Home Inspection Insider Blog
News and tips for home buyers, sellers and homeownersHome Inspection Insider News & Tips
Updated Illinois Smoke Detector Laws – What Every Homeowner Should Know
In 1988, the state of Illinois passed the Smoke Detector Act. This law required all dwellings to have working smoke alarms. In order to be compliant, the alarms could to be either battery-operated or hard-wired. Effective January 1, 2023, newly-installed smoke alarms...
Water Heater Maintenance is More Important Than You Think
Your gas-powered water heater is probably not at the top of your list of homeowner concerns. For most of us, water heaters seem to work fine, until they don’t. And, when they fail, oftentimes the result is an extended period of cold-water showers followed by a costly...
Post-Close Home Inspection – It’s a Thing!
Buying a house has become more difficult in the last few years. There’s a shortage of available properties, making bidding wars all too common. Although most real estate agents advise against it, some desperate buyers are forgoing pre-close home inspections to make...
How a successful home purchase is like your favorite cocktail
Have you ever wondered why you can order the same cocktail from several bartenders, and none of them taste the same? Even when it’s something as simple as scotch and water or gin and tonic, the end result varies from bartender to bartender. There are many factors that...
What Can I Do About Lead in My Water?
Do you own an older home? If so, you may be aware that builders used lead pipes and solder to plumb older homes. These materials can transfer lead particles to the water that passes through them. Since then, we have learned more about the dangers of lead in our...
Smart-Home Tips for Buyers and Sellers
More smart homes hit the market every day. Read on to get smart home tips for buyers and sellers that will help your home transaction go better for both parties. What is a smart home? A smart home allows homeowners to control appliances, thermostats, lights, and other...