A Home Inspection Reveals the Anatomy of a House

When you shop for a home, whether you are looking for a fixer-upper, new construction, or one in move-in condition, there are generally essential components that make up any structure.

Electrical System

An electrical system is part of the mechanical components of the structure. A home inspector is not required to report on Code violations, but he or she is required to conduct a thorough visual examination of the visible aspects of a home's electrical system. This includes outlets, fixtures and circuit wiring.

Plumbing Inspections

A home inspector can only be responsible for the components that are visible. Much of your home's plumbing system is hidden inside walls. But what is visible will offer clues to your home's plumbing health. Galvanized pipe is often indicative of outdated material. Its corrosive qualities will cause it to fail before other materials. Copper piping is preferable, but there are many other rigid and semi-rigid synthetic materials that are long-lasting and affordable.

Structural Inspections

A structural inspection takes full inventory of those physical structures that literally hold a home together. When they fall into disrepair, whether to ravages of time, natural disasters, or faulty workmanship, they often cost big bucks to repair.

• Roof

Roofing material types vary, but by far the most popular is asphalt shingles. The lifespan of a roof depends on a number of different factors including quality of roofing material, type of material and environmental factors. Your home inspector is not required to physically climb onto the roof, but he will attempt to visually inspect as many regions and elements of the roof as are possible.

• Basement and Foundation

A professional home inspector will carefully inspect the outside foundation walls as well as the interior basement space. Basements and foundations can be the site for any number of home problems, including moisture, mold, wood destroying insects and foundation cracks.

• Frame

Ever been in a home where the doors do not fit into their frames? They stick, or don't even meet the jamb? Does a floor slope? These are frame issues. The frame of a house is comparable to a human being's skeletal system, the bones that keep it upright. While many older homes have experienced natural settling over the decades, a new home with frame problems ought to be considered carefully.

First Choice Inspectors, LLC carefully inspects all your home's components. They provide full-service home and commercial inspections and deliver a comprehensive, concise final inspection report. Their home inspectors serve Chicago and the surrounding area.