GetAPro LLC
This townhome inspection in Aurora, IL covered 50 individual items across the kitchen, interior, bathroom, plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and structural systems. The findings included 9 safety hazards, 12 recommended repairs, and 12 maintenance items - with the electrical panel and wiring accounting for the largest cluster of safety concerns.
Kitchen and Interior
The kitchen range was installed without an anti-tip bracket, a simple, inexpensive safety device that keeps the stove from tipping forward if weight is placed on an open oven door, which can cause serious injury. The range hood/microwave's exhaust fan was not operational and should be repaired or replaced. Elsewhere, a few interior windows had damaged or missing screens and improperly sealed panes, and general cosmetic wear was noted on doors, ceilings, walls, and trim, typical for a lived-in home and not safety-related. The stairway railings showed an improper construction practice that should be corrected for safety, and cabinets showed some damage worth addressing.
Bathroom
The bathroom had a cracked window and cracked tiles, both recommended for repair. The bathroom outlets also lacked GFCI protection, ground-fault circuit interrupters are required near water sources and are one of the most important low-cost safety upgrades a homeowner can make.
Electrical
Electrical was the most significant category in this inspection. The home is still served by an older fuse-based panel rather than a modern circuit-breaker panel, while not automatically unsafe, fuse panels are dated technology and most insurers and electricians recommend budgeting for an upgrade. The grounding rod was not visible/installed, which is a safety item that should be corrected by a licensed electrician. Several outlets were found with an open ground and with hot and neutral wires reversed - both are shock hazards that warrant prompt repair. The panel was also improperly labeled, and GFCI receptacles are required in several locations. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were missing, insufficient in number, or over 10 years old and due for replacement, smoke detectors have a service life and lose sensitivity over time even if they still "work."
Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing
The furnace was not operational at the time of inspection and should be serviced and confirmed functional before closing. The water heater is an older unit nearing the end of its typical service life and should be monitored. The air conditioning system was tested and found functional, though regular maintenance and tune-up is recommended, and the gas line had vegetation growth that should be cleared for access and monitoring. Ductwork was found partially or fully non-insulated.
Structural Components
The foundation showed some concrete slab cracks and vertical/diagonal cracking, along with microbial growth noted in the basement/crawlspace area. These are common findings in homes of this age and don't necessarily indicate an active structural problem, but they're worth a follow-up evaluation to rule out ongoing moisture intrusion. Some flooring insulation was also found missing.
Overall
With 50 items inspected across every major system, this townhome is in generally serviceable condition, but the electrical findings with the older fuse panel, missing ground, reversed wiring, and open grounds, are the priority items to address for safety before move-in.
