Buying a home is exciting, but it can come with surprises when systems inside the house are not working the way they should. HVAC issues are especially tricky because so many problems stay hidden behind walls, in attics, or inside the equipment itself. Thermography gives inspectors a way to see those hidden areas by showing… Read more »
Selling a home in Chicago is no longer as simple as taking photos, putting up a sign, and waiting for offers. Buyers are more informed, the housing stock is older, and competition in popular neighborhoods like Logan Square, Avondale, and Edgewater is stronger than ever. Because of this, more sellers are choosing to schedule a… Read more »
Anyone who lives in Chicago knows how unpredictable the weather can be. One day it’s freezing, the next it’s melting, and then it’s freezing again. While most people think about how this affects their commute or their pipes, few realize just how much this constant freezing and thawing can damage a home’s foundation. At First… Read more »
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 »
Summertime in Chicago brings sunshine, warm breezes—and unfortunately, termites. While most homeowners are focused on cookouts and home improvements, termites are quietly doing their own kind of damage beneath the surface. These destructive pests become especially active in the warmer months, which makes summer the ideal time to schedule a professional home inspection. At First… 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 »
Selling a home can be an exciting yet stressful process. One of the biggest challenges sellers face is unexpected surprises that arise during the buyer’s home inspection—leading to delays, price negotiations, or even deals falling through. The good news? A pre-listing inspection can help you avoid these pitfalls and sell your home faster and with… Read more »