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

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

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

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?

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|

Home Buying Nightmares: Can A Home Inspection Save You?

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 [...]

2022-05-31T10:49:00-05:00April 19th, 2022|Home Tips|

What Makes Chicago Home Inspections Unique

Buying or selling a home is, by nature, a process that involves some degree of risk and uncertainty. According to real estate website Trulia, around 4% of home sales fall through between offer and close, imposing costs on both buyer and seller. The right home inspection can help to reduce that risk, ensuring that both parties to the sale are aware of potential problems or issues with the property and able to discuss [...]

2022-03-30T13:13:50-05:00March 15th, 2022|Home Tips|

Should I Get A Condo Inspection?

When you decide to take the plunge and make a real estate investment, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your investment is as sound and secure as possible. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know what services are necessary, and which may just involve cost with little value added. For example, many condo purchasers may be unsure about the home inspection process. After all, a condo purchase generally involves [...]

2022-02-16T10:33:38-06:00February 16th, 2022|Home Tips|

The Most Common Home Inspection Findings

If you’re reading a home inspection report for the first time, it can seem overwhelming. The report can range from about 15 to about 50 pages, and contains a great deal of information about the home, the inspector’s process, and any defects or dangerous conditions found during the inspection process. Some of these conditions present real risks or potential expenses down the line, while others may not present any issues at all once [...]

2022-01-26T10:30:18-06:00January 24th, 2022|Home Tips|

The Importance of a Home Inspection When Buying a Second Home

Many people dream of owning a second home as a private getaway, a place where they can go with their families for a vacation from the everyday. For others, owning a vacation home is a source of passive income through the vacation rental and home-sharing markets. And for plenty of people, the dream of owning a second home is about having a place to retire in the future, whether that means a quiet [...]

2021-09-13T20:53:40-05:00September 14th, 2021|Home Tips|
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