Summary of checks included in an inspection, but not limited to:

Grounds - Driveway, walkways, fencing, and grading. Exterior grading, drainage, and gutters can make a significant impact around the home and the foundation.

Exterior - Including siding, trim, flashing, paint, windows, deck, stoops, porches, railings, drainage, garages, carports, and garage doors and it's components. Many of these areas are susceptible to water intrusion and damage. 

Rooftop - Including chimneys, skylights, flashing, and all types of shingles, tile and coverings.

Structural - Home Inspection includes the foundation, floors, walls, attics, and crawlspaces.

Basement -  Foundational damage, observe indications of active water penetration, look for the following sources and problems: Leaking pipes, water seepage through window, wall fixtures, cracks, and past flooding and water damage.

Interior - Including doors, windows, ceilings, floors, railings, partitions, fixtures, appliances and floor finish integrity (cracks, damaged wood flooring, and moisture issues).

Insulation Ventilation - Including attics, walls, kitchen, bathrooms, floors, foundations and crawl spaces.   

Proper insulation and ventilation in this area is key to year round energy savings.

Heating / Air Conditioning - Including cooling equipment, controls, piping, fuel supply, distribution methods and ductwork, chimneys, flues, vents, fireplace damper door and hearth, furnaces and safety controls.

Electrical - Including wiring, main service panel and disconnect, switches, outlets, conductors, breakers and fuses, receptacles, including GFCI, smoke detectors, electrical service line, type of grounding and meter box.

Improper/double tapped wiring, open ground, reverse polarity, and all other hazards and electrical defects.

Plumbing - Including main water shut off valves, hot water heating units, faucets, fixtures, water flow and piping, and water pumps.

Roofing Defects - Roofing defects are a very common problem found. This could be a result of age or improper installation. Leaky roofs should be repaired immediately, as these minor repairs will progress into costly major problems down the road. 

The chimney, plumbing and attic vents are particularly prone to distress.

Electrical Hazards should be closely monitored. Electrical problems are most commonly found in older homes, 

but are not unheard of in new homes. Issues can occur as a result of amateur workmanship, lack of shock protection, not grounded outlets, inadequate overload protection, and insufficient electrical service to the house.

Ceiling Stains are hard to decipher as they may not be a current problem. It is in some cases difficult to tell if the leak causing the stain is still present or if it has already been taken care of. For this reason, taking a closer look to make sure if the problem still exists and potential cause, so the homeowner is aware of the problem.

Rotting Wood -This is a problem with both the exterior and interior of a home. Inside, the areas around tubs, showers, toilets and faucets must be checked along with the roof eaves, trim and deck outside. Also, areas with possible flooding must be monitored regularly. 

Air Conditioning units are in use 4 months out of the year for most Illinois residents. This is an important component in every home, but it typically does not get the amount of maintenance needed. More often than not with air conditioning units, the problems arise with poor maintenance rather than a mechanical issues. Leaking ductwork, dirty air coils and filters, and low refrigerant levels are all common, but also easily avoidable AC problems.

Thermal Imaging is included as part of the inspection and can be essential to find an active leak which may not be visible.
Most leaks are visible on the ceiling or walls, but in some cases stains may not be present especially with a small leak or a leak that may have recently started. Any leaks from the roof will be found and verified in the attic, but in cases with vaulted ceilings or exterior walls thermal image may be essential with a home inspection. Leaks and moisture damage are also checked for and verified with a moisture meter.