Inspection services
What is InspectEd
The inspector’s evaluation and report for Home, Condo, and Lt Commercial will focus on, but is not limited to, evaluating seven major areas:
Our Full Inspections include:
Roofing When the roof is damaged or worn, it can allow water to penetrate to the interior.
Roofing When the roof is damaged or worn, it can allow water to penetrate to the interior.
- roof, vents, flashings and trim;
- gutters and downspouts;
- skylight, chimney, and other roof penetrations;
- decks, stoops, porches, walkways and railings;
- eaves, soffits and fascia;
- grading and drainage;
- basement, foundation and crawlspace;
- water penetration and foundation movement;
- heating system;
- ventilation systems;
- cooling system;
- fireplace damper door and hearth
- main water shut-off valve;
- water heating system;
- interior plumbing fixtures and faucets;
- drainage sump pumps with accessible floats;
- electrical service line and meter box;
- main disconnect and service amperage;
- electrical panel(s), breakers and fuses;
- grounding and bonding;
- GFCIs and AFCIs;
- windows, frames, doors, floors, and ceilings
- insulation and ventilation;
- garage doors, safety sensors and openers;
- and much more.
Buy Back guarantee
We participate in the InterNACHI Buy-Back Guarantee, what does this mean for you.
As a member of InterNACHI we must maintain 24hr of continuing education each year to maintain our credentials to stay a member. This is 4x the education a standard inspector must take to maintain just a license in the state of Illinois. This means that not all inspectors are equal.
This guarantee is honored for 90 days after the closing date, and applies to the address inspected. If the home inspector were to miss anything in our inspection and it is covered by InterNACHI's standards of practice as an item that should be inspected, your home is eligible for this program. InterNACHI will pay you for the purchase price of the home, but you are responsible for and applicable fees or real estate agent commissions, and the home must be put back on the market by a licensed realtor.
Read more about the Buy-Back Guarantee's terms policy, at www.nachi.org/buy
As a member of InterNACHI we must maintain 24hr of continuing education each year to maintain our credentials to stay a member. This is 4x the education a standard inspector must take to maintain just a license in the state of Illinois. This means that not all inspectors are equal.
This guarantee is honored for 90 days after the closing date, and applies to the address inspected. If the home inspector were to miss anything in our inspection and it is covered by InterNACHI's standards of practice as an item that should be inspected, your home is eligible for this program. InterNACHI will pay you for the purchase price of the home, but you are responsible for and applicable fees or real estate agent commissions, and the home must be put back on the market by a licensed realtor.
Read more about the Buy-Back Guarantee's terms policy, at www.nachi.org/buy
Move-In Certified
A Move-In Certified® home has been pre-inspected, which means that the seller can confirm that there are no major systems in need of immediate repair or replacement, and no known safety hazards. A Move-In Certified® Seller Inspection informs you of any defects or problems with your home so that you can address them before prospective buyers discover them. You can then take the time you need to obtain reasonable repair estimates. Show prospective buyers that you are dealing in good faith. Avoid 11th-hour negotiations and delays, and justify your full asking price by having your home pre-inspected now.
With a Move-In Certified® home inspection when you put your home on the market we come with you.
1st the inspection, and if any work is done between the time the inspection was done and the time it goes on the market we as that to the report.
2nd we place our sign in your front yard so that if perspective buyers want they can use the inspection we did for your property and see that conditions have been repaired.
3rd it comes with InterNACHI Buyback Guarantee. This gives the buyer confidence in their purchase, and you the peace of mind that once the closing is complete you can move forward and not look back.
With a Move-In Certified® home inspection when you put your home on the market we come with you.
1st the inspection, and if any work is done between the time the inspection was done and the time it goes on the market we as that to the report.
2nd we place our sign in your front yard so that if perspective buyers want they can use the inspection we did for your property and see that conditions have been repaired.
3rd it comes with InterNACHI Buyback Guarantee. This gives the buyer confidence in their purchase, and you the peace of mind that once the closing is complete you can move forward and not look back.
Wood destroying orGanism - termite
A WDO is an Inspection for Wood Destroying Organisms, more commonly referred to as a termite inspection by lenders. It’s called a WDO because termites are not the only wood destroying organisms in the world. We inspect the exterior and the interior from the attic to the crawl space for minute damage that indicates the house has an issue.
Additionally, the inspector will point out conditions that could lead to a new termite infestation, or support an existing termite infestation, including firewood and other debris stored against the home, wood siding contact with the soil, and grade that does not slope away from the foundation. Other potential concerns may include mulching materials, landscape timbers and deteriorated wood in the home’s vicinity. The WDO inspector will provide a report on the condition of the home, including notations of structural damage related to termites and other WDOs.
Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year, and are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Unless a buyer knows what to look for, termites can be hard to find with the naked eye and therefore it could take three to eight years before the signs of an infestation are apparent. To avoid getting stuck with extensive damage that is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance,
Not all home inspectors can legally perform WDO inspections unless they have been properly trained. Always hire a qualified home inspector to perform your WDO.
Additionally, the inspector will point out conditions that could lead to a new termite infestation, or support an existing termite infestation, including firewood and other debris stored against the home, wood siding contact with the soil, and grade that does not slope away from the foundation. Other potential concerns may include mulching materials, landscape timbers and deteriorated wood in the home’s vicinity. The WDO inspector will provide a report on the condition of the home, including notations of structural damage related to termites and other WDOs.
Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year, and are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Unless a buyer knows what to look for, termites can be hard to find with the naked eye and therefore it could take three to eight years before the signs of an infestation are apparent. To avoid getting stuck with extensive damage that is typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance,
Not all home inspectors can legally perform WDO inspections unless they have been properly trained. Always hire a qualified home inspector to perform your WDO.
Mold inspection
We do air sampling to test how much mold and other contaminants are in the air. The process includes taking a control sample outside to see what is around the home. Then we sample the inside of the home at least one sample taken on each level of the home, minimally one per thousand square feet. Then a swab sample of the furnace air filter or carpet to give us a long term contamination sample. We also will recommend swab sampling if a growth is found to test types and kinds of mold that may be growing.
Millions of homes across America have hidden water leaks that are promoting mold growth that can expose homeowners to mold spores. Mold has a potential to cause health problems like allergies, irritation (to lungs, eyes, skin, throat, nose) and are potentially toxic. Inhaling and touching mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and normally healthy individuals may become sensitive to mold after exposure.
The EPA states that, "It is important to take precautions to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores". The EPA also recommends that if you suspect you have a hidden mold problem you should consider hiring an experienced professional to avoid exposure to potentially massive doses of mold spores.
Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows the more damage it can cause. If there is a mold problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly. Mold can be hidden, growing on the water from a hidden leak, and can develop into a potentially large problem if not caught in time.Testing your home on a regular basis is a prudent way to prevent small problems from growing into a costly and unhealthy situation, and always avoid exposing yourself and others to mold.
To find an inspector who offers mold testing services visit the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants at www.iac2.org/members.php
Millions of homes across America have hidden water leaks that are promoting mold growth that can expose homeowners to mold spores. Mold has a potential to cause health problems like allergies, irritation (to lungs, eyes, skin, throat, nose) and are potentially toxic. Inhaling and touching mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and normally healthy individuals may become sensitive to mold after exposure.
The EPA states that, "It is important to take precautions to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores". The EPA also recommends that if you suspect you have a hidden mold problem you should consider hiring an experienced professional to avoid exposure to potentially massive doses of mold spores.
Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows the more damage it can cause. If there is a mold problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly. Mold can be hidden, growing on the water from a hidden leak, and can develop into a potentially large problem if not caught in time.Testing your home on a regular basis is a prudent way to prevent small problems from growing into a costly and unhealthy situation, and always avoid exposing yourself and others to mold.
To find an inspector who offers mold testing services visit the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants at www.iac2.org/members.php
Radon INSPECTION
If You Are Buying a Home...
The EPA recommends that you know what the indoor radon level is in any home you are considering buying. Ask the seller for their radon test results. If the home has a radon-reduction system, ask the seller for information they have about the system.
If the home has not yet been tested, you should have the house tested.
If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated into your home during construction to reduce radon levels.
These radon testing guidelines have been developed specifically to deal with the time-sensitive nature of home purchases and sales, and the potential for radon device interference. These guidelines are slightly different from the guidelines in other EPA publications which provide radon testing and reduction information for non-real estate situations.
This guide recommends three short-term testing options for real estate transactions. The EPA also recommends testing a home in the lowest level which is currently suitable for occupancy, since a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than that used by the seller.
The EPA recommends that you know what the indoor radon level is in any home you are considering buying. Ask the seller for their radon test results. If the home has a radon-reduction system, ask the seller for information they have about the system.
If the home has not yet been tested, you should have the house tested.
If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated into your home during construction to reduce radon levels.
These radon testing guidelines have been developed specifically to deal with the time-sensitive nature of home purchases and sales, and the potential for radon device interference. These guidelines are slightly different from the guidelines in other EPA publications which provide radon testing and reduction information for non-real estate situations.
This guide recommends three short-term testing options for real estate transactions. The EPA also recommends testing a home in the lowest level which is currently suitable for occupancy, since a buyer may choose to live in a lower area of the home than that used by the seller.
Pool/spa inspection
Swimming pools and spas should always be happy places.
Unfortunately, each year thousands of American families confront swimming pool and spa tragedies, drownings and near-drownings of young children and adults.
These inspections not only look for mechanical functionality but safety devices, barriers.
We will inspect from ground level: the plumbing;
Unfortunately, each year thousands of American families confront swimming pool and spa tragedies, drownings and near-drownings of young children and adults.
These inspections not only look for mechanical functionality but safety devices, barriers.
We will inspect from ground level: the plumbing;
- the filters;
- the lights;
- any adjoining structure as it relates to the pool or spa;
- the valves;
- the solar heating system;
- the pumps and motors;
- the electrical system;
- the filtration system;
- the pool heater; and
- the safety barriers.
- the type of swimming pool or spa;
- details impacting the inspector’s ability to inspect the unit, including water clarity;
- the condition of visible components or systems present in the unit;
- the type of drain installed;
- any readily accessible component with functional or material defects;
- the type of filtration system; and
- the types of safety barriers.
- observed indications of active pool or spa shell leaks;
- damaged water line tiles;
- damaged or faulty drain covers, pumps; heaters or filter housings;
- inadequate drainage;
- improper settlement of pool deck; and
- any visibly unsafe or improper pool equipment, electrical connections, or bonding connections.
Rental Inspection
Whether you are a renter, landlord, management company, investor or even a municipality a rental inspection is for you. The meaning or purpose behind the inspection may be different but the inspection is very similar. First, this inspection is a means of having a third party with clean eyes looking at everything. Second, we look for minimum acceptable safety and maintenance standards set by the International Code Council (ICC), which compile current safety standards from each industry and decide what a minimum acceptable level is, and it updated every three years. Third, it is to protect the interest in the unit or property that it has been maintained and that upkeep has been done. Lastly it is to create a list of items that will need to be addressed while or between the time the unit(s) are occupied.
As a renter you select a unit that fits your needs and you pay a security deposit, and when you move out the assumption is that your deposit will come back to you. When you moved in did you take do a walk through with the landlord and go over a checklist of the property. Where pictures taken to document existing damage or maintenance issues that you would like to see the landlord or management company fix. By the time you moved out were they fixed, are you now being blamed for the broken item in order to keep a portion or all of you deposit. How are you able to prove that the conditions were the way you say they were before or after. Even if you did take pictures how will you prove that this was the way the condition was at the time of move in or that it never was addressed the entire time. This is were we come in.
A move-in inspection does just that. But when you are ready to move out if you failed to document the condition of the unit properly your deposit may not be returned in-order to repair defects that are assumed created by you. This is a time sensitive issue once you have already moved in it is very hard to prove you were not the cause of damage.
A Move-out inspection is at the other end of the spectrum that after you have moved out your items and feel it is ready to hand the keys back this inspection helps you establish the condition post move but pre final walk through to verify no items were not addressed that as the renter you may have done but become blind to and can be corrected prior to handing over the keys to prove you have left the property in as good of a condition as you received it. This also allows us to document the entirety of the unit so if damage is done blame can not be placed on you.
Our move-in/out inspection gives you a side by side report to document if a defect was never repaired during your rental period or if the defect was not present at the time of leaving the unit. Your report can be used as proof of the pre-existing condition. But if taken to court you can use Tri ID to testify with you at court as a independant third party to give witness that the condition was and is not changed. And when you look for your first home you are a repeat client which means that you get a discount when you're ready to look and get that first home.
As a landlord, management company or investor you can use our inspection to verify your property has no new safety or maintenance conditions that need to be addressed, either before or after each tenet. Our report can be used to prioritize repairs that are found between tenants in order that you can preserve your investment value and extend the life of the property. Most importantly as a third party to prove conditions the day of move out document handoff and condition in the event of needing to prove in court damage.
Municipalities use us to help inspect and enforce the ICC (International Code Councils) IPMC (International Property Management Codes) standards in-order to hold landlords/investors to a minimum safety standards that renters should expect to live in. These standards are expectable minimum standards that landlords must maintain for habitability and to receive a certificate of occupancy.
As a renter you select a unit that fits your needs and you pay a security deposit, and when you move out the assumption is that your deposit will come back to you. When you moved in did you take do a walk through with the landlord and go over a checklist of the property. Where pictures taken to document existing damage or maintenance issues that you would like to see the landlord or management company fix. By the time you moved out were they fixed, are you now being blamed for the broken item in order to keep a portion or all of you deposit. How are you able to prove that the conditions were the way you say they were before or after. Even if you did take pictures how will you prove that this was the way the condition was at the time of move in or that it never was addressed the entire time. This is were we come in.
A move-in inspection does just that. But when you are ready to move out if you failed to document the condition of the unit properly your deposit may not be returned in-order to repair defects that are assumed created by you. This is a time sensitive issue once you have already moved in it is very hard to prove you were not the cause of damage.
A Move-out inspection is at the other end of the spectrum that after you have moved out your items and feel it is ready to hand the keys back this inspection helps you establish the condition post move but pre final walk through to verify no items were not addressed that as the renter you may have done but become blind to and can be corrected prior to handing over the keys to prove you have left the property in as good of a condition as you received it. This also allows us to document the entirety of the unit so if damage is done blame can not be placed on you.
Our move-in/out inspection gives you a side by side report to document if a defect was never repaired during your rental period or if the defect was not present at the time of leaving the unit. Your report can be used as proof of the pre-existing condition. But if taken to court you can use Tri ID to testify with you at court as a independant third party to give witness that the condition was and is not changed. And when you look for your first home you are a repeat client which means that you get a discount when you're ready to look and get that first home.
As a landlord, management company or investor you can use our inspection to verify your property has no new safety or maintenance conditions that need to be addressed, either before or after each tenet. Our report can be used to prioritize repairs that are found between tenants in order that you can preserve your investment value and extend the life of the property. Most importantly as a third party to prove conditions the day of move out document handoff and condition in the event of needing to prove in court damage.
Municipalities use us to help inspect and enforce the ICC (International Code Councils) IPMC (International Property Management Codes) standards in-order to hold landlords/investors to a minimum safety standards that renters should expect to live in. These standards are expectable minimum standards that landlords must maintain for habitability and to receive a certificate of occupancy.
Expert Witness
An "expert witness" is someone with expertise in a particular area who is called to testify during litigation / trial. A "fact witness" is a person whose testimony is limited to giving facts. An "expert witness," by contrast, is allowed to give his or her professional opinion.
An expert witness provides an Expert Witness Report after performing an inspection. The goal is to provide a report so convincing that the opposition will decide to settle out of court, saving the client the cost of continued litigation. While this may be one outcome the opposing party may still continue to go forward with court proceedings, if this does occur as an expert witness can be called, for a fee, to the stand to testify about what we saw and our opinion of the conditions found.
Although an expert witness may be hired by either a defendant or a plaintiff, or by the court, s/he is to be a neutral third party. This means that the inspector has no interest in the outcome of the case, and his or her testimony is unbiased.
An expert witness provides an Expert Witness Report after performing an inspection. The goal is to provide a report so convincing that the opposition will decide to settle out of court, saving the client the cost of continued litigation. While this may be one outcome the opposing party may still continue to go forward with court proceedings, if this does occur as an expert witness can be called, for a fee, to the stand to testify about what we saw and our opinion of the conditions found.
Although an expert witness may be hired by either a defendant or a plaintiff, or by the court, s/he is to be a neutral third party. This means that the inspector has no interest in the outcome of the case, and his or her testimony is unbiased.
