Are you buying a home? In Chicago? This is indeed an exciting journey, but you also need to be careful. You shall pay close attention to the ways you can save your home from different challenges and issues. Now, how can you do this? By attentively attending your home inspection.

Yes, at first, a home inspection could feel like just a formality, but in reality, it is actually a safety net for your home. It actually stands between you and the future potential nightmares, costly repairs, or even issues that might affect your health.

To top this all, the state’s unique climate, soil conditions, and diverse housing stock can lead to various potential issues that might be uncovered during an inspection. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, understanding the most common home inspection issues in Chicago and how to address them is crucial.

In this blog, we will discover the ten most common issues that are often found in Chicago homes and provide practical solutions to ensure your investment is sound and secure.

Foundation Problems

If you’re buying a home in Chicago then foundation problems might top the list of issues in the home inspection report. In fact, it might also have been a significant concern for the previous homeowners. One factor that is primarily to blame here is the state’s expansive clay soils. These can swell and shrink with changes in moisture levels.

This soil movement often leads to foundation shifts, resulting in the following:

Uneven floors
Cracks in walls
Foundation shifts
Doors and windows that stick

However, before buying the house, you need to ensure that these issues are addressed properly, as they can easily escalate into costly structural damage.

How to Address Foundation Problems?

To address foundation problems, first, you need to have a professional inspection. This will precisely tell you about the extent of the damage. After this, you can also incorporate different solutions, like foundation watering, to maintain consistent soil moisture. You can also install barriers to prevent tree roots from affecting the foundation. Along with this, intensive measures like underpinning should be maintained to stabilize the foundation.

Roofing Issues

When buying a home in Chicago, another issue that might make its way to the inspection report is roofing issues. Chicago has harsh weather conditions, including intense heat, heavy rains, and frequent hailstorms. Over time, there is a chance these elements might have taken a toll on your potential home’s roof. This could lead to problems like missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and deteriorating flashing. However, if you don’t address these issues promptly, it can result in water damage to your home’s interior and costly repairs.

How to Address Roofing Issues?

To handle roofing issues, it is important to get regular roof inspections first. Once that is done, you need to address any minor damage immediately by replacing missing or broken shingles and repairing flashing. However, if more extensive damage is identified, you must consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to assess the situation, get repairs, or get a full roof replacement (if needed).

Remember: Proactive maintenance and timely repairs are key to extending the life of your roof and protecting your Chicago home from the elements.

Plumbing Problems

Many homeowners in Chicago complain about plumbing problems, and your potential home might also have some of these issues (we never know). However, if you’re buying an older home, then there is a higher chance that your home is going through issues like pipes and fixtures being outdated or worn. Common issues often include leaks, low water pressure, corroded pipes, and water heaters that are malfunctioning or improperly installed. Also, this isn’t the end of the story. These problems can lead to water damage, mold growth, and increased utility bills. By addressing these issues, you can save yourself from such problems.

How to Address Plumbing Problems?

When handling plumbing issues, you need to start with a thorough inspection by a licensed plumber to identify any underlying problems. You may also replace old, corroded pipes with durable, modern materials like copper or PEX. These pipes can prevent future leaks and improve water pressure. Besides this, you can also ensure your water heater is regularly maintained and meets current safety standards. Also, don’t forget to regularly maintain and promptly repair the issues to keep your plumbing system in good working order and avoid costly emergencies.

HVAC System Concerns

These concerns are particularly relevant once you start owning your Chicago home. Chicago is where scorching summers demand reliable air conditioning to maintain comfort. Some of the most common HVAC system concerns are:

Inefficient cooling
Frequent breakdowns
Dirty filters
Systems that are about to expire

Again, not the end of the story…

These problems can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions during peak heat.

How to Address HVAC System Concerns?

First, schedule regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters every 1-3 months. You can also have a professional inspect the system annually to ensure it’s running efficiently. If your potential home’s system is old or frequently breaks down, then it’s better to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model that can better handle Chicago’s extreme temperatures.

Once all of this is done, remember the regular upkeep and timely upgrades that will help keep your home cool and comfortable and, to top it all, save on energy costs.

Conclusion

Buying a home in Chicago is a significant investment that requires careful consideration of potential issues that could affect your property’s value and safety. A thorough home inspection is your best defense against unforeseen problems that could lead to costly repairs or compromise your comfort.

By understanding the common issues and knowing how to address them, you can make informed decisions and protect your investment. Remember, proactive maintenance and timely repairs are essential to ensuring your Chicago home remains a safe, comfortable, and valuable asset for years to come.

Ready to ensure your Chicago home is in top shape? Trust The BrickKicker for a thorough and professional home inspection. Our expert inspectors will identify potential issues and provide you with the insights you need to make informed decisions. Don’t leave your investment to chance—schedule your home inspection with The BrickKicker today and protect your future!

Top Common Home Inspection Issues and How to Address Them