Category: Tom Corbett

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Lakefront buildings may be popular, but they take a beating from climate

Lakefront buildings may be popular, but they take a beating from climate

New Construction Corner The lake is Chicago’s hottest amenity – homes with waterfront access or views are invariably among the city’s priciest. But [...]
Sleek, modern architecture not only hip, it can help home inspectors at work

Sleek, modern architecture not only hip, it can help home inspectors at work

New Construction Corner Home inspectors devote much of their time to divining what lies beneath a building’s surfaces, looking for clues that water [...]
Narrow your search for a new home: do your own basic home inspection

Narrow your search for a new home: do your own basic home inspection

New Construction Corner If you’re shopping for new construction, chances are you’ve been to countless sales centers and open houses, trying to narr [...]
Tight "owner's envelope," construction make for quiet high-rise condos

Tight "owner's envelope," construction make for quiet high-rise condos

New Construction Corner Robert Frost wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors.” I think most homeowners would agree. The aphorism (from Frost’s 191 [...]
Before you buy, make sure your home inspector zeroes in on common areas

Before you buy, make sure your home inspector zeroes in on common areas

New Construction Corner If you're buying a condo, you're not just buying a home. You're also taking on financial responsibility for the whole bu [...]
Stock of unsold new units high downtown, but few completed condos are sitting empty

Stock of unsold new units high downtown, but few completed condos are sitting empty

City Homes Despite gloomy rumors of unsold condominium units sitting empty downtown, there currently are only 177 new-construction high-rise condos [...]
How to choose a home inspector – and make sure he’s on your side

How to choose a home inspector – and make sure he’s on your side

New Construction Corner Buying residential real estate tends to be an adversarial process. The professionals involved – real estate agents, m [...]
From faulty flashing to lousy lumber, watch for construction problems that cost

From faulty flashing to lousy lumber, watch for construction problems that cost

New Construction Corner Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood has a rich cultural history and some wonderful housing stock. The quality of new constru [...]
Energy-efficient appliances, materials kind to the environment – and your wallet

Energy-efficient appliances, materials kind to the environment – and your wallet

New Contruction Corner Developers and buyers in the market for new homes have started to realize the benefits of energy-efficient appliances and ma [...]
New construction corner

New construction corner

Take advantage of buyer's market to negotiate high-quality finishes Market times have grown in Chicago during the last year, and the consensus seem [...]
New construction corner

New construction corner

Loft buyers should not take the roofs over their heads for granted Nothing beats a loft for rustic, romantic appeal. Dedicated loft lovers swoon ov [...]
New construction corner

New construction corner

Avoid common household hazards for happy holiday season in your home by Tom Corbett The holiday season is the time to take a break and enjoy the c [...]
TV home makeover shows give "DIY-ers" false confidence in renovation ability

TV home makeover shows give "DIY-ers" false confidence in renovation ability

The makers of home improvement shows like This Old House and Extreme Makeover have a lot to answer for. These programs give the impression that you ca [...]
Don't rely on city to ensure quality of construction on your new house or condo

Don't rely on city to ensure quality of construction on your new house or condo

In a way, the function of the home inspector is to confirm that the price being paid for a property makes sense based on its condition. Home inspecto [...]
Live the high life without headaches by thoroughly vetting high-rise condos

Live the high life without headaches by thoroughly vetting high-rise condos

Chicago is in the midst of a high-rise condo boom, but before signing on the dotted line, buyers should look away from the enchanting skyline views a [...]
Green roofs bring savings, peace of mind and protection – if installed correctly

Green roofs bring savings, peace of mind and protection – if installed correctly

Green roofs have been sprouting up on residential and commercial buildings across the city, especially since Mayor Richard M. Daley began offering dev [...]
Buyers should look for the construction features that wow home inspectors

Buyers should look for the construction features that wow home inspectors

  Over the years, I've talked at great length about the problems that arise when developers cut corners or settle for sloppy workmanship. This month [...]
Seven sins to watch for in new-construction condos

Seven sins to watch for in new-construction condos

New Construction Corner I recently completed my 650th inspection of a new-construction condominium and found seven problems that significantly affec [...]

Electrical and plumbing systems are not always new in conversions

New Construction Corner Most vintage condominium conversions in Chicago these days are "gut rehabs." This means that the developer keeps only the she [...]

Don't play with fire – use caution in operating that new fireplace

New Construction Corner Despite advances in heating technology, the humble fireplace remains a feature of many new homes, and with good reason. Nothi [...]
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