Guides & Resources
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42 Inch Guards in Chicago: Inspector Checklist and the 100 psf Load Rule
Chicago porch guards: why 42 inches is the number, the 4-1/2 inch baluster rule, the…
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Chicago Electrical Inspection: What Gets Checked and Why
What a Chicago home electrical inspection checks, the four common defects found in older two…
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Bundling Radon, Mold, and Sewer Add‑Ons: What’s Worth It
Discover if bundling radon, mold, and sewer tests is worth it for your Chicago home.…
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Fall Home Buying in Chicagoland: Prime Inspection Season
Discover key tips for fall home buying in Chicagoland, from timely inspections to preapproval steps,…
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Mold Testing Costs and When You Really Need It
Discover the true cost of mold testing and learn when it’s essential for your home.…
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Your 11-Month Builder Warranty Inspection Guide
Don’t let your warranty expire! Schedule your 11-month builder warranty inspection to catch defects and…
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What a Good Home Inspection Report Looks Like
Discover what a good home inspection report looks like with a sample. Learn the key…
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How to Check a Home’s Permit History Before You Buy
Learn how to check a home’s permit history before you buy. Access vital records in…
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Inspecting a Vacant or Winterized Home With Utilities Off
Learn about inspecting a vacant or winterized home. Understand what happens when utilities are off…
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Storm Chaser Roofing Scams: What to Know Before Signing
Learn to spot Storm Chaser Roofing Scams. Understand red flags and protect yourself before signing…
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Estate Sale and Foreclosure Home Inspection Strategy
Learn the essential steps in buying an estate sale as is or foreclosure home inspection…
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Siding Inspection Guide: Vinyl, Wood, and Fiber Cement Fails
Discover the Siding Inspection Guide: Vinyl, Wood, and Fiber Cement Failures. Learn how to protect…
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Home Inspection Checklist 2026: Chicago Buyer’s Guide
Ensure a smooth home buying process with our comprehensive home inspection checklist 2026. Discover major…
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Pre-Closing Inspection Checklist for Chicago Homebuyers
Ensure a smooth closing with our pre-closing inspection checklist for Chicago homebuyers. Verify repairs and…
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Pre-Purchase Inspection Workflow for Chicago Buyers
Discover the essential pre-purchase inspection workflow for Chicago buyers. Ensure your investment is sound with…
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How to Book a Home Inspection Online in Chicago
Learn how to book an inspection online in Chicago easily! Follow our step-by-step guide to…
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Information-Only Inspections: What Chicago Buyers Get
Discover what Information-Only Inspections Chicago buyers actually get. Uncover valuable insights and leverage your home…
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Pre-Offer Walk-Throughs: What a Chicago Inspector Spots in 20 Minutes
Discover how pre-offer walk-throughs help Chicago buyers spot hidden issues in just 20 minutes, ensuring…
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How to judge AC and furnace age during a home inspection
Learn how to judge HVAC longevity during inspections. Discover “How Old Is Too Old Reading…
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What inspectors flag vs ignore: Chicago home inspection guide
Learn what Chicago home inspectors flag versus ignore and why it matters. Use this guide…
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Inspector Missed Something? Chicago Homebuyers’ Guide
Your inspector missed something after closing? Learn your Illinois legal rights, what counts as negligence,…
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How to Make Your Basement a Legal Bedroom in Chicago
Learn what Chicago requires to make a basement a legal bedroom, covering egress windows, ceiling…
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Should you get a sewer scope in Chicago? When it’s worth it in 2026
Discover when sewer scope inspections are worth it for Chicago homes in 2026. Learn costs,…
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What Chicago Realtors should expect on inspection day in 2026
Learn what Chicago Realtors should expect on inspection day in 2026, including timelines, legal requirements,…
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Home inspection vs appraisal: Chicago buyer confusion
Discover the key differences between home inspections and appraisals in Chicago. Learn when you need…
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Chicago FHA & VA Inspections: Fix HVAC Issues 40% Faster
Learn how to avoid the 40% failure rate of Chicago FHA and VA home inspections.…
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Older Homes Chicago Inspection: Prevent Costly Surprises
Older homes Chicago inspection covers foundation, outdated systems, legal risks, safety hazards, and must-ask questions…
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Roof Flashing: Preventing Costly Damage in Chicago
Roof flashing prevents leaks and costly repairs in Chicago homes. Learn types, materials, installation essentials,…
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Home Inspection Cost 2026 – What Chicago Buyers Pay
Home inspection cost in 2026: Service types, pricing factors, and savings for Chicago buyers and…
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Winter Home Maintenance List to Prevent Damage in Chicago
Follow this winter home maintenance list for Chicago homes to prevent costly damage. Step-by-step tips…
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How to Check Radon Levels in Chicago Homes
How to check radon in Chicago homes, including test types, health risks, legal limits, and…
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Ice Dams – Protecting Chicago Homes This Winter
Ice dams in Chicago can cause water damage, mold, and costly repairs. Learn causes, key…
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Complete Guide to Radon, Mold, or Carbon Monoxide in Chicago
Radon, mold, or carbon monoxide in Chicago homes—complete guide covers risks, detection methods, prevalence, and…
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Fireplace Lintel Explained: Function, Types, and Safety
Fireplace lintel explained with definition, types, safety codes, common materials, and inspection essentials. A comprehensive…
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Complete Guide to Roof Pipes for Chicago Homes
Learn what the pipes on your roof mean, common types found in Chicago, their functions,…
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Why You Need a Structural Engineer Before Finishing Your Attic
Your attic holds so much potential. Maybe you dream of turning it into a home…
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Can I Back Out of a Home Purchase After the Inspection? (Chicago Buyer’s Guide)
TL;DR: Yes. Under the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 8.0, the form behind nearly every…
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What to Do if the Home Inspection Finds Problems (Chicago Buyer’s Guide)
TL;DR: Read the summary page first, sort what is on it into safety, major system…
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How Long Does a Home Inspection Take and What Happens After? (Chicago Buyer’s Guide)
TL;DR: Plan on two to three hours on site for a Chicago condo or bungalow,…
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How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Chicago? (2026 Guide)
TL;DR: A home inspection with us in Chicago runs from $395 for a small condo…
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When to Call a Structural Engineer During the Home Buying Process
If you’re buying a home and your inspector mentions “possible structural issues,” your heart probably…
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What’s Included in a Home Inspection (and What’s Not)?
TL;DR: An Illinois home inspection covers ten systems named in the state Standards of Practice…
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Do I Need to Be Present for the Home Inspection?
TL;DR: No, you do not need to be at your Chicago home inspection, and the…
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What Is a GFCI Outlet — and Why It Matters in Your New Home
If you’re buying a home, especially in a city like Chicago where properties range from…
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Foundation Issues in Chicago Homes: When Should You Worry?
TL;DR: Most foundation cracks we photograph in Chicago basements are shrinkage cracks in poured concrete…