GetAPro LLC
This full home inspection covered a cottage-style home in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. Of the 72 components inspected, our team documented 45 total findings: 26 recommendations, 13 maintenance items, and 6 safety hazards. The roof had active leaks already under emergency tarp coverage at the time of inspection, with chimney leaks also reaching the attic. A broken tree branch was resting on the electrical service drop lines, and the electrical panel was found in an improper location. Active water intrusion was also documented at the foundation, and stairway railings were loose or missing.
Exterior
A vent cover was missing or damaged, and deteriorated brick parge coating combined with poor downspout drainage was noted. On the porch, handrails weren't graspable - a safety hazard, since a properly graspable handrail profile is a basic fall-prevention feature. General wood maintenance was noted, along with missing/loose/damaged fascia/soffit metal covering.
Roofing/Vents/Attic
This roof needs prompt attention: active leaks were already under emergency tarp coverage at the time of inspection, alongside debris on the roof and multiple other covering defects. Chimney leaks were also reaching the attic area, and chimney flashing had separated. Flashings elsewhere were lifted/separated and worn, and a downspout/extension was missing or damaged. Signs of an ongoing leak were present in the roof structure itself. Attic ventilation showed amber staining (a sign of past moisture or heat exposure) and baffles that weren't visible. The attic scuttle cover was missing insulation, and general attic insulation was also missing.
Kitchen Components and Appliances
The range/stove was missing its anti-tip bracket - a safety hazard, since without it a loaded oven door can cause the appliance to tip forward. A burner also wasn't lighting.
Interiors
A window couldn't be opened, and another showed peeling paint and a damaged frame. A door had a loose handle. Ceilings showed peeling paint, moisture damage, cosmetic wear, and outright damage in places. Floors were sloped/uneven, had damaged planks, and showed gaps in the laminate flooring. On the stairways, loose railings were flagged as a safety hazard, since a loose railing can fail under weight exactly when someone reaches for it. Wall and trim cosmetics were noted as well.
Bathroom
Microbial-like growth and moisture damage were noted on the walls, along with poor or missing caulk at the tub/wall area - together pointing to an ongoing ventilation or moisture issue worth having evaluated.
Air Conditioning
The cooling equipment is due for regular maintenance; it was tested and operated during the inspection.
Electrical
A broken tree branch was found resting on the electrical service drop lines - a safety hazard worth having addressed promptly by a tree service and, if needed, the utility company, since a branch in contact with service lines can bring a live wire down during a storm or high wind. The electrical panel was also found in an improper location - another safety hazard. An open GFCI outlet cover found during rain was flagged as a safety hazard as well, since an uncovered outdoor outlet exposed to rain is a direct shock risk. Less urgently, the panel is improperly labeled and needs duct sealing, some bulbs were non-working or missing, and a ceiling fan/light wasn't operational.
Structural Components
Active water intrusion was documented at the foundation - worth having evaluated to identify and correct the source before it causes further damage.
