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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Unfortunately, even the most elegant of homes can have problems that might affect your purchasing timeline, make the selling or buying process much more difficult, or even derail the sale altogether. You don’t want to be saddled with a piece of real estate that needs costly repairs to be livable or worth your investment. But there’s no need to panic. After you’ve found a highly experienced home inspector you can trust and a [...]
Buying or selling your home can be scary — but it doesn’t have to be. Imagine purchasing a house, thinking everything is fine, and then finding out days or months later that your home needs thousands of dollars of repairs. In order to prevent any expensive, unwanted surprises in your new home, it's crucial to choose a highly qualified home inspector who knows how to uncover these dreadful home inspection nightmares before it’s [...]
You’ve found your dream home. You’ve made an offer, it’s been accepted, and you’re under contract. Your financing has been approved. Only one thing stands between you and closing on your dream home: the home inspection. While paying for a home inspection may seem like little more than an added cost to the homebuying process — after all, someone is likely living in the home you purchase exactly as it is — it [...]
