So you don't get stuck with unpleasant surprises
A cheap inspection may be the most expensive thing you'll ever buy — costing thousands down the road because of missed or overlooked defects. Cheap inspectors often know less and do less, which is one reason they're cheap.
Hire an inspector with lots of experience
It takes a full-time inspector hundreds and hundreds of inspections to develop the eyes, ears, and nose for hunting down problems. A quality full-time inspector conducts 200–400 inspections annually — Xcellence conducts more than 750 per year. Blind inspectors only conduct 50 to 100.
Education & training
Being a contractor is very different from being a professional home inspector. Evaluating all the systems and components of a home takes formal education and training — not a correspondence course. Comprehensive, continuing education and training is a must.
Certifications
Certifications are important, but it's the combination of experience, education, and training that makes the difference. Certifications show an inspector can pass a test — not that they can inspect a home properly. There is no substitute for experience and proper training.
Advanced technology
Buying a home is an extraordinary investment — so why settle for an ordinary inspection? We use cutting-edge tools: laser thermometer, hand-held computer, moisture meter, outlet testers, infrared technology, and more.
The inspection report
Top inspectors don't produce handwritten reports. A professional provides at least a 30+ page narrative report in plain English — not techno jargon. An inspector should never make or offer repairs (a conflict of interest). Always ask for a sample report.
How long has the company been in business?
Is the company locally owned and operated, or a far-away faceless corporation? With a multi-inspector firm, how long have they been in business? Do they have dedicated customer service representatives to schedule appointments and provide follow-up?
Ask to see what other buyers have said
Quality professional inspectors ask their clients to post online reviews upon completion. Professional inspectors want to know what they're doing right and what might need improvement — because you can't improve what you don't measure. If an inspector can't or won't provide referrals, they might be blind in more ways than one.
Buying a home during these unprecedented times made a routine inspection very interesting. Rob was professional, communicative and helped make the process as a buyer seamless. He answered all my questions, sent pictures and live video from my inspection that exceeded my expectations!
Chicago, IL, is the third most populous city in the United States. With over 2.7 million residents and a real estate market that's incredibly diverse, it's no wonder Chicago makes a great place to invest in a property. Whether you're looking for a home to live in or an investment property, you can be sure about the home you're looking to buy with the help of our pros at Xcellence Inspection Services.
When it comes to buying a home, many people think the only thing that matters is the purchase price. But the condition of the property matters too. This is why it's always recommended to have a home inspection before making an offer. Our team can help you identify any potential problems with the property.
Xcellence Inspection Services is dedicated to providing clients with the information needed to make informed decisions about their homes and real estate investments. Our team of certified inspectors will thoroughly examine your property and provide you with a detailed report of our findings.
Expect the Best. Expect Xcellence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers on inspections, radon, sewer scoping, and 24-hour report delivery across the South Suburbs and NW Indiana.
No. A professional home inspector does not issue a pass or fail grade on a home. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. The home inspector will describe the physical condition of the home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.
At the completion of the inspection our inspector will provide you with a computer-generated report, printed in color, including a digital photo of the house — delivered within 24 hours of the inspection, often the same day.
At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will print an on-site, computer-generated report. The Property Inspection Report gives easy-to-read details on the general condition of the home from roof to basement, how things work, major and minor deficiencies, suggestions to remedy deficiencies, any major expenditure coming up, and what to watch out for. The inspector then reviews the report with you to make sure you understand everything.
You generally have between seven and ten days after you sign the contract to get a home inspection. We advise you to call us as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. We have full-time schedulers on staff to assist you, and one is on call each weekend — just leave a message and the scheduler will get back with you, generally the same day.
The price of the inspection varies based on the size of the home. Larger homes take longer to inspect, so fees for those homes are greater than for a smaller home. Don't let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get one, or the selection of your inspector. The knowledge gained is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications — experience, training, and professional affiliations — should be the most important consideration.
A thorough inspection covers everything from the roof to the foundation, including the attic, insulation, ventilation, roof and flashings, gutters, basement, crawlspace, foundation, grading, retaining walls, siding and trim, driveways and walks, ceilings, floors, walls, doors and windows, chimney, fireplace, major appliances, electrical system, water heater, plumbing system, air conditioning, and heating.
What Chicagoland Clients Say
Real reviews from real home buyers and sellers across the South Suburbs and NW Indiana.