Home Inspection
City tests confirm some Chicago homes with water meters have lead in tap water
City testing of Chicago homes with water meters found nearly 1 in 5 sampled had brain-damaging lead in their tap water, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s water commissioner acknowledged Thursday that the city continued installing new meters after learning about the alarming results in June. Disclosure of the previously secret study of 296 metered homes comes…
Read More10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons: Federal, state, utility and local jurisdictions’ financial incentives, such as tax breaks, are very advantageous for homeowners in most parts of the U.S. It saves money. It costs less to…
Read MoreShould Sellers Get a Home Inspection?
If there’s any doubt about the condition of your house, double down and pay for a professional opinion.It’s easy to grow attached to your home and overlook some of the wear and tear. But while those familiar flaws may feel like home to you, they might not be to potential buyers. After all, if someone…
Read MoreAir Quality in the Home
Indoor air quality can be worse than most people believe, but there are things that you can do about it. Indoor air quality is generally worse than most people believe, but there are things you can do about it. Some Quick Facts: Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air. Problems can…
Read More15 Tools Every Home Owner Should Have
The following items are essential tools, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to ask an inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful. 1. Plunger A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you…
Read MoreHome Inspector’s Fine Print
Know what’s in the home inspector’s fine print before hiring them. Q: We hired a home inspector to help us out when we were buying a home in Chicago. We received the report, reviewed it and later closed. The report indicated some minor inspection issues but nothing major. About a week after our closing we…
Read MoreWhen should a home buyer request a home inspection?
Would you buy a new car without taking it out for a test drive? Probably not. Whether you’re buying your first, second or even third home, it is one of the largest purchases you will ever make. That’s why having a thorough home inspection is key. Professional home inspectors are licensed by the state and…
Read More5 reasons why this summer may be house-hunting hell
he summer is shaping up to be a miserable season for many house-hunters. Home values across the U.S. spiked almost 9 percent last month, marking that fastest pace since the height of the housing bubble in June 2006. Despite the sharply higher prices, demand from buyers remains strong, thanks to a combination of demographic changes,…
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