Comprehensive Home Inspections Throughout Chicagoland

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the accessible systems and components of a property. A Dunsing home inspection typically reviews the roof, exterior, structure, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, attic, insulation, ventilation, interior components, and other accessible areas of the home. The goal is to help buyers and homeowners better understand the property’s current condition and identify visible defects or concerns that may need attention. 

The length of a home inspection depends on the size, age, condition, and complexity of the property. Most inspections take several hours, while larger homes, older properties, multi-unit buildings, or homes with multiple systems may require additional time. Dunsing inspectors focus on performing a thorough evaluation rather than rushing through the property. On larger homes we can also send a team of inspectors so most inspections finish in about three hours. 

Yes. Buyers are generally encouraged to attend at least part of the home inspection when possible. Being present gives you an opportunity to see important conditions firsthand, ask questions, and better understand the home’s major systems and components.

At the same time, the inspector needs adequate time and space to perform a thorough evaluation. Frequent interruptions can be distracting and may make it more difficult to complete the inspection efficiently and carefully. In most cases, the inspector will review the major findings with you at the end of the inspection. If an issue requiring immediate attention is discovered during the inspection, the inspector may come find you sooner to discuss it. The written inspection report then provides a detailed reference after the inspection is complete.

Dunsing provides a detailed inspection report after the inspection that documents observed conditions, photos, findings, and recommendations. Reports are typically delivered within 24 hours, though timing can vary with the property and scope, so you have the information you need during the real estate decision-making process. 

Yes. Dunsing regularly inspects older homes throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Older properties can present unique conditions involving foundations, masonry, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, insulation, ventilation, additions, renovations, and other components that may differ significantly from newer construction. Local experience can be especially valuable when evaluating these homes. 

Yes. Dunsing performs inspections of condos, townhomes, and other attached residential properties throughout Chicagoland. The inspection scope depends on the property type, the areas that are accessible, and which components are maintained by the individual owner versus the association. Shared walls, roofs, exterior components, and other common elements may be only partially inspected or excluded when they are not accessible or when ownership and maintenance responsibility cannot be clearly determined. 

Yes. New construction homes can still have installation defects, incomplete work, damaged components, or other conditions that deserve attention before closing. A new construction home inspection provides an independent review of the accessible property rather than relying solely on the builder’s quality-control process or municipal inspections.

Many builders also provide a one-year warranty period, giving homeowners an opportunity to identify issues that may become apparent after moving in, including settling-related concerns or items that were not evident at closing. For that reason, Dunsing also offers an 11-month warranty inspection, providing a second evaluation before the builder warranty expires so homeowners can document concerns and prepare their final punch list.

The right additional services depend on the property, its location, age, construction, and your specific concerns. Dunsing offers services such as radon testing, sewer scope inspections, mold testing, chimney scan inspections, drone roof inspections, thermal imaging, and EIFS/Dryvit® inspections. Not every property needs every service, so the appropriate scope should be based on the home itself. 

No. A home inspection is not the same as a municipal code inspection or a comprehensive code-compliance review. A residential home inspection focuses on the visible and accessible condition of the property and its major systems and components. When specialized evaluation is needed, additional inspection services or qualified specialists may be recommended. 

Finding defects during a home inspection does not automatically mean a property is a bad purchase. Most homes have some combination of maintenance issues, aging components, or conditions that deserve attention. The purpose of the inspection is to help you understand those findings so you can make a more informed decision and determine whether additional evaluation, repairs, or specialist input may be appropriate. 

Home inspection pricing varies based on the size, age, type, and complexity of the property, as well as any additional inspection services requested. Larger homes, older properties, multi-unit buildings, and specialized services may require additional time and a broader inspection scope.

A typical home inspection may cost several hundred dollars, while larger or more complex properties, especially those with add-on services, can exceed $1,000. Dunsing can provide pricing based on the specific property and the services you choose.

Dunsing provides residential home inspections throughout Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs, including the North Shore, Northwest Suburbs, Western Suburbs, Southwest Suburbs, and South Suburbs. Our inspectors work throughout a wide range of communities and property types across the region.