Whether you’re planning on buying a new residence or selling your property and moving to greener pastures, a thorough home inspection by a licensed, experienced professional is an absolute necessity. Even if you have no plans to relocate any time soon, an inspection can help you maintain your beloved family home and avoid sudden costly repair bills.

How do you know what to look for when hiring a home inspection firm? Many companies offer vague promises but don’t deliver, and you deserve the very best service and expertise. Don’t waste your time and money on a less-than-comprehensive examination — here are the top things that the best Chicagoland home inspectors do for their clients.

Provide the Documentation You Need

Following a timeline is crucial during the closing process. If you’re on the journey to purchasing a house, you’re entitled to, and should absolutely take advantage of,  a full home inspection after the seller has accepted your offer. This should be done as soon as possible.

Some property owners will have their own inspection performed before putting their house on the market. It’s the best way to learn about any issues that could affect the bottom line and either remedy those problems or adjust their price accordingly. Presenting your inspection report for review shows that you’re selling in good faith. 

A detailed inspection takes several hours and results in an extensive report that includes photos, analysis, and recommendations. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, your report should cover all of these elements:

  • Heating and central air conditioning
  • Interior plumbing
  • Electrical system
  • Roof, attic, and visible insulation
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors
  • Doors and windows
  • The foundation, basement, and visible structural components 

Your home inspector should also provide you with a pre-closing checklist, which can be a lifesaver when it comes time for that final walkthrough before you sign on the dotted line. Things can happen between your inspection and closing day, such as appliance malfunctions, damage due to severe weather, or items included in the sale going missing. 

Windy City Home Inspection goes the extra mile by also including a valuable membership to HomeBinder as a select authorized partner. HomeBinder is an all-in-one residential management platform and app that helps you stay organized and on top of warranties, needed repairs, appliance recalls, annual preventative maintenance, and so much more. 

Offer Peace of Mind

Moving into a new house is exhilarating but it can also cause you stress and anxiety. Nobody wants to deal with their very own home-buying nightmare — a qualified and knowledgeable inspector can save you and your family from buying a money pit or a place with dangerous problems. 

The most well-reviewed inspection companies back up their work with a solid 90-day structural and mechanical warranty. This gives you extra coverage against unforeseen problems during the first three months in your new home. 

You can also receive additional protection for no extra charge with a MoldSafe policy which offers remediation costs of up to $2,000 if mold is found in your home within 90 days of your home inspection. SewerGard is another warranty that should be provided by your inspector and covers your water and sewer lines.

Deliver with Speed and Accuracy

In the old days, receiving an inspection report could take days during the tightly scheduled closing process. A missed deadline can result in frustrated sellers, at best, or a breach of contract, at worst, that results in a steep financial penalty or the loss of your dream home. 

Thanks to modern software and our tech-savvy team, Windy City can turn around your detailed inspection report amazingly fast — usually within one business day. Our inspectors are equipped with the latest tools to document every aspect of the issues they find, and we’ll make sure you’re fully informed about everything that needs to be addressed, whether you’re the current homeowner or the soon-to-be buyer.

Prioritize Education and Communication

Is your home inspection staff led by a board-certified master inspector that pursues continuing education and has performed thousands of inspections? Are you working with a Certified EIFS professional? These are key qualifications to look for when you’re searching for the right home inspection company.

We’re passionate about ensuring our customers know exactly what’s in their home inspection reports. Our techs go above and beyond to make sure your every question is answered. There’s nothing hidden or vague about our results.

Concierge Customer Service

Not every home inspection business is the same. For your peace of mind, you should work with a firm that has a consistent 5-star rating on Google and offers friendly, personalized service and scheduling. 

Our concierge program is more than just a catchphrase. Your home inspector should be a valuable resource throughout the entire time you own the property, not just when you’re buying or selling. Not only do we offer assistance in dealing with utility companies, but we also offer a range of additional safety inspections for radon gas, mold, and pests.

We’re also pleased to help you find the perfect providers for architectural services, electrical work, flooring, HVAC, interior design and renovation, and more. Our Friends of Windy City are respected and experienced technicians that we recommend because we’ve worked with them personally and professionally. 

Chicagoland’s Best

Finding a home inspector you can trust might seem like a daunting task, but it’s just a matter of doing your due diligence. Checking a company’s qualifications and certifications is a vitally important element of choosing the right one. In Illinois, home inspectors are required to be certified by the state’s Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Your inspector should also belong to a professional organization such as the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the All American Association of Home Inspectors (AAAHI), or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). 

A top home inspector should answer your every question, welcome your presence, and provide an exhaustive and incredibly informative report. At Windy City, we’re with you every step of the way, from buying your first home to helping you stay on top of preventative maintenance year after year. If you’re ready to get the ball rolling, reach out to us today!