Frequently Asked Questions

When should I have a home inspection? When a offer contract has been accepted and signed, contigent on a home inspection, the buyer usually has a 10 day grace period in which to have that home inspection done.

What is a home inspection? A home inspection is a professional, objective assessment of the physical structure and systems of a home by a Professional Home Inspector who is licensed by the State of Illinois.

What home inspection Standards are used for my home inspection? All inspections are performed in accordance with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. This standard serves as the home inspector's performance guideline, and is universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities.

Can’t I do it myself?  A professional home inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition of a property. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. An inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together. How and why they fail; knows what to look for, and is uniquely suited to interpret what their findings reveal about the condition of the property.

Do I have to be there? While it is not necessary for you to be present, it is always recommended that you make time to join us during the inspection. This allows you to observe the inspector, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property with the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.

How long does an inspection take? Our typical detailed inspection of a property lasts three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age and condition of the home.

What if the report reveals problems? No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate you should not buy the house. Our findings serve to educate you in advance of the purchase about the condition of the property. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered during an inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to be involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely valuable.

What is included in the home inspection report? Our report summarizes findings from a visual inspection of the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation, basement, and the visible structures of the home.  Our findings are packaged in an easy to reference binder, where over 1,000 items in a home are professionally examined, evaluated and reported on.