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CHICAGO PROPERTY INSPECTION  is a full-service rapid response owner operated home and condo inspection company.

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Owner Bob Elliott is fully certified and licensed by the STATE OF ILLINOIS also a proud member of N A C H I the national Association of certified home inspectors.

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Bob Elliott

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Monday, March 24, 2008

Condo Buyers Please Remember
When you buy a Condo , you own a piece of the big pie .
This means that if the roof goes or there is a major problem , be it plumbing , elevator, structural etc.

Special assesments will get paid by you whether or not you can afford them.

Ask your Inspector to look at more than between the walls.
Mon, March 24, 2008 | link

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Chicago Home Inspection (exterior water penetration)

Chicago Home Inspector (101)
When I arrive at a job for Chicago area Home or condo inspection one of the first things I look at is the exterior wall covering and any penetrations from outside
The reason for this is that if not sealed water can and will gain entry to the property.
If the exterior wall covering is Brick there will be deterioration,and if it is say vinyl siding then the water will begin to rot the wood causing mold .
Look around the outside perimeter of your property and notice how utility services gain entry to the inside.
Are they sealed , or do they have openings.
A thin coat of morter may not do the job as it will crumble so look for a silicone or urethane based product to give flexability and seal.
Here are a few small examples.

dryervent.JPGNotice the gap between the brick wall and the vent plate
Water will enter into the brick and travel on the sheetmetal right into your property.
This is also a point where outside air will enter and cost you more on your energy bill.

cableentry.JPG Cables are a little different.
notice how when entering the exterior wall covering the cable here actualy provides a raceway for water straight into the property.Notice the lack of a sealant also.

cableentryright.JPG This cable enters the structure properly.
Notice how the cable loops under then comes back up so that water will actualy drip away from the wall.
Also notice how there is a silicone sealant behind the bushing.
The bushing is the black cap which is often used to help assist the silicone stay put.
Even though most silicones are rated to last up to fifty years they can still detach from the surface.
So please make an occasional check around the outside perimeter of your home part of your routine.It is definatly part of mine When performing a Home inspection or condo inspection anywhere in the chicago area.

Thu, March 6, 2008 | link


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