Chicago’s winters and unpredictable spring thaws can be tough on a home. The constant freezing and warming causes building materials to expand and contract. Over time, that movement creates stress points throughout your home’s protective barrier, often called the building envelope. This includes siding, masonry, windows, roofing, and insulation. Knowing how the freeze-thaw cycle impacts… Read more »
When you think about owning or buying an older home, you might picture charming details, unique architecture, or a rich history. But beneath all that character lies something critical— the foundation. It’s easy to overlook, yet it’s what holds your entire home together. Unfortunately, foundation problems in older homes can be tricky to spot, expensive… Read more »
Summers in Chicago can be beautiful—but they’re also incredibly humid. And while we all know to brace ourselves for heatwaves and thunderstorms, there’s one thing many homeowners forget to watch out for: mold. That sticky, muggy summer air doesn’t just make us uncomfortable—it creates a prime environment for mold to thrive inside homes. If you’ve… Read more »
It’s a scenario more common than you might think: a homeowner spots a mysterious water stain on the ceiling or a warped patch of flooring, yet every pipe and appliance check out fine. No leaks, no flooding—but the damage is real. So, where is the water coming from? At First Choice Inspectors, we know that… Read more »
Spring in Chicago means more than sunshine and blooming tulips—it’s the ideal time to take stock of your home after months of freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Winter can be tough on buildings, and small issues left unchecked can turn into big problems when the warmer weather rolls in. At First Choice Inspectors, we perform… Read more »
Living in Chicago means braving extreme temperatures, from frigid winters to scorching summers. These seasonal swings can take a toll on your home—and your wallet—if your energy systems aren’t operating efficiently. Fortunately, a professional energy audit can uncover ways to improve your home’s energy performance, reduce costs, and keep your living space comfortable year-round. What… Read more »
Basements are extremely beneficial to have if you own a home. They can be great for storage and can be used as extra living spaces for hanging out. If you have a finished basement, there are plenty of things you can use it for. However, basements can also be a little tricky to deal with… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »