It’s October, which means Halloween is just around the corner. This is the time of year when people here in Chicagoland and around the country bundle up on couches to watch their favorite horror classics, or tell spooky tall tales around a campfire.
Being smack dab in the middle of the season of ghosts and ghouls got us thinking: What are some of the everyday horror stories that homeowners face?
Whether you’re buying a home, getting ready to sell, or want to maintain and protect the property you already own, a home inspector can be your hero. Here’s how an inspection can help you avoid some of these all-too-common household horrors…
The Crumbling House
You thought your home would last a lifetime, and keep you and your family safe. But now things are falling apart — literally! With cracks in the walls, water spots on the ceilings, and structural issues all over the place, your family home has become a house of horrors!
Homes are complicated systems, made out of hundreds of different moving parts. All of those pieces need to be properly maintained over time, or the whole system could break down. When you buy a home, you want to make sure it’s safe, structurally and mechanically sound, and free of health risks or potential safety hazards.
If there’s an issue with the foundation or framing, significant water damage, or a compromised roof, it’s important to know these things before you sign on the dotted line.
For home buyers, an inspection performed by an experienced, knowledgeable, and impartial home inspector is one of the best forms of protection against buying a home needing repairs that you may not be able to afford, or which may put your family’s safety and comfort at risk.
An inspector can help you gain a better understanding of a property’s condition and habitability. A standard inspection will include an assessment of the condition of the house and all of its systems. Your home inspector will also try to identify areas where repairs may be needed; places where there have been problems in the past; and any elements of the home that are not performing properly or which have exceeded their useful life span.
The Invisible Intruders
The house looks fine at first glance… But before long, you start to notice little things that seem off. Then, one day, you come face to face with an intruder — and discover that it’s been living in your home undetected all along! Now the battle with those unwanted invaders is on… But is it already too late?
While most of us like to think of our homes as impregnable fortresses, the reality is that no home is immune from unwelcome intruders. Termites feast on home components; rodents and other pests scurry through the garage; mold and mildew creep into crawl spaces or around exterior walls; invisible, odorless radon seeps up through the ground.
The bottom line? Whether it’s a home you’ve lived in for years or a listing you’re thinking of buying, the reality is that the property may be plagued by dangerous or unwelcome guests you may not be able to notice by yourself. A home inspector can help you identify potential problems and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones.
For more information on these common household invaders — and how Windy City Home Inspection can help — check out our guides on mold, radon, and pests. Looking for a local professional to help mitigate a problem? Click here to see a list of service providers that we have had personal or professional experiences with in the past.
The Monsters Inside the Walls
Out of sight, out of mind… right? It’s easy to assume that your home’s plumbing, electrical, and HVAC will always be there for you… Now, your home’s most important systems are keeping you up at all hours, making your family uncomfortable, and causing your utility bills to skyrocket. They’ve turned into monsters, and they’re out of control right when you need them most!
The same systems that we rely on for comfort and safety can also become major headaches.
Faulty or poorly designed electrical systems can cause your appliances to perform poorly and lower your home’s energy efficiency – while increasing the likelihood of experiencing an electrical fire, a shock, or another serious safety hazard. An outdated water heater can cause your bills to skyrocket. A leaky or deteriorating plumbing system can lead to devastating water damage and costly repairs. Problems with your HVAC systems can cause your family serious discomfort, while also driving up your energy bills all year long.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or settling into a home, a home inspection is an important first step in getting a handle on all of these important systems. Your home inspector can help you to determine the age of major components, including the air conditioner, furnace or boiler, and water heater. Meanwhile, your inspector can determine if there are pressing mechanical concerns, while also equipping you with vital information you can pull from if issues come up down the line — including how to perform basic system maintenance, and where to go to shut off your water, electrical, or gas systems when needed.
Looking for a Home Inspector to Help Save the Day?
Want to avoid any of these home horror stories? If you live in Chicagoland, Windy City Home Inspection has a thorough and carefully considered home inspection for you.
With Windy City Home Inspection, you can expect a thorough, diligent inspection that never cuts corners. When searching for the right home inspector, it’s important to find someone you can trust — and that’s why we are here for you. The inspectors at Windy City Home Inspection, Inc. are licensed by the State of Illinois, certified, and insured. Each home inspection is backed by our Warranty and Protection Plan. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our superior customer service. If you ever have questions, even years after your home inspection, we will be here to answer them — even if it means returning to your home.
At Windy City Home Inspection, Inc., we perform inspections to the highest standards — yours. Backed by a consulting team with more than 60 years of experience, Windy City Home Inspection is committed to excellence. Have a question? Let us help.
