Category: Home Inspection

Avoiding a Wet Basement Can Save You Money in the Future

wet basement and foundation inspection

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 »

Look Out for Faulty Electrical Wiring in Your Home

Scorched Outlet

Concerned about DIY or outdated electrical work in your home or a home you’re thinking about buying?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 »

Keep an Eye out for These Common Issues in Old Homes

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 »

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 »

Asbestos Insulation in Homes Can Be Dangerous to Your Health

Asbestos removal in an old home

Before its negative health effects were widely understood, asbestos was a common feature of building materials such as tile and insulation throughout much of the 20th century. Fortunately, when left undisturbed, the health risks associated with asbestos insulation are fairly negligible. If you are buying an older home, however, it’s important to have an asbestos… 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 Some of these issues – like outdated electrical panels or cracks in the foundation—are pretty easy to spot if you know what to look… Read more »

Common Sources of Asbestos in Old Homes

Asbestos in Old Home

Owning a home is a great responsibility. From purchasing to reconstruction, you have total control over the home-owning process. One thing you don’t have control over, unfortunately, is where asbestos might be hiding in your home, especially if it was constructed before 1975. Here are four areas where you might find asbestos in an old… Read more »

How to Prepare Your House for a Home Inspection

Getting ready to schedule a home inspection prior to selling your home? If so, it’s a good idea to prepare your property for the inspectors before they arrive. Today we’ll look at a few simple steps you can take to make sure your home inspection go as smoothly as possible. Make sure home inspectors can… Read more »

Keep These Tips in Mind Before Buying a Foreclosed Home

Home inspections for foreclosed homes

 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 »