The average number of days to find an inspector, get your appointment, and schedule a home inspection in Chicago, Illinois, is 3 to 5 days. However, this can extend to more than a week during summer and spring, in rural areas, and depending on the availability of the home inspector. Once you accept an offer, the buyer will usually start with a home inspection. These home inspections and subsequent negotiations are crucial because the buyer can cancel the entire offer if they find unacceptable defects. The home inspector's experience is also important, as an experienced inspector has better access to systems and knows what to look for based on how old the house is.
Ask home inspectors about their inspection methods, such as the places they will inspect, the equipment they will use, and the structure of their final report. Ask family and friends who have ever purchased a home or other real estate agent to recommend reliable and knowledgeable inspectors from the Chicago area. The home inspection process involves certified home inspectors evaluating structural components, electrical systems, pipes, HVAC systems and other characteristics of the property. While both home inspections and appraisals are essential aspects of the homebuying process, they serve different purposes.
The home inspector will examine the exterior, interior, and various systems to identify any problems or concerns. When a buyer includes a home inspection contingency in the agreement, they have the right to hire a certified home inspector to evaluate the property. It is recommended to discuss any doubts or questions with the home inspector and consider carrying out additional inspections or evaluations, as needed. For example, if the roof or pipes are particularly old, a home inspector may want to examine more problem areas than if those areas were newer.
While a home inspection can provide valuable information about the condition of the home, some things aren't usually included in a standard home inspection. Even if the oven is working properly, a home inspector can determine if the equipment is dirty or if it hasn't been serviced recently. Some Chicago area home inspectors may offer additional services, such as termite inspections, radon tests, mold evaluations, or sewer inspections. Select a home inspector with experience examining properties comparable to the one you are considering.
