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 »
Category: Energy Efficient Homes
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 »
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 Some of these issues – like outdated electrical panels or cracks in the foundation—are pretty easy to spot if you know what to look… Read more »
Keep These Tips in Mind Before Buying a Foreclosed Home
Buying a foreclosed home can be a worthwhile investment, but only if you’re careful to buy the right home. You can start by making a realistic budget that includes more than just the purchase price. It’s also always important to remember that you might have to spend more money on renovations and fixing the place… Read more »
What Problems Could Affect a Home’s Foundation?
When buying a new home, there are many things to consider. You want to find something that has enough bedrooms and bathrooms in it for your family. You also want to find something that has been updated and that matches your personal style. And then, there are things like the local school system and property… Read more »
Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer
Summer will be here before we know it. It won’t be long before you are relying on your home’s HVAC system and, more specifically, your home’s air conditioner to keep your house cool. But before you start using it on a regular basis, you should take the time to prepare it for the summer season…. Read more »
The Importance of an Energy Audit on Your Home
First Choice Inspectors regularly perform energy audits in and around Chicago. An energy audit involves professionals doing a comprehensive examination of a home or building’s thermal performance. In other words, where are the leaks? Heating and cooling a building costs money, and when there are leaks, the heat or cool air you’re paying for might… Read more »
Signs Your Home Has Structural Issues
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 Importance of Home Energy Audits Today
A home energy audit is very important in today’s day and age. Energy audits allow a home inspector to give you all the data and information on how you’re using your home’s energy, if there are possible improvements you can make, and if you can replace any old equipment in the home. Today, your home’s… Read more »
Spring Maintenance Inspection Checklist for Your Home
It’s the spring season as we know from the up and down weather stretching across the country. It comes every single year, and it brings us cold and warm weather every other day. The spring season is also the time for spring cleaning, checkups on your home, maintenance, and inspections. A home inspection will ensure… Read more »