If you’re in the market for an older home, it’s important to look for outdated plumbing and electrical components that might need to be replaced with more modern alternatives. A drum trap, for example, is an obsolete style of plumbing trap that can be found in many old homes. These traps are prone to clogging,… Read more »
Author: First Choice Inspectors
These Improvements Can Boost Your Home’s Resale Value
Thinking about selling your home? Some home improvements offer a better ROI than others when it comes time to put your home on the market. Today we’ll consider a few renovations that can significantly improve your home’s resale value. Make a Good First Impression When it comes to job interviews, first dates and home sales,… Read more »
Invest in a Chimney Sweep Now to Prevent Fires Next Winter
It may seem far off now, but when winter rolls around again you’ll look forward to the cheer and warmth of a roaring fire in your living room. However, if you don’t maintain your chimney during the warmer months, it can constitute a serious fire hazard. Our advice? Invest in a chimney sweep now to… Read more »
These Home Improvements are Great for Older Homes
Do you live in an older home that could use some updating? There are dozens of home improvement projects that you might be considering, but some of those projects are better-suited to old homes than others. Let’s take a look at a few home improvements that can dramatically improve your home and its resale value… Read more »
Cross These Items off Your Home Fire Safety Checklist
There are more than 1.3 million fires that take place in the U.S. every year. Many of these blazes start inside houses and put homeowners, their families and their properties at risk. The good news is, there are effective steps you can take to protect your family and your home in the event of a… Read more »
Chicago Named the Second-Most Affordable City for Home Buyers
Thinking about buying a home in the Windy City? Chicago’s housing market may be experiencing a period of slow growth, but it’s also one of the most affordable markets in the nation, according to a recent report published in Crain’s. This report found that, of the 20 largest cities in the U.S., only St. Louis… Read more »
Smart HVAC System Could Offer Significant Energy Savings
After a long, hot summer, you may be tired of seeing your energy bills spike from the increased load on your HVAC system. Thanks to the efforts of Iranian-American entrepreneur Hamid Farzaneh, homeowners will soon have access to a new “intelligent” ventilation technology that’s designed to make HVAC systems far more efficient. The Alea Air… Read more »
Keep an Eye out for Signs of Termite Activity This Summer
Did you know that termite damage costs U.S. homeowners an estimated $5 billion a year? Termites tend to be particularly active this time of year, when warm weather gives them an opportunity to swarm and form new colonies. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to stay on the lookout for signs of… Read more »
Lead-Based Paint Remains a Concern in Chicago’s Older Homes
Despite the Chicago Department of Public Health’s efforts to address lead hazards in older homes, many neighborhoods in and around the city are still in need of lead paint abatement. Although lead-based paint is relatively harmless when left undisturbed, it can because a serious health hazard when it begins to deteriorate into a toxic dust…. Read more »
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a House With Water Damage
You find a home that you and your family absolutely love. You’re just about ready to make an offer, but then a routine home inspection reveals signs of past water damage. Could this cause more problems in the future? Should you abandon the home altogether? There are a few important things to consider before following… Read more »