Category: Tom Corbett
Professional punch list now can save buyers money later
Recently, when a Tomacor home inspector tried to complete a home inspection with our client the builder became outraged. "You can't bring that guy in [...]
Most condominium problems found in common areas, not units
One of the questions I mulled over while preparing a final exam for students in my home inspection class was, what percentage of building problems are [...]
Hardwood floors often poorly installed
Hardwood floors are more popular than ever in new construction, and with good reason. They offer buyers versatility and a rich, natural look. With pro [...]
Shop around, use caution in buying new construction condos and houses
After 19 years as a home inspector, I've seen everything imaginable during the home buying process, including one suicide and a homicide. We'll leave [...]
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 [...]
Brick veneer can present problems in new masonry homes
In recent years masonry problems have been cropping up in new construction all over the city.
The trend is ironic given Chicago's history. After all, [...]
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 [...]
Simple review can prevent hazards on Chicago porches
As spring rolls around and the weather improves, city residents will take to the outdoors, and for many of us, that means making use of that longstand [...]
Hidden costs can lurk around doors, windows in new homes
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 [...]
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 [...]
Hardwood problems afoot when floors are poorly installed
Hardwood floors are more popular than ever in new construction, and with good reason. They offer buyers versatility and a rich, natural look. With pro [...]
Owners' complaints of condominium noise fall on deaf ears
Angela called this morning looking for a resolution to a common-area problem the association at her 60-year-old building has had for a year now. The a [...]
Shortcuts in townhouse building often mean compromised safety
Townhouses are popular because they supply more privacy than condominiums but have lower construction costs than freestanding single-family homes. But [...]
Top 10 lines new-construction buyers should always take warily
This month's column, culled from actual home inspections, is a list of the top 10 lines buyers of new homes should never take for granted. The process [...]
Smart buyers look for dirty laundry
During a recent seminar for new home buyers, a real estate agent friend of mine introduced me by asking the class a simple question: "What's the purpo [...]
Shortcuts in townhouse building often mean compromised safety
Townhouses are popular because they supply more privacy than condominiums but have lower construction costs than freestanding single-family homes. At [...]
Shady repair people can hurt more than your pocketbook
After twenty years of inspecting residential property in Chicago, I have witnessed some bizarre attempts at home repairs. The most unorthodox of these [...]
Spring is maintenance time for home buyers and sellers
The fluctuating temperatures of the last month should have been more than a sign to start shopping for swimwear, especially if you plan on selling an [...]
Don't rely on others to protect your interests in home purchase
As with most major purchases, you should expect some repairs or adjustments to a new home once you have taken possession. Sometimes needed repairs are [...]
Hidden costs can lurk around doors, windows in new homes
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 [...]