Category: Tom Corbett
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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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
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 [...]