The BrickKicker - DeKalb County
Providing Inspection Services for All DeKalb County Communities.
Schedule an AppointmentProviding Inspection Services for All DeKalb County Communities.
Schedule an AppointmentHow We Can Help You
Having a residential inspection has become a key step in today's real estate transaction. Whether a high-rise condo, adjoining town-home, multi-unit dwelling or a large estate;
The BrickKicker has the tools and resources to educate our clients in making smart decisions.
Commercial inspections involve a visual examination or readily objective visual examination of readily accessible areas, physical structure and operating systems of the space.
This process occurs in a timely and efficient manner, giving clients the peace of mind to continue on with business.
No project is too big or too small, watch our Commercial Inspection Video.
In today's world, consumers are more educated about the potential of harmful elements found in and around the places we live and work.
The BrickKicker offers a series of different testing services that can be ordered with your inspection.
BrickKicker University
Home & Building Consultant
For over 20 years, I have been providing quality home and commercial inspections with The BrickKicker. My extensive background in construction is what drew me to the home inspection industry. I have always been fond of the components of an older home, as they typically carry more depth, but there is one role I value even more. Educating the buyer is the most important role I have. My primary goal is to ensure that each inspection ends with a clear client understanding of how their future home works. My free time consists of being the ultimate family man, all while enjoying the beach and playing dolls with the youngest of my seven children.
After 19 years of inspecting with The BrickKicker I have learned that during your home buying purchase, it is not uncommon for my clients to feel nervous and excited at the same time. Most clients have complimented me on my thoroughness of my inspections, but what I enjoy the most during the process is teaching my clients about the scale of the deficiencies, giving them a realistic perception, and discussing the corrective course of action. My early life was spent in the construction industry, but after receiving my degree I spent several years as a trainer and project manager in corporate America, all the while remodeling homes on the side. I grew to love the housing industry more, and found myself being a “Jack of all Trades Master of None” which fit perfectly into the Home Inspection Industry. No single house or client is the same which is what keeps me excited about what I get to do every day. It is my hope to give the most transparent picture of your future home.
Before becoming a part of The BrickKicker team, I originally started inspecting homes in Florida before moving to the Chicagoland area. Ever since leaving college, I have held several different jobs in the construction field. When I completed college, I worked for a lumber supply company as a cashier and forklift operator, this not only taught me a lot about construction materials, but I made relationships with contractors and construction companies. I spent 2 years building home additions, decks, and sunrooms, then after that spent nearly 5 years working as a trim carpentry crew leader for new construction in Florida. As an inspector, I am passionate about informing first time home buyers on how their new home works. I love to show all aspects of the home and give them advice on maintenance of the systems. First time buyers just have so much excitement, it's infectious! In my spare time, I really enjoy ink/pen drawing and watercolor painting. I majored in Fine Art in college so I also can draw, paint, and sculpt pretty well.
Bio coming soon!
I join The BrickKicker with 5 years in the Home Remodeling Business under my belt. I enjoy assisting my clients by providing insight and reassuring confidence regarding their future investment. The ability to spend quality time on the property answering my clients questions or offering basic home maintenance tips, is truly a rewarding experience.
In my spare time I have volunteered with a local community service group for the past 6 years.
Prior to joining The BrickKicker family I was a member of the Chicago Police Department for 30 years. I was promoted to Sergeant in 2003 and retired in 2021. During those 30 years, I was involved in home renovation. If it has to do with a remodel of a home, I have done it. I have been passionate over those years about helping people. I was told that since I know how to fix them, why don't I try my hand at inspecting them? That's what brought me to BrickKicker. After retirement, I enrolled in courses for home inspection and was licensed as an inspector in Illinois. I went to BrickKicker to shadow their inspectors and complete my education/licensing. That's where everything clicked!. I was asked to join this amazing team and I accepted. It's been an amazing journey since. I jokingly point out the similarities of both careers.... I get a call for some service, I put on the uniform and the work belt, provide assistance and advice to our clients in need, then when it's all done I give them a report. I guess after all these years, I have a good eye for bad things!!
As far as hobbies go, I love fixing and building things. When I set my mind to something, I can build just about anything. Woodworking is a passion. I also have a real knack for fixing things. If I don't know how to fix something, I figure it out. The internet helps a lot too!!
Everyday is a learning experience and I try to use as many resources at my disposal. I tell my clients, this purchase of a home is like buying a used car, but this time you're taking the "mechanic" with you! I try to provide them with as much information as I can and make their experience educational and as stress-free as possible. When I do my home inspections, it's as if I'm doing them for my family!
Steve began his home inspection career in 2017 and has been proudly serving the Chicagoland and western suburb communities ever since. Having over 25 years of experience in the home inspection and real estate industries, his combined knowledge and experience help Steve to perform thorough home inspections.
What sets Steve apart is his ability to communicate findings in a way that is easy to understand, without all the industry jargon that may not be common to the average person. This allows his clients to make the best decision.
“I would be honored to inspect the home you are purchasing. I continue to expand my knowledge and keep up with the latest techniques and trends in the building industry through continuing education courses and by networking with top Home Inspectors, both within the Brickkicker family as well as nationally. I’ll provide you with outstanding customer service, a thorough inspection, and a report you can rely on so that you can make a confident decision."
As a Naperville resident of over 35 years, my wife and I and our two daughters enjoy everything the city and surrounding suburbs have to offer. We can frequently be found walking or biking through Will and DuPage county forest preserves.”
Throughout my career, I’ve been most passionate about helping people. This has come in various forms, and now as an inspector I get to help people feel comfortable in choosing the right home. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my education is how to communicate with all different types of people effectively.
I love photography. Having studied film in college, I developed a great appreciation for the way scenes are framed in films, and that appreciation has transferred into the way I frame photographs when I find interesting subjects. It is a personal passion of mine.
Being a member of The BrickKicker family has always been ironic to me as I spent the majority of my life immersed in the construction industry. I have had the pleasure of building homes, apartment complexes and schools. I am also a master electrician and a retiree of The Naperville Fire Department. I pride myself on quality work and that carries over into my inspections. I always encourage, my clients to shadow me and ask any question that comes to mind. I also ask them questions about their future home. Knowing what drew them to the property in the first place allows me to provide the best service possible. The best job I have had in my life is being a grandpa to three wonderful little girls. I also enjoy fussing over my truck so that it looks show ready when I chauffeur my grandkids around.
I was born in Congo, Africa to missionary parents and later spent my teenage years growing up in Kansas. My career has afforded me the opportunity to live in different parts of the United States. Having bought and sold homes in the past has given me insight into inspections, understanding angst that buyers and sellers sometimes have. Being a home inspector is an extension of what I enjoy doing.
Home ownership, remodeling, small project renovations and additions have been a part of my life experience. Early in my career, I spent 10 plus years in residential construction with a focus on framing and later in lumber sales.
I have always enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. I often make furniture for my wife's creative decorating eye to become a reality. In my spare time, I make periodic trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo, working on several community development projects.
***Bio Coming Soon
***Bio Coming Soon
I am elated to be a part of The BrickKicker, as my extensive background drew me to home inspections. I have spent a majority of my life immersed in the construction industry in various roles ranging from concrete finisher, to the engineer in charge of inspection and administration of high end construction projects. I have degrees in Construction Management and Civil Engineering and I’m a licensed Professional Engineer with the State of Illinois. Therefore I especially like looking at the structural components of the home: trusses, framing, decks, etc. I believe that I can take my background and use it to provide an excellent service to people looking to make what typically is the largest, most important purchase of their lives. My goal is for my client to have full confidence in me and my inspection report, thus making the home buying process as comfortable as possible. What little spare time I have is usually spent either working in my yard or planning warm, relaxing vacations in Florida on a beach or at Disney World (which is not very relaxing).
***Bio Coming Soon
With 15+ yrs of construction, both hands on and management experience, The Brickkicker is a perfect opportunity to utilize my knowledge to help clients to make an informed decision about a major investment and give them the confidence to take that major step in their lives. I take a great deal of pride in everything I do. At the end of the day, I want to be proud to put my name on a job that I take on. Customer satisfaction is a given when you have this mindset. I absolutely love being able to teach my clients about their new home, especially when it comes to first time home buyers. To see the excitement in their faces as they take this next step and being able to teach them about their new home is extremely rewarding.
I consider myself a lover of the outdoors. I love to spend any time I can spare hiking, fishing, snowmobiling…really, anything that gets me outside to enjoy time outdoors sharing experiences with the people I love.
I first learned of Radon Gas back in the mid-90’s when I purchased a new townhome; my test results came back elevated. Since then, I had the home mitigated and had my own home radon gas detector placed in the basement. I was a stay at home dad for several years, but since my daughter started going to full-day kindergarten, I decided it was time to get back into the workforce. When I discovered that The BrickKicer was in need of a Radon technician, I jumped at the opportunity!
I enjoy meeting all kinds of people during my day and seeing all the different sizes and shapes home can be. I especially enjoy the opportunity to teach homeowners about the dangers of Radon gas and what can be done to eliminate it from their residence.
The old saying "Do what you love and never work a day in your life" holds very true to me. Every aspect of what I do on a daily basis for The BrickKicker truly is amazing and I can relate it all back to my upbringing. At an early age, I can remember moving around often from state to state as my parents were getting settled but most of my time was spent living in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Both of my parents served in the U.S. Air Force so I had a pretty structured upbringing but I was always allowed to explore and try new things. Building with Legos stemmed my interest in building things, often without instructions.
All throughout my schooling, I wrestled (nearly 18 years), which helped to prepare me for my time served in the U.S. Air Force as a Weapons Specialist. While serving 6 years in the military, I attended my undergraduate studies in Hotel Management in Madison while finishing in Orlando through the University of Central Florida and the Walt Disney Company. From there I had the opportunity to learn more about corporate structure and management while working for the Target Corp. and Marriott International.
I had a deep desire to want to get back to my passion as a kid in building things so I started my Graduate Program at the University of Florida School of Architecture of which led me into exploring ways to work on my own, helping people better understand the built world. This is where I decided to become licensed in the inspection industry. I am extremely passionate about everything I do, to include spending quality time with my family and friends, traveling, and building out the next part of my business.
The old saying "Do what you love and never work a day in your life" holds very true to me. Every aspect of what I do on a daily basis for The BrickKicker truly is amazing and I can relate it all back to my upbringing. At an early age, I can remember moving around often from state to state as my parents were getting settled but most of my time was spent living in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Both of my parents served in the U.S. Air Force so I had a pretty structured upbringing but I was always allowed to explore and try new things. Building with Legos stemmed my interest in building things, often without instructions.
All throughout my schooling, I wrestled (nearly 18 years), which helped to prepare me for my time served in the U.S. Air Force as a Weapons Specialist. While serving 6 years in the military, I attended my undergraduate studies in Hotel Management in Madison while finishing in Orlando through the University of Central Florida and the Walt Disney Company. From there I had the opportunity to learn more about corporate structure and management while working for the Target Corp. and Marriott International.
I had a deep desire to want to get back to my passion as a kid in building things so I started my Graduate Program at the University of Florida School of Architecture of which led me into exploring ways to work on my own, helping people better understand the built world. This is where I decided to become licensed in the inspection industry. I am extremely passionate about everything I do, to include spending quality time with my family and friends, traveling, and building out the next part of my business.
Throughout my working years, I have dabbled in various industries; from a bridal shop to non-profits and have found that I enjoy providing service in an industry aimed at helping people the most. The BrickKicker provides that and more, being a key part of what can be a stressful/exciting time in most people's lives. Being able to assist clients in such an important purchase is very rewarding. I always want to push myself to constantly learn something new and improve on the skill set I already have.
In my spare time, I enjoy vacationing with my husband & our 2 children, especially visiting historical locations, spending time with my family or just relaxing in the local scene.
Before becoming a part of The BrickKicker team, I originally started inspecting homes in Florida before moving to the Chicagoland area. Ever since leaving college, I have held several different jobs in the construction field. When I completed college, I worked for a lumber supply company as a cashier and forklift operator, this not only taught me a lot about construction materials, but I made relationships with contractors and construction companies. I spent 2 years building home additions, decks, and sunrooms, then after that spent nearly 5 years working as a trim carpentry crew leader for new construction in Florida. As an inspector, I am passionate about informing first time home buyers on how their new home works. I love to show all aspects of the home and give them advice on maintenance of the systems. First time buyers just have so much excitement, it's infectious! In my spare time, I really enjoy ink/pen drawing and watercolor painting. I majored in Fine Art in college so I also can draw, paint, and sculpt pretty well.
With 15+ yrs of construction, both hands on and management experience, The Brickkicker is a perfect opportunity to utilize my knowledge to help clients to make an informed decision about a major investment and give them the confidence to take that major step in their lives. I take a great deal of pride in everything I do. At the end of the day, I want to be proud to put my name on a job that I take on. Customer satisfaction is a given when you have this mindset. I absolutely love being able to teach my clients about their new home, especially when it comes to first time home buyers. To see the excitement in their faces as they take this next step and being able to teach them about their new home is extremely rewarding.
I consider myself a lover of the outdoors. I love to spend any time I can spare hiking, fishing, snowmobiling…really, anything that gets me outside to enjoy time outdoors sharing experiences with the people I love.
After 19 years of inspecting with The BrickKicker I have learned that during your home buying purchase, it is not uncommon for my clients to feel nervous and excited at the same time. Most clients have complimented me on my thoroughness of my inspections, but what I enjoy the most during the process is teaching my clients about the scale of the deficiencies, giving them a realistic perception, and discussing the corrective course of action. My early life was spent in the construction industry, but after receiving my degree I spent several years as a trainer and project manager in corporate America, all the while remodeling homes on the side. I grew to love the housing industry more, and found myself being a “Jack of all Trades Master of None” which fit perfectly into the Home Inspection Industry. No single house or client is the same which is what keeps me excited about what I get to do every day. It is my hope to give the most transparent picture of your future home.