Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical home inspection take?
Most home inspections take about 2–3 hours. The exact time depends on the home’s size, age, and condition. Larger or older homes may take longer because there are more areas to check. We never rush the process. Our job is to carefully inspect the home and give you a clear, detailed report you can count on.
How much does an inspection cost?
Inspection cost depends on the size and type of the home, plus any extra services such as radon testing, mold testing, or a sewer scope. When you book online, you see your exact price on screen before you confirm. Our Chicago home inspection cost guide explains what drives the price and what to look for besides cost.
What do you check during an inspection?
A home inspection in Chicago looks at all the major parts of a house, from the roof to the foundation. We follow the State of Illinois’ Home Inspection Standards of Practice, which means we check the roof, attic, exterior, structure, plumbing, electrical system, heating and cooling, and the inside of the home. Throughout the inspection process, we also look for safety risks, water damage, and problems that could lead to costly repairs later. Every inspection includes thermal imaging, which helps us find hidden issues you can’t see with the naked eye.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
You don’t have to attend the inspection, but we highly recommend it. Being there gives you the chance to see any issues for yourself, ask questions, and better understand what we find. Many clients say it feels like a guided tour of the home with a professional inspector. If you can’t be present, don’t worry—you’ll still get a detailed, photo-filled home inspection report with clear notes and next steps so you stay fully informed.
When should I schedule a home inspection?
The best time to schedule a home inspection in Chicago is right after your offer is accepted and you’re under contract. With the help of your real estate agent, this gives you enough time to review the results, ask for repairs, or negotiate with the seller if needed. For buyers, booking early helps prevent delays in closing. For sellers, a pre-listing inspection before putting the home on the market lets you find and fix issues ahead of time. In both cases, working with a trusted local inspector gives you the information you need to move forward with confidence.
When will I get my report?
Your report is delivered digitally the next business day, and we’ll text or email you when it’s ready. It includes photos, a clear explanation of each issue, and practical next steps. If you add mold testing, lab results arrive the next business day. Radon results are delivered the same business day we pick up the monitor.
Can you test for radon and mold during the same visit?
Yes, and most of our clients do. We hold an Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) radon license and place a continuous radon monitor at the inspection. It runs for at least 48 hours under closed-building conditions, and then we come back to pick it up. Mold samples are collected the same day by us, with no outside company involved. Both fit inside a normal Illinois attorney review period.
Do you inspect condos?
Yes. A condo inspection covers your unit and the systems that serve it, such as plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, windows, and appliances. The roof, exterior walls, and shared building systems are common elements maintained by the association, so they fall outside the inspection, although we point out visible problems that affect your unit. Our Chicago condo inspection page explains where that line falls.
What areas do you serve?
We inspect homes across Chicago and the north, northwest, and west suburbs, including Lake, McHenry, DuPage, and northern Cook Counties. If you’re not sure whether we cover your address, book online or give us a call and we’ll let you know.
Do you offer weekend inspections?
Yes. We offer Saturday and Sunday inspections as well as weekdays, and you can see open times and book online any time. If you’re working against an attorney review deadline, tell us when you book and we’ll schedule around it.
What happens after the inspection?
We’ll text or email you when your report is ready, and we’re available for follow-up questions before and after closing. If the seller agrees to make repairs, we offer a repair verification visit to check that the agreed items were completed, with results sent the next business day.
