Partial List of Topics:
Asbestos
Chimney
Electrical Systems
Fire Damage
Structural Damage
Heating System
Hot Water Heater
Lead-Based Paint
Oil Leakage
Plumbing
Pitched Asphalt Roof
Slate Roof
Flat Roof
Rotted Wood
Termite
Water in BasementTermites. Carpenter Ants, and Other Inspections
They are here, there, and virtually everywhere. We strongly encourage a pest inspection be done for all properties being sold. These are not welcome little creatures by any means. The same goes for carpenter ants and all other such destroying, annoying insects.
Terminix - lots of good information
Heimer Company - great site for lots of stuff, including termites
Other Inspections
Here are other inspections some buyers have done. Read about them and decide if you want any of these, or other, inspections done for any property you're considering buying. Some people feel very strongly about these issues and inspections while others feel the issues have been exaggerated. As with many things in life, you need to educate yourself on these issues then decide what you want to do for yourself. This is a personal choice that you have to make because we have to let the sellers/sellers agent know your decisions at the time we present your offer to purchase.
If you ask us, we advise clients to get these inspections done to be on the safe side and learn as much as possible about the property they want to buy. Again, it's your choice which of these tests you want done.
Air Quality
Asbestos
EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems) - Synthetic Stucco
Foam Insulation
Lead Paint Inspections
Mold Inspections
Oil Leaks
Radon Inspections
Termite/Pest Inspections
See above
Water Issues
As of January 1, 2003 the State of Illinois Home Inspector License Act became effective requiring all companies or persons involved in the home inspection process to be licensed by the State of Illinois in accordance with the Home Inspectors License Act. Make sure you ask to see proof of licensing when you hire an inspector or check them out at the states licensing webpage.
This means you cannot have a family member or friend who knows about construction and homes do an inspection for you. The inspector must be licensed, bonded and insured for everyone's protection to do the specific kind(s) of inspection(s) you want done. Any deficits found can often be worked out with the seller.
Our experience has been generally, sellers are fairly honest about their property's condition, because they know if they're not they may have serious and expensive legal problems down the road.
Sometimes, sellers don't realize they may have a problem in the making with a component of their property. For example: from the outside the roof appears to be okay. Yet the roof may be showing signs of leakage in the attic. So far, it hasn't been enough to penetrate the ceiling in the house, and since the seller has never been in the attic crawl space, they're not aware of it.
However, it does show up during the home inspection process when the professionally trained home inspector goes into the attic area to get a good look around. The home inspector sees some discoloration on a couple of the roofs beams and traces the source to a water leak. Given time of course, it will become a greater problem and more expensive to fix. Now, the home inspector will let the buyer know about the leakage so it can be addressed between the seller and buyer, their respective agents and attorneys.
When looking around for home inspectors you want to make sure they have the credentials to do their job correctly, and can provide proof of being licensed by the state of Illinois as a home inspector. An ASHI recognized inspector is a good place to start. For our clients we have recommendations we will share with you to get you started.
What does the inspector check? This depends on the company you select. Here are some of the things most home inspectors might check when doing their inspection (check with the inspectors you talk to for their specific items covered during the home inspection - what's included, what's excluded):
The large print giveth, the small print taketh away.
Read coverage and limits very carefully.
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Roof,
Chimney
Grading
Drainage
Sidewalk
Driveways
Overhead
Garage Doors
Brick,
Siding, Trims
Porches,
Decks, Patios
Windows,
Doors
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Attic
Ceilings,
Walls
Floors
Basement,
Crawl
Foundation
Structure
Supports
Insulation
Ventilation
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Electrical
Plumbing
Heating
Air
Conditioning
Appliances
Termite
Tests - extra $ (?)
Radon
Tests - extra $ (?)
Lead
Paint Tests - extra $ (?)
Mold
Tests - extra $ (?)
Other
tests - consult inspector
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We strongly encourage that you attend the home inspection for several reasons. Since we are REALTOR's® and not trained inspectors, you need to rely on someone who has the training, experience and credentials for the job, and can answer your questions.
You will need to understand any problems that arise from the inspection so the repair or replacement, etc.of any problems can be negotiated with the seller through me and/or your attorney.
Another important reason is the knowledge you'll gain from the inspector explaining how the systems in your new home work, steps to take to keep your home running smoothly for years to come, and possible steps to consider so you'll be proactive rather than reactive about maintenance.
You agree your use of this website is strictly for your personal, non-commercial use to help identify properties you may be interested in purchasing or to assist in finding an agent to
Get a good idea of what you're buying or selling - a good way to protect your investment and your peace of mind by getting inspections of your choosing from a qualified inspector.
Buyers can find out about the operations of the property they want to buy and address any concerns raised by a professional inspection and/or testing.
Sellers can find out about any possible problems and have them corrected before putting their property on the market and hopefully deter any unwanted surprises after the sale is closed.
We do not want your property inspection compromised in any way. If their report reveals problems and concerns, we'll address these issues through your attorney, who will correspond with the other attorney. If we cannot reach a satisfactory agreement between all parties concerning these issues, then you need to decide what you want to do in accordance with your contract terms, other negotiations and agreements that have since been made: proceed with the purchase/sale or to cancel the contract in a timely manner and move on.
Sellers please note that you will be required to disclose any known problems in writing that exist with your property on your Property Disclosure Form that is given to prospective buyers. Be honest above all else.