Author: tom corbett

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Simple review can prevent hazards on Chicago porches

Recently, while completing a three-story stair tower and porch inspection, I reached out and grabbed the two 30-foot posts, or uprights, and attempted [...]

Lesson in tales from the front: buyers beware

Some weeks in the home inspection business are especially disheartening and the last few have been full of prime examples. Here are just a few recent [...]

Brick veneer often presents problems in new masonry homes

During the last couple of years masonry problems have been cropping up in new construction all over the city. The trend is ironic, given Chicago's hi [...]

Solid contruction, easy access make lofts a great housing choice

Beyond surface design, most people who want to live in lofts don't give much consideration to construction standards in this uniquely urban form of ho [...]

Electrical, plumbing systems not always new in conversions

Most vintage condominium conversions in Chicago these days are "gut rehabs." This means that the developer keeps only the shell of the old building an [...]

Certificates of occupancy no guarantee of construction quality

After 19 years inspecting residential property, I have seen only a handful of certificates of occupancy for newly constructed homes. Many buyers expec [...]

Are you buying property for a home or an investment?

Most of my customers look at their real estate purchases as investments. Much of the conversation during the home inspection process revolves around t [...]

Bulk of condo problems found in common areas, not units

One of the questions I mulled over while preparing the final exam for students in my home inspection class was what percentage of building problems ar [...]

Hidden costs can lurk around doors and windows

The fact that everything you can see looks good in your new condo or townhouse does not mean that all is well. Two of the places you probably haven't [...]

Shop around, use caution in buying new construction

After 19 years as a home inspector, I've seen everything imaginable during the home buying process, including once suicide and a homicide. We'll leave [...]

Fall is important time for maintenance, repairs

Here it is the start of September and most of you are probably wondering what happened to the summer. From a building maintenance perspective, we are [...]

The real estate professional is not always in your corner

The single largest purchase that most people make in their lifetimes is a home, and the importance of the buying process is reflected in endless safeg [...]

Spring is time for maintenance

The fluctuating temperatures of the last month should have been more than a sign to shop for swimwear, especially if you plan on selling an old home t [...]

Shortcuts in townhouse building often can mean compromises in safety

Townhouses are popular because they supply more privacy than condominiums but have lower construction costs than freestanding single-family homes. But [...]

Brick veneer often presents problems in new masonry homes

During the last couple of years masonry problems have been cropping up in new construction all over the city. The trend is ironic, given Chicago's hi [...]

Make sure that your home inspector is working for you

Every profession has standards that have evolved over time – and its share of "professionals" who are willing to ignore them. In the case of hom [...]
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