WHAT OTHERS SAY
"We have worked with several home inspectors in the past twelve years and you are head and shoulders above the rest. It gave us great confidence to work with someone like you, whose skill and knowledge is so extensive."
M. & N., River Forest
What to expect from your Prairie Home Inspection Services:
Home inspections generally take about 2-3 hours of evaluation and documentation at your new home for the average single family residence. Our report preparation requires additional office time following the on site inspection.
For a single family home...
Your single family home or townhouse inspection will include, but is not limited to, the following items, systems and components [assuming they are present and accessible]:
Helpful Information
The lot, landscape and hardscape
- Fences, Garden walls
- Paved walks, Drives and Patios
- Retaining walls
- Decks, Terraces
- Trees, Scrubs
- Surface drainage
The house exterior
- Exterior wall surfaces [brick, siding, stucco, trim, etc.]
- Windows, Vents
- Entries, Porches, Balconies
- Roof surfaces, Roof penetrations
- Chimneys, Dormers
- Flashings
- Soffits, Fascia, Gutters
- Garages
Structure, Insulation, Venting, Moisture
- Foundation, Beams, Columns, Footings
- Floor, wall, ceiling and roof framing
- Basement and crawl space environments
- Attic, wall and crawl space insulation and ventilation
- Chimneys, Vents
Mechanical systems and Utilities
- Electrical service entry, service panels, wiring, outlets, lighting and controls
- Drinking water entry, piping, fixtures, water pressure and volume
- Waste water piping, flow, venting, pumps
- Ground water management and pumps
- Natural gas distribution and integrity
- Heating system, distribution and controls, Humidification
- Cooling system, distribution and controls
- Water heating and distribution
- Laundry connections and equipment
Living space
- Wall, floor and ceiling surfaces
- The operation of doors, windows and hardware
- Kitchen surfaces and appliances
- Bathroom surfaces, fixtures and ventilation
- Fireplaces
- Staircases
- Access to attics and crawl spaces
Garages
- Siding, Trim and Roofing surfaces
- Garage structure
- Overhead door and Operator
- Passage door
- Garage electrical
Optional Services
Prairie Home Inspection Services, Inc. can also provide consultation, information and testing services for many of the environmental concerns that arise during a home purchase or with an existing home. These tests and evaluations are not needed in every home. We endeavor to assist our clients in making informed decisions about these addition services and whether they are appropriate for their unique circumstance.
Radon
We recommend that all home buyers and homeowners read the Environmental Protection Agency publication Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon available online at Environmental Protection Agency: Radon. If you decide to test for radon, we can answer all your questions and coordinate the test as part of your home inspection.
Mold
We have the knowledge, equipment and testing services to identify mold and the conditions that can encourage mold growth. Mold testing is not needed in every home and should be done only on an as needed basis. We also recommend consulting href="http://www.epa.gov/mold/" target="_blank">Environmental Protection Agency: Mold for more information.
Asbestos
Asbestos was often used in building materials and insulation into the 1970’s. many of these materials remain in older homes. We have the knowledge, information and access to testing services for asbestos. We recommend consulting Environmental Protection Agency: Asbestos for additional information.
Termites
We always look for pests during our standard home inspection but if conditions indicate the need for a separate termite inspection by a pest control expert, you can trust the highly trained professionals who will coordinate their evaluation as part of your home inspection.
Lead
Lead was a common additive in paint [mostly exterior paint] prior to 1978, so older homes are likely to have at least some lead paint. We can provide the information, technical expertise and historical perspective to help you decide if a lead inspection is right for you. We recommend consulting Environmental Protection Agency: Lead.
Foreclosed, Bank Owned, Short Sale or Vacant Properties
Inspection services vary for homes that are foreclosed, Bank Owned, Short Sale or Vacant Properties. If you're purchasing one of these homes, please review our Inspection Conditions.
New Construction and Rehabbed Residences
Inspection services are unique for new contruction or rehabbed residences. If you're purchasing one of these homes, please review our Inspection Conditions.