Home Maintenance Archives - Windy City Home Inspection, INC

How to Prepare for A Spring Home Inspection

How to Prepare for A Spring Home Inspection

Spring is almost here and soon you’ll see delightfully warmer temperatures, tulips blooming along Michigan Avenue, and cherry blossoms in Jackson Park — along with possible building damage caused by Chicagoland’s brutal winter weather. It’s also the perfect time to schedule a thorough inspection of your home by a licensed and experienced professional. Regular inspections are a crucial part of maintaining the value of your property, ensuring your family stays safe, and protecting [...]

2023-03-13T11:37:34-05:00March 13th, 2023|Home Tips|

What to Expect When Buying a Historic Home

What to Expect When Buying a Historic Home

Are you dreaming of owning an elegant Victorian mansion, a Queen Anne cottage with soaring ceilings, a classic Arts & Crafts bungalow, or a stunning Mediterranean Revival residence from the roaring 20s? Chicagoland has tens of thousands of gorgeous historic places and is a fierce competitor for the title of “the architecture capital of the world.” The Oak Park community boasts more buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright than anywhere else in the [...]

2023-02-17T10:58:48-06:00February 17th, 2023|Home Tips|

Protecting Your Chicago Home from Snow and Ice

Protecting Your Chicago Home from Snow and Ice

Winter in Chicago is a famously tough time of year — and this season is shaping up to be another cold one. As temperatures drop and the patches of ice spreading around town get thicker, it’s important to take some key steps to prepare your home, so it’s safeguarded from the worst that the winter weather has to offer. […]

2023-01-30T10:11:03-06:00January 30th, 2023|Home Tips|

How to Prioritize Issues Revealed in Home Inspection Report

How to Prioritize Issues Revealed in Home Inspection Report

In the market for a new home? Then it’s critical to get a thorough home inspection from a highly reputable firm. Doing so can potentially save you many thousands of dollars and help you avoid unwanted surprises after closing. Many buyers who feel they’ve found their dream home will use their inspection report as part of the negotiation process to get a reduced sale price or concessions from the seller to address red [...]

2023-01-24T10:48:23-06:00January 24th, 2023|Home Tips|

The Importance of Radon and Mold Testing for Your Home

The Importance of Radon and Mold Testing for Your Home

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not a threat. Your indoor air quality impacts your entire household, and the presence of radon, mold, or mildew can create serious health hazards for your loved ones. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can get trapped in your home and increase the risk of lung cancer. Various types of mold can cause mild to severe respiratory complaints, skin problems, and allergic [...]

2022-12-20T11:54:06-06:00December 20th, 2022|Home Tips|

Sewer Scopes: Who Needs Them, What They’re For, and Why

Sewer Scopes: Who Needs Them, What They’re For, and Why

Plumbing problems are one of the main things every homeowner dreads. Repairs can be painfully expensive as well as inconvenient and, let’s face it, highly unpleasant. While a sewer scope inspection of your plumbing system isn’t required by InterNACHI's Home Inspection Standards of Practice, it is one of the many additional services proudly offered by WCHI so you can get peace of mind — and avoid being unpleasantly surprised by a poorly-timed plumbing [...]

2022-10-14T10:27:10-05:00October 14th, 2022|Home Tips|

The Best Air Conditioning Solution for your Space: Central Air vs The Rest

The Best Air Conditioning Solution for your Space: Central Air vs The Rest

If you’re tired of sweltering and melting in your own home, join the club. Air conditioners are one of the country’s most in-demand major appliances right now. But which type of air conditioning is the most appropriate for your house? Central AC is awesome, but is it the right choice for you at this time? You’ve probably heard a lot about heat pumps — are they really more efficient than the other styles [...]

2022-09-14T10:19:18-05:00September 14th, 2022|Home Tips|

What is the Life Expectancy of Home Systems

What is the Life Expectancy of Home Systems

Your home’s internal systems are what keep your family safe, secure, and comfortable. But what “systems” do we mean, and how long can you expect them to last before they need to be replaced? According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, there’s a multitude of interlocking parts and products that ensure the smooth functioning of your daily life, both on the inside and the outside of your house. In this article, [...]

2022-08-22T10:59:10-05:00August 17th, 2022|Home Tips|

Summer Home Maintenance 101

Summer Home Maintenance 101

What comes to mind when you think of summer in the Windy City? Warm weather? Trees swaying in the breeze? Going for a long walk on a peaceful evening? Enjoying a day at Wrigley Field, or listening to the tunes at Ravinia? As the days get warmer and longer and we move further away from the harsh winter months, it’s important to remember that taking on some common summer maintenance tasks can help [...]

2022-07-22T11:50:03-05:00July 22nd, 2022|Home Tips|

Who is Responsible for Fixing Common Elements in Condo HOAs?

Who is Responsible for Fixing Common Elements in Condo HOAs?

Condominiums offer a world of convenience for potential owners due to their reputation for low maintenance, affordability, and a glorious lack of yard work. But buying a condo is still a major investment, and it’s always best to do your due diligence before signing the final paperwork. You should also ask yourself if the condo lifestyle is right for you. In a competitive market, they can be easier to buy than a single-family [...]

2022-06-15T10:03:19-05:00June 15th, 2022|Uncategorized|