WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Your One-Stop Resource for All Your Inspection Needs
Wondering why you might need a property inspection? The decision to buy a property is an important one, whether this is your personal home or a commercial investment, you want to ensure that the home or building is in excellent condition. Erison Property Inspection is licensed by the State of Illinois to provide you with the peace of mind that you are making a solid investment.
We will complete a thorough visual inspection of the property and deliver a report with our findings the same day! Our property inspection will include the exterior and interior areas of the house or building and can also include additional testing such as Radon, Mold, Asbestos, Water and Thermographic photos upon request. You can be confident that you have the right team on your side at Erison. Our team of property inspectors has an extensive knowledge in general contracting, new construction, restoration and rehabilitation to deliver detailed and accurate reports for you.
Radon Testing to Avoid a Silent
Cause of Cancer
Did you know that you cannot see, smell or taste radon? It can greatly increase your chance of lung cancer and without testing your home or property you will never know if it exists. Our experts in home inspection and property inspection will complete radon testing to ensure that your home or commercial property is free from radon and its harmful effects.
Ensure Your Property Is Clean and
Free of Mold
Mold is often the cause of many illnesses for those that are living in a home or working in a building that is infected. It has the capability to cause cold and flu like symptoms or much worse if you have prolonged exposure. Our certified home inspection and property inspection professionals will test all areas of your home and property to determine whether this should be a concern.
Asbestos Testing for Peace of Mind
Asbestos was once a very common construction material and has now been identified as a possible cause of cancer and other illnesses when airborne. It is extremely important that you determine whether the property that you are looking to invest in, or now work or live in, is free from this building material or whether you need to have the seller take steps to ensure your safety upon purchase. Our experienced property inspectors and home inspectors will do a detailed test of your property to ensure that you have this information and can take the necessary actions.
The Future of Home Inspections Is
Here and It’s in Color
Technology has given us the gift to see beyond our vision and show us hidden concerns or excellence within our properties. Our new Thermographic scanners are capable of identifying energy efficient and energy deficient areas of your home or commercial property. Our home and property inspections will identify if your home or building is insulated well and can also identify possible roof leaks through the use of thermographic photos that show us everything, in vivid color.
12 Red Flags to Consider when Buying a Home
Indeed, more than 40 percent of the previously owned homes on the market have at least one serious defect.
“Virtually every ‘used’ home needs some repair or improvement,” said Yale Wolk, Erison Property Inspection Service. “That’s to be expected. But with today’s high prices, you want to make sure that you are aware of any major problems in a house you are considering purchasing, and what it will take to remedy the situation.”
The most serious home defects to be on the lookout for are:
- Cracked heater exchange
- Failing air-conditioning compressor
- Environmental hazards including radon, water contamination, asbestos, lead paint, and underground storage tanks
- Moisture in the basement
- Defective roofing and/or flashings
- Insect infestation – termites or carpenter ants
- Mixed plumbing
- Aluminum wiring
- Horizontal foundation cracks
- Major house settlement
- Undersized electrical system
- Chimney settling or separation
Most of these problems can be repaired. However, depending on the specific problem, the cost can be substantial, particularly if the defect involves one of the major systems. The cost could become a factor in whether you ultimately buy the house.
For example, a new air conditioning compressor could cost you up to $6,500. A new roof or repairs can cost at least several thousand dollars. A wet basement could cost up to $10,000 to remedy.
If you enter negotiations to buy a particular house, your agent should advise you to provide a provision for renegotiating or backing out of the contract if a home inspector finds major problems.
“If the property inspectors find that little or no corrective work is required, you have little or nothing to negotiate,” say Eric Tyson and Ray Brown in their book, Home buying for Dummies. “Suppose, however, that your inspectors discover the $200,000 house you want to buy needs $20,000 of corrective work for termite and dry-rot damage, foundation repairs, and a new roof. Big corrective work bills can be deal killers.”
If repairs are needed, there are several ways to proceed if you still want to buy the house, the Dummies book advises.
- The sellers can leave enough money in escrow to cover the cost of repairs, with instructions for the escrow officer to pay the contractors as the work is completed
- The lender can withhold part of the full loan amount in a passbook savings account until the work has been done.
- The sellers may give a credit for the work. Lenders may disapprove of this last alternative because there aren’t assurances that the repairs will be made.
Hire a qualified inspector. Number of years of experience as a home inspector is an indicator of qualifications. Once you make an appointment with a home inspector, it’s important to be there. Your investment of spending these few hours with the inspector could prevent headaches and save time in the future. As the home inspector examines the various systems and components of your home, ask him or her to explain what problems may be encountered down the road, what signs to look for, and how to prevent them. Try to learn how things work and how to maintain them. The inspector may also point out little flaws or oddities that don’t measure up to being mentioned in the report, but may warrant keeping an eye on.
Source: Elizabeth Chase, Realtor, ABR Harbourtowne Real Estate; free to use as per Creative Commons.
Please contact Erison Property Inspection to schedule a home inspection for your home or business. Call 847-477-3565 or provide information at erisonpropertyinspection.com