Preparing For a Chicago Home Inspection

Sellers can speed their Chicago home inspection by following these 10 simple suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.
  • Confirm that water, electric and gas services are on. If the home was foreclosed, there is a good chance the utilities have been turned off. We cannot inspect all of your systems if the utilities are off and we may have to return at a later date to complete the inspection.
  • Ensure pets won't hinder the inspector. Ideally they should be removed from the premises or secured outdoors. I am a pet lover and can deal with most pets.Tell your agent about any pets at home.
  • Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. This should be done in any event for your safety! You should do this every time there is a time change (in the spring and fall).
  • Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters.
  • Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation walls. I need to see the foundation walls and their condition.
  • Remove items blocking access to HVAC and Electrical service panels, water heaters, attic and crawl space openings.
  • Unlock areas that I must access-attic doors, closets, fence gates and any room with a lock.
  • Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
  • Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches.
Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent and I will thank You!!