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Concerned about DIY or outdated electrical work in your home or a home you’re thinking about buying?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 »
Does your home have “issues?” There are some key things to look for regarding signs of structural problems. First, look at a home from far away. Go across the street, for instance, and take a look to see if you notice any walls leaning or tilting in ways that don’t look normal. How’s the ridge… Read more »
The foundation of the home is extremely important. This is why an inspection for a foundation at your home can save you from problems with your home down the road. If you don’t know what is wrong with your foundation, there are signs to look out for. Here are some of the signs to look… Read more »
Cracks and defects in a home’s foundation can be a real problem for your home and your health and safety. Cracks in concrete or stone foundation could mean they’re just normal environmental stresses. It’s important to get a foundation inspection done to determine if the cracks and defects are serious foundation defects. Serious Foundation Problems… Read more »
It’s time to work on your basement finally. You have a plenty of ideas for what you may want your basement to end up being. It could mean you want an extra bedroom or a comfortable lounging area. You could also make it into a man cave for yourself. The most important thing to do… Read more »