Serving Chicago, north, northwest and near west Cook County, Illinois. Inspection Services

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About Our Inspections

At NPI, we strive for the industry's highest standards, and we'll put our commitment to our customers up against any company.  Our inspections provide you with an honest, accurate and independent assessment of the house so you can make an informed buying decision.  We also encourage you to attend the inspection so you can gain the full benefit of first hand knowledge of the home.

Does the home have any major defects?

Does the home have any minor defects?

What components of the home are in acceptable condition, and which are not?

An NPI inspector can answer each of these questions for you.

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The Inspection Report

NPI's inspectors use the Illinois Standards of Practice adopted by the OBRE (Office of Banks and Real Estate).  To complete the report, NPI inspectors use the latest in technology, handheld computers and digital cameras.  The report details hundreds of items in the home and is presented in a clear, concise manner, printed on-site.

See a Sample Inspection Report.

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Complete Home Inspections

A complete home inspection is conducted upon completion of the home, and is generally before the contract between buyer and seller is finalized.  On new construction, it is recommended that the inspection be conducted just before the walk-through with the builder.  Each NPI inspection comes with a free six month limited warranty.  The inspector, armed with the most advanced inspecting equipment, performs a complete structural and mechanical analysis, carefully inspecting each of the following:

Mechanical Systems:  hot water heater, air conditioner, furnace

Electrical Systems:  wiring, outlets, service panel

Plumbing:  sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, dishwasher

Structural Components:  rafters, ceiling joists, attic, crawl space

Outdoor Components:  roof, flashing, chimney, siding, gutters, downspouts, foundations, driveway

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Builder’s Warranty Inspection

The sale of a home typically includes a one year warranty in which the builder will correct any problems encountered within the first year of ownership of a new home.  It is wise to have an inspection conducted shortly before the one year warranty expires, so you will know what to have the builder correct.   Don't get stuck with those home maintenance bills later!  Have your home inspected before the warranty runs out. 

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General Re-inspection

Once you have a home inspection done, we are available to come back at a reduced rate to make sure repairs were properly made.  This helps you to ascertain that items noted in the inspection report were repaired correctly and according to current codes.  Reinspections help you to further protect your investment and your home from future damage resulting from improper repairs.

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Phase Inspection

Are you building a custom home and want to make sure it is being built correctly right from the start? NPI performs inspections during the framing stage of the home building process.  The framing stage takes place just before the drywall is installed in the home.  A construction phase inspection is a structural analysis ascertaining that all load bearing and framing components were properly installed.  The inspection certifies that the home is structurally sound and compliant with building code standards.  The process also includes an examination of the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins for code compliance. 

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Radon Testing

Studies by the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IPNS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and others show that radon levels occur in every county in Illinois.  IDNS found in its study that 17% of the homes tested in Cook County had indoor radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter of air (piC/L) or greater.  The EPA recommends radon testing on the sale of all new or older homes.  NPI can arrange to conduct a 48 hour radon test where a continuous monitor is placed in the home and picked up two days later.  Results on the radon test are ready shortly thereafter.  For more information on radon gas, please see Homebuyer/Seller Issues.

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Company, Government Relocation Inspections

NPI offers both origin and destination inspections.  For its work in relocation inspections, NPI is a multi-recipient of the prestigious "Partnership Award" from the Associates Relocation Management Company.  The award is presented to the top company for successfully handling thousands of inspections annually for companies transferring employees throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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Well Flow Test and Potability (Water) Test

Water from wells vary, and it's a good idea to test the number of gallons per minute, pressure and potability.

Water that has a foul taste or odor and appears dirty may be completely potable, whereas water that is very clear and has a good taste may be polluted.  You cannot tell by looking at it or tasting it whether well water is contaminated.  As a precautionary measure, well water should be analyzed once a year for both bacterial and chemical pollutants.

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NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS OF CHICAGO

RANDY CREAMER

888.724.5338   office

Copyright of Randall Creamer, 2003.