What can you expect during your home inspection? Typically your home inspector is a professional man who knows a lot about homes. He will give the home you’re interested in a thorough examination, much like a doctor checks a patient.
The inspector typically carries a clipboard with sheets of paper on it. On these pieces of paper are lists of various things found in a typical home, like the appliances in the kitchen, faucets in the bathroom, etc. The inspector goes from room to room in a house looking at things, testing them when needed. For instance, he may put a gadget into the outlet in a wall in the living room and that gadget will tell him if it’s getting electricity as it should. If it’s not, he’ll make a note of it.
Meanwhile, the inspector is likely to examine the “nooks and crannies” of the house– the basement, the attic, etc. Again, he’ll make note of what he sees, if everything is in good working order, and/or what needs fixing or replacing.
The nice thing about having a home inspection done is that you can follow the inspector along and ask questions. See that stain on the ceiling near the fireplace? The inspector can explain to you what he thinks is going on there. If it’s a big deal, you can then ask the seller to have it repaired before you buy the house. That way you’re not stuck paying for the problem!
A home inspector is an examiner who essentially gives your house a report card. Where it’s failing, improvements need to be done. In other areas, it’s fine– all’s well.
In the Chicago area, you can email info@firstchoiceinspectors.com or call 773-429-9711 to have a professional home inspector walk through the home you intend to sell or buy and then give you a detailed report of what he found. This information proves to be invaluable to people.
Foreclosed homes can typically be bought for a “better” price than a non-foreclosed home. Think about it this way: the home, at one time, was utilized and loved. Now, however, it’s most likely owned by a bank just looking to get rid of it. This could be a very good deal for the right buyer.
Just like carbon monoxide, you cannot see, smell or taste a radioactive gas called radon.
Chicago is known as “The Windy City,” and indeed it is. Wind as well as the sometimes brutal winter weather can really take its toll on area roofs.
When owning a home, there are many cautions that should be taken to keep you and your family safe. Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless toxic flammable gas, is often emitted as part of the fumes of fuel. Difficult to detect, this poisonous gas can be leaked from cars, stoves, fireplaces, grills, furnaces and more. Many people believe that carbon monoxide build up is primarily a concern in the winter months when doors and windows are closed, but deadly levels can build up in the summertime, too.
First Choice Inspectors regularly inspects homes in the Chicagoland area. A standard home inspection looks for structural or mechanical defects. An inspector is trained to look for construction mistakes and shortcuts, as well as potential problems in a home.
Perhaps the best benefit of buying a foreclosed home is its price. Because it’s foreclosed, someone or some entity, like a bank, is trying to get rid of it. Therefore, they’re willing to sell it at a bargain price. Many people have enjoyed buying foreclosed homes that were once selling for, say, $400,000 for…$150,000. Now that is a bargain! It’s a way to move into a desirable neighborhood for a fraction of the price others had to pay to be there.
