For most of us, the word “home” is a pretty powerful one. Home is where we relax and unwind with family and friends. It’s an oasis from stress, and an investment in the future. When we think of home, we think about love, togetherness, peace, and respite. Tied up in all of those ideas is one simple, important concept: safety.
The events of the past year have made the idea of having a safe home feel all the more real — and all the more pressing. According to a study from Unison, 64% of American homeowners say that living through a pandemic has made their home more important to them than ever. 91% say that owning their home makes them feel secure, stable, or successful, and 70% say that they are emotionally attached to their property.
Home is synonymous with safety and security for so many of us. So, what happens when the space we go to feel safe happens to be a hazard in its own right?
Safety Starts at Home
While it’s not always pleasant to think about, the reality is that many accidents and injuries happen in homes here in Chicagoland and across the country each year.
According to data compiled by the National Safety Council (NSC), there were more than 39.4 million preventable injuries in homes and communities in the U.S. in 2019 — which collectively contributed to more than $501.9 billion in annual costs. According to the NSC, home and community deaths have increased by 58% over the last 10 years — with common household dangers ranging from poisoning, to falls, to fires and burns, according to data from the SafeWise blog.
The unfortunate fact of the matter is that our homes are incredibly complex systems, and they can malfunction and cause harm just like any other intricate mechanism. Pipes can burst. Electrical outlets can spark. Water can flow into basements. Radon can seep up through the ground. Foundation issues can damage staircases and guard rails.
Fortunately, whether you are buying a property or trying to maintain the place you already call home, there are steps you can take to make sure your home always feels like a fortress where you can be safe from danger and harm — including bringing on the services of a professional home inspection company.
The Importance of a Professional Home Inspection
A home inspection is a visual examination of the readily accessible systems and components of a home. During an inspection, the inspector looks for structural and mechanical concerns, as well as potential safety hazards. Your inspector will also try to determine the age of major systems around the property, including but not limited to the roofing, HVAC components, and water heaters. During a standard home inspection, an inspector will generally observe hundreds of elements throughout the home with a keen and objective eye.
A properly trained inspector is unbiased and thorough, and will review your house as a system, looking at how one component of the house might affect another. Keep in mind that while home inspectors are licensed and certified professionals, home inspectors are not code enforcement officers. A municipal inspection verifies compliance to local codes and standards; a home inspection is more focused on the life, health, and safety of the home’s future occupants.
For buyers, an inspection can help you determine if the home you’re interested in is safe, structurally and mechanically sound, and free of health risks. At Windy City Home Inspection, our home inspectors’ visual evaluation will provide a solid foundation of knowledge about the home, with a particular focus on its components and systems. In addition to reporting any deficiencies or potential failures, our home inspector will include maintenance tips and other information to help you protect your investment for the long-term. At Windy City Home Inspection, Inc., we back all of our inspections with a 90 Day Limited Structural and Mechanical Warranty. We also offer complimentary tools that you can continue to use, including fact sheets and online resources such as HomeBinder and Homeowners’ Resource.
And if you’re interested in checking up on the safety and habitability of a home you already own? Once you’ve purchased a property, you want to make sure that you maintain the safety, structural and mechanical integrity of your home. It’s a good idea to have your home inspected every few years or so to ensure that its systems are functioning as they should be. When problems are found, the inspector will either offer recommendations of how to repair the issue, or recommend you get a further evaluation by someone who specializes in that field. In addition to keeping you and your family safe, catching and addressing issues early can help you save big on the costs of repairs and replacements, especially if you’re able to prevent a major issue before it gets the chance to strike.
Get Answers to Your Biggest Home Inspection Questions With Windy City Home Inspection
Curious about what goes into the home inspection process across Chicagoland? Looking for guidance or insight from an experienced home inspection team? That’s where we come in.
With Windy City Home Inspection, buyers and sellers 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.
