interior
Radon inspections are different from routine maintenance checks. A regular checkup can prevent health problems triggered by excessive Radon exposure.
Radon gas occurs naturally in rocks and soil, but when it collects inside a home, perhaps through a cracked foundation, it may cause health disorders over time.
Since Radon gas is odorless and tasteless, we want you to watch out for the following signs that your home is taking on too much Radon:
Real estate transactions in Illinois don’t need to disclose radon levels. But if you test for it during an inspection, you have to disclose it to the buyer to follow state law. This disclosure could make a property more valuable to individual buyers.
At Top Local Home Inspectors we are the right professionals to perform Radon testing in the Chicago area.
We perform basement inspections as part of full line up services. Foundation inspections are routine, looking for cracks and defects caused by wet basements, but they can be tricky sometimes, like when homes have rotting wooden floors.
Basement moisture inspections are essential parts of a complete check up because issues with a home’s foundation can be challenging to address.
If you think you need a mold and mildew inspection, contact us. We’re ready to take your call!
Asbestos testing and inspection save lives. That’s why we don’t cut corners and do the job correctly to ensure your safety.
Asbestos can cause severe respiratory disorders over time.
Top Local Home Inspectors perform asbestos inspections to keep your loved ones safe.
At Top Local Home Inspectors, our mold and mildew inspection services pinpoint the source of the problem.
Fungal growth, which gives off a musty smell and may look like tiny black spots, can cause respiratory disorders or make preexisting conditions worse.
Plumbing inspections are a vital part of any complete home inspection, and we perform them regularly.
Professional plumbers can typically tell if the plumbing is causing damage. But what they don’t know is the extent of that damage over time, so that’s when our experts step up.
A quality plumbing inspection, our specialty at Top Local Home Inspectors, checks all piping, water lines, sinks, appliance connections, or anything else that carries water.
We recommend that you try to watch for the following signs of plumbing problems:
Top Local Home Inspectors perform home lead inspections.
Lead poisoning can cause many health problems and may severely affect vulnerable people.
Lead poisoning signs may be:
A professional lead inspector pays particular attention to moisture and plumbing.
HVAC inspections are a critical part of the maintenance for your heating and cooling system:
They can identify issues before they become major problems.
They can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
You can save a significant amount on your utility bills.
Service typically involves a professional HVAC inspector following an HVAC inspection checklist. It will evaluate the overall quality and safety of your system. It will check specific components, such as:
You’ll receive an HVAC inspection report with details about your HVAC unit inspection. The HVAC inspection cost is about $200–$600 when done by a certified HVAC inspector.
Electrical inspections ensure that your home is safe by identifying potential hazards before an incident. They offer other benefits, including:
Unfortunately, it is not a DIY job. It requires a certified electrical inspector to conduct a thorough evaluation. An electrical inspection checklist typically includes the following services:
An electrical inspection is imperative if you’ve done remodeling or have added an addition. It’s a wise thing to do if you have an older home. Wiring and circuit can deteriorate over time. The service charge is a small price to pay for your peace of mind.
House foundation inspections offer excellent ways to identify issues before serious damage occurs. After all, the sooner you can get it repaired. That can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
You’ll often notice the telltale signs of a potential problem, including:
A residential foundation inspection follows a foundation inspection checklist to identify these early signs of an issue. A new construction foundation inspection undergoes the same rigorous inspection.
You’ll find that the home foundation inspection cost is free from many contractors if the homeowner requests it. The expense of this service comes when you take the next step and hire a structural engineer to evaluate your foundation’s condition.
A home crawl space inspection is probably not high on your to-do list. Nevertheless, it is a vital service:
It can identify an insect or rodent infestation.
It can locate plumbing issues.
It can assess the structural integrity of your flooring and joists.
It’s a wise investment to have a certified crawl space inspection done on your home.
You may not find out about many issues until they become significant problems.
A professional crawl space inspector typically begins by walking the exterior of your home. He’ll look for red flags, such as:
He’ll then enter the area for a more thorough evaluation, following a crawl space inspection checklist of common issues. You can expect the crawl space inspection cost to run under $300.
Lintels are a critical part of the structural integrity of your home. They provide the support above openings in the frame, such as windows and doors. The two most popular types are steel or brick lintels.
A lintels inspection is essential because both of these materials can deteriorate over time. A building lintel inspection will check for signs of damage, such as:
A window lintels inspection focuses on the mortar and brick structure above these openings. Likewise, a door lintels inspection looks at the frame.
The main benefit of a window or doorway lintels inspection is that it identifies problems before they become major repairs. Moisture will take a toll on bricks or stones. The same precaution applies with a steel lintel inspection.
exterior
Chimney inspections are an essential part of home maintenance. It can uncover several potential hazards, including:
Likewise, fireplace inspections focus on hazards that can increase your fire risk. It will look for obstructions that could prevent toxic gases from backing up into your home.
The main benefit is the optimal performance of your fireplace and chimney.
A certified chimney inspector uses a chimney inspection checklist that varies, depending on the level of the service. Typical items include:
A gas fireplace inspection will also involve the connections to the unit. A fireplace and chimney inspection is a simple task to make sure everything is running safely.
Weather, UV radiation, and aging will all take a toll on your roof, no matter what covering you have on it. They have a limited lifespan of 20–30 years, making a certified roof inspection necessary.
Catching problems early is vital for several reasons:
Replacing a roof isn’t cheap.
Ignoring a potential problem can cause structural damage and increase your costs.
Many issues aren’t visible without a roof inspector evaluating the condition.
It’s essential that you hire a professional roof inspector for the job. He will use a roof inspection checklist of the most common red flags. He will look for signs, such as:
An inspector will also look at the vents, drains, gutters, and seals. Many insurance companies require this service before paying out on a claim.