summer, you can rest easy knowing you’re in  the best position. Having a home inspected during the summer allows for a home inspection expert to see if there are any issues that may have been hidden during the colder months. Whatever you… Read more »

Easy Ways to Keep Your Energy Bills Low This Summer

Programmable Thermostat

Do your energy bills tend to rise with the temperature? With spring here, your A/C might be working overtime soon once the summer hits to keep your house cool. The good news is, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your energy bills even during the hottest months of the year…. Read more »

Avoiding a Wet Basement Can Save You Money in the Future

wet basement and foundation inspection

If your home’s foundation is causing you several headaches, it must mean there are major problems with the foundation that need to be fixed right away. It’s essential that your home has a solid foundation, especially when living in colder northern climates that have a stone or concrete foundation and a basement. Staying on top… Read more »

Look Out for Faulty Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Scorched Outlet

Concerned about DIY or outdated electrical work in your home or a home you’re thinking about buying? Faulty wiring can be expensive to replace and pose serious safety risks to homeowners. Today we’ll address a few telltale signs of bad electrical work to look out for. Hot Outlets Although electrical appliances may generate heat when… Read more »

Keep an Eye out for These Common Issues in Old Homes

Although there are no hard and fast rules for what constitutes an older home, those built before 1920 fall in the antique category. Since Chicago became a city in the mid-1800s, there is a substantial inventory of older homes in the city and surrounding suburbs. As such, it’s not uncommon for prospective buyers to find… Read more »

The Importance of Inspecting a Home’s Plumbing System Before Making an Offer

Before you buy a home you should have First Choice Inspectors check out the home’s plumbing system. After all, you’re spending the most money you’ve ever spent in your life to make the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. It’s important to check to make sure you’re getting a home in good working order, and the… Read more »

Common Problems Caused By Poor Roof Ventilation

First Choice Inspectors see a lot of roofs in Chicago and Aurora, Illinois. As inspectors, they look for common problems caused by poor roof ventilation. So, what do they look for? How is the Attic? Inspectors often look at an attic to figure out how the roof ventilation of a house is working well… or… Read more »

Asbestos Insulation in Homes Can Be Dangerous to Your Health

Asbestos removal in an old home

Before its negative health effects were widely understood, asbestos was a common feature of building materials such as tile and insulation throughout much of the 20th century. Fortunately, when left undisturbed, the health risks associated with asbestos insulation are fairly negligible. If you are buying an older home, however, it’s important to have an asbestos… Read more »

These Home Issues Can Be Signs of Serious Underlying Issues

Are you in the process of searching for a new home? If so, it’s important to keep a close eye out for issues that could require expensive repairs in the future. Some of these issues – like outdated electrical panels or cracks in the foundation—are pretty easy to spot if you know what to look… Read more »

Things to Check Before You Turn on Your Furnace This Season

With the Fall season approaching, it won’t be too long before the colder months are upon us, which means that it won’t be long before you’re depending on your furnace to keep your home’s interior warm and comfortable. Heating a home for several months can put your furnace under quite a bit of stress, so… Read more »