GetAPro LLC
This full home inspection covered a brick ranch home in Mount Prospect, IL. Of the 67 components inspected, our team documented 41 total findings: 25 recommendations, 13 maintenance items, and 3 safety hazards. Both major mechanical systems showed problems: the furnace and its thermostat were non-operational, and the AC condenser was also not operational, at the time of inspection. A missing grounding wire to the ground rod and a missing anti-tip bracket on the range and the electrical panel cover was found removed. High moisture levels with microbial growth were noted in the crawlspace.
Exterior
Driveway cracking was noted, and plantings and trees/bushes were growing too close to the foundation and siding. Step cracking was found in the exterior brick, and rusted lintels were noted above an exterior door - worth having a mason evaluate, since lintel rust can expand and push surrounding brick out of place over time.
Roofing/Vents/Attic
The roof coverings were fully inspected and found in good order. The chimney cap was missing, and a downspout/extension was missing or damaged. In the attic, amber staining (a sign of past moisture or heat exposure) was present, ventilation baffles weren't visible, and temperatures ran higher than expected. 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. The dishwasher was not properly attached to the countertop and was displaying an error code - worth having a technician diagnose before use.
Interiors
Ceiling and wall/trim cosmetics were noted.
Bathroom
Caulk was poor or missing in places, and a door knob was found hitting the shower glass door - recommend repositioning or adjusting to prevent ongoing damage to the glass.
Plumbing
A corroded fitting was found after the water meter. The sump pump/sewage ejector system was missing a check valve, and the pump had a missing or unsealed cover - both worth correcting, since a check valve prevents water from flowing back into the pit and a sealed cover helps control sewer gas and moisture. Vegetation was also found covering a gas line.
Heating
The furnace is old, and more notably - both the thermostat and the furnace itself were non-operational at the time of inspection. This is worth resolving before closing, since it means the heating system's functionality couldn't be confirmed and repair or replacement costs should be factored into negotiations.
Air Conditioning
The cooling equipment is due for regular maintenance. The condenser is an older unit and was found not operational - similar to the furnace, this should be addressed before closing so the system's actual condition and repair needs are known. Vegetation was also found near the condensing unit.
Electrical
No grounding wire was found connecting the service entrance conductors to the ground rod - a safety hazard, since proper grounding is fundamental to the whole system's safety and should be corrected by a licensed electrician promptly. Less urgently, the panel is improperly labeled and needs duct sealing, a possible service conductor rating mismatch was noted, and the electrical panel cover was found removed - worth having replaced, since an open panel leaves live components exposed. An outlet was also found with hot and neutral reversed.
Structural Components
The foundation had been previously repaired. High moisture levels and microbial growth were both noted in the crawlspace - worth having evaluated together, since persistent moisture is typically what drives microbial growth in the first place.
