Radon Testing

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, killing 21,000 people per year in the United States. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, however, when you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes for radon. If you find that there are high levels, the home can be fixed. Even very high levels of radon can be reduced to acceptable levels.

New Construction

Most “New Construction” homes have undergone a rigorous municipal or code compliance inspection process, likely at least four “code” inspections. The BrickKicker new construction inspection goes beyond that, looking at the home for not only the functionality of the systems but those cosmetic and unfinished items as well. A new construction inspection will assist you with your Punch List creation and interpretation, helping to ensure your home is perfect before taking ownership.

Builder Warranty

Many New Construction Builders provide their clients with a one year (11 month) warranty. After being in a home for 10 to 11 months a homeowner knows many of the “secrets”, but maybe not all of them. Much like the “New Construction” inspection, The BrickKicker warranty inspection will help create the “punch list.”

Home Maintenance Review

Most people make routine visits to their Doctors. Most people do not make routine reviews of their homes. A Home Maintenance Review is like an annual check up. The BrickKicker inspector is an expert at your home and will help you keep your investment in good shape. We have a unique perspective because we are there to sell products or services but only to help you keep your home in the best condition possible. This review will help you prioritise your maintenance and potentially prevent unnecessary or unforeseen expenditures.

Modular Home

A modular home is one which was not built on site but rather trucked in and placed on the pad or home-site. This home was built in a controlled factory. These homes are typically constructed much differently than site built homes. They can require different HVAC equipment, different roofing as well as different plumbing and electric. Most are without foundations and are anchored to the ground.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging or the use of infrared cameras has become a very widely accepted practice of home inspectors. It is yet another tool to allow The BrickKicker to help you purchase your home intelligently. The thermal camera can help identify thermal openings in your home, possible plumbing leaks in the walls, potentially damaging cracks leaks in the foundation or even issues under low sloped or flat roofs. Unlike many of our competitors, we do not charge extra for using the tools that we have on hand. IR thermography is included with every home inspection.

Certified Inspections

FHA, VA and 203K are all types of loans which will require certain minimum standards be present before a loan is presented. Systems like: Heating, Plumbing, Electrical, Structural, Roof, Thermal and Weatherproofing all require certain standards be met. The BrickKicker inspector is certified to provide the necessary documents for each one of these. There is no reason to call for one, two or every three different contractors to provide these documents.

The Inspection Process

Scheduling the inspection and/or radon test can be done via online, email, or phone.
Upon booking an appointment, an electronic confirmation will be emailed with the option to sign the inspection agreement electronically and pay via a secure credit card link.
Attending the inspection is highly encouraged as you will be allowed to get to know the property and ask your inspector/radon technician any questions that may come up.
The inspection is performed in a methodical manner, generally starting on the exterior moving from top to bottom followed by the interior, also moving from the top to the bottom.
A resource kit is provided at the end of the inspection to help answer any questions that make come up along the journey of owning a property.
Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report via email with a descriptive overview (including pictures) of your home from the ground up.

Field Staff

Will Augustine

Residential Building Consultant IL Home Inspector License #450.001460

Will Augustine

Residential Building Consultant IL Home Inspector License #450.001460

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.

Rob Colecchi

Residential Building Consultant & Residential Inspection Training ManagerIL Home Inspector License #450.002613

Rob Colecchi

Residential Building Consultant & Residential Inspection Training ManagerIL Home Inspector License #450.002613

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.

Dave Lammert *

Commercial Manager & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.012450

Dave Lammert *

Commercial Manager & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.012450

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.

Kevin Daly

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.011938

Kevin Daly

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.011938

Bio coming soon!

Tom Pantoni

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.012506

Tom Pantoni

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.012506

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.

Rick Rivera

Residential Building Consultant & Sewer Scope CertifiedIL Home Inspection License #450.012889

Rick Rivera

Residential Building Consultant & Sewer Scope CertifiedIL Home Inspection License #450.012889

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 Wittry

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.012083

Steve Wittry

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.012083

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.”

Andy Peak

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.012644

Andy Peak

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.012644

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.

Ed Kuhrt

Residential Building Consultant & TrainerIL Home Inspector License #450.011576

Ed Kuhrt

Residential Building Consultant & TrainerIL Home Inspector License #450.011576

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.

Brad Graber

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011941

Brad Graber

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011941

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.

Don Ryba

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011709

Don Ryba

Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011709

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).

Keith Valenti

Radon Measurement Professional & Residential Building Consultant IL Home Inspection License #450.012791
IL Radon Professional License #RN120232172

Keith Valenti

Radon Measurement Professional & Residential Building Consultant IL Home Inspection License #450.012791
IL Radon Professional License #RN120232172

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.

Steven Harris

Radon TechnicianIL Radon Technician License #RNIT2020206

Steven Harris

Radon TechnicianIL Radon Technician License #RNIT2020206

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.

Andrew Fox *

Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.010911

Andrew Fox *

Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.010911

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.

Management Team

Andrew Fox

President

Andrew Fox

PresidentIL Home Inspector License #450.010911

Sarah Westerman

Director of Administration

Sarah Westerman

Director of Administration

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.

Dave Lammert

Commercial Manager

Dave Lammert

Commercial ManagerIL Home Inspector License #450.012450

Keith Valenti

Radon Manager

Keith Valenti

Radon ManagerIL Radon Professional License #RN120232172

Rob Colecchi

Residential Inspection Training Manager

Rob Colecchi

Residential Inspection Training ManagerIL Home Inspector License #450.002613

The BrickKicker - North / NW Suburbs