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Owning a rental property isn’t only about collecting rent. Making sure the bills are paid on time and guaranteeing that everyone is paying their rent is a huge responsibility. Aside from that, it’s also important to make sure that the tenants are happy. One way to do so is by allowing them to have pets on the property. However, this is something that needs to be given a lot of thought. Read on to learn the pros and cons of allowing pets on your rental property.

Pro: You’ll Be More Marketable

A lot of people looking for an apartment often have a furry friend. However, some rental properties have a restriction on pets. Some buildings may allow dogs instead of cats, or vice versa. It’s worth mentioning that some rental properties have a restriction for most types of pets, which means you can’t have any. If you show that pets are allowed in your building, people will feel more inclined to rent with you without having to worry about their pooch. In fact, most of the recommended buildings often have pets allowed on the property, which is why they do so well.

Con: What If a Dog Bites One of Your Neighbors?

Although allowing pets into your home is a huge plus for your tenants, it might cause problems for you. Unfortunately, not every animal is as friendly as they may seem. Some dogs might be too aggressive or skittish, which doesn’t bode well for you or your tenants. This is especially true for tenants that have small children. Dog attacks are a landlord’s worst nightmare because they can ultimately be held liable. If a landlord forgets to repair a broken backyard gate and the tenant brings a dog, the landlord may be held liable for any dog attacks that result.

Pro: It Keeps Tenants Happy

Making your property pet-friendly is a great way to keep your tenants happy and bring in new ones. If your tenants are happy, they’ll feel more inclined to stay in the building longer, trust you with handling damages and pay their rent on time. Tenants who are unhappy are more likely to do the opposite of these things.

Con: Pets May End Up Causing Property Damages

Another con to keep in mind is that pets can cause damage to the property. Regardless of the animal, pets are similar to young children. They must be kept under control, taken care of and supervised at all times. If not, they can end up stinking up the area and chewing up the walls and furniture. In addition, animal claws are sharp and can end up scratching up the floors. If allowed to, they may also destroy the lawn by going to the bathroom, which kills the grass. Eventually, tenants will get fed up and start to complain. Make sure to enforce property rules to keep these incidents from happening. Installing cameras around the perimeter allows you to see who is letting their pet run rampant.

In the end, it’s your choice whether you have a pet-friendly building. Be sure to think long and hard before allowing pets into your building. You can allow one type of pet but ban the other, or you can allow all types of pets but have strict rules in order to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises.
If you want a property inspected before you rent it out, schedule an appointment with us today!

Your roof is the most important part of your house. Regular roof cleaning and maintenance can save you money in the long run and protect your property value. Whether you live in a calm or busy climate, there can be signs that your roof needs repairs. We’ve put together a quick guide to find signs you need to look out for. 

Color Changes

You want your home to look its best, so it’s necessary to check for any color changes. A rusty roof will appear reddish and may need some cleaning. Other coloration may be a sign of water damage, moss or rot. Roof damage can also affect your heat and cooling, so you’ll want to be on top of repairs. If you can’t tackle your roof yourself, look to a trusted team that will do the work for you. 

It’s Noisy When it Rains

Even metal roofing isn’t supposed to be loud when it rains, so if you hear something it could be a sign of trouble. A damaged roof can drive your property value down, can put your home at risk for water damage and can be obnoxious when you’re living in the home. If you’re in a windy or stormy climate, check for leaks that may tell you your roof has been damaged by the weather. Consider hiring a team that knows the deal about roofing. Explain the noise issues and get an expert opinion before it’s too late. 

Your Roof is Old

Your landlords and realtors may tell you how old your house is but may not mention the last time your roof was repaired. Small signs may include curling on the shingles and streaks from mold. Try to take a peek out of an upper window if you can see the view in order to assess any damage.

It may sound silly, but if you’ve experienced a change in the number of birds and other wildlife on your roof it may be a sign you have rot and damage. Look to regular gutter cleaning if you see algae and moss. This can help you to assess whether there are larger underlying problems.

Simple inspections and repairs can protect your home and the wellbeing of you and your loved ones. We all deserve a good roof over our head and regular maintenance can save you trouble and money.  If you do plan on undergoing a major remodel, make sure to get it inspected so you can be aware of any potential problems. Look to signs that may not be obvious and don’t be afraid to contact a trusted team of professionals for help.

No one wants to face the devastation of a house fire, but you may be doing things every day that increase your risk of having one. Following a few important rules when it comes to fire safety can be the difference between keeping you and your home safe and experiencing the damage a fire can cause.

Using the Wrong Wattage Light Bulb

There’s a reason why lamps and other lighting devices come with specifications about which wattage light bulb should be used. Not following these directions puts you and your home at risk. When you use a bulb that is a higher wattage than recommended, your light fixture can actually overheat. Overheating that can lead to a melted socket, which is holding the bulb, and can easily turn into a fire. Lampshades and anything in the vicinity will catch quickly. Only use the specified wattage in light fixtures. If you need more light, purchase fixtures that call for higher wattage bulbs instead of adding them to fixtures that can’t handle them.

Overloading Your Power Strip

Power strips seem convenient because you can place many plugs in one place, allowing you to power more than one electrical item at a time in the same location. The problems start when the power strip is overloaded. An outlet is only supposed to receive a certain amount of power at a time. When a power strip is overloaded, it is a major fire risk. A circuit breaker that trips often is a sign that your power strip is overloaded. Putting a higher demand on an outlet than it’s designed for is a safety hazard that can easily become a fire hazard. Don’t overload power strips, and don’t use them with large items that need a lot of energy, such as microwaves or refrigerators. Space heaters should not be used with power strips.

Lighting Candles

Everyone wants an ambient environment that looks and smells nice. That’s why candles are so popular. You can light one in any room of the house and release a pleasing scent while also creating a dimly lit haven. The problem is that unattended candles are a fire risk. It’s easy to forget to blow them out before leaving the house or retreating to bed. It’s also possible to tip them over and have them catch fire to nearby sheets or other flammables. Don’t leave candles unattended, and think hard before lighting them in your home.

Keep your family and your home safe by preventing common fire hazards. Avoiding a few common missteps can make a major difference.
If you need a home inspection, look no further!

Buying a home is part of the American dream, but this experience does involve some stressful moments. You want to make sure that your beautiful home doesn’t come with a lot of unexpected problems. Having an inspection done before purchasing can keep you from being stuck with structural or safety problems that require immediate repair. But your home is a new build, you say? There’s still plenty of reason to get a professional inspection done, even if you’re the first occupant of that house. Here are the top three reasons to look before you leap into that new build purchase.

It May Not Be Built to Code

It’s shocking, but the fact that a house was just built doesn’t necessarily mean it can pass a code inspection. Contractors can sometimes make mistakes that result in code violations. This can put you at risk of construction-related injuries like falling through a poorly built floor, electrocution, or half-installed fixtures falling on top of your family. Having your new build inspected before you finalize the deal can protect your family from these hazards. You’ll probably sleep much better after moving into a house that you know is up to code.

Code Violations Can Keep You from Selling Your Home

Your new home may be perfect for you today, but you may want to sell it one day. Before signing, a potential buyer will almost certainly want to have the house inspected. If an inspector discovers that your home has code violations, you’ll have work to do before you can sell. Having your new built home inspected before you even move in shows forethought and planning. That ounce of prevention may keep you from having to scramble to pay for costly structural repairs and can keep your selling plans on schedule.

Have the Inspector Look at Least Twice

A lot of structural or electrical violations are hidden behind drywall and under floorboards. Have an inspection completed while these components are still visible. This step could prevent you from having to pay for the costliest repairs yourself. After construction is finished, you should have another inspection to make sure the job was finished properly.

When inspections and repairs are done, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home’s construction is safe. You can then confidently prepare for the joys and chaos of moving day.

Older homes offer a great deal of charm with their beautiful, antique looks and distinctive styles. However, many homes that were built before the 1980s are at high risk for containing asbestos. Read on to learn more about what asbestos is, the risks it can pose, and what you can do about it.

What Is Asbestos?

The term “asbestos” describes a naturally occurring group of silicate minerals that grow into fibrous formations with filaments that are easily released into the atmosphere as a result of friction. Asbestos was used in building materials for decades as a result of its flame retardant properties and its fibrous shape, which lent added strength and insulation to building materials.

Asbestos is still commonly found in building materials in old homes, including everything from wallboards, ceiling tiles, and pipe insulation to patching compounds and heat-insulating door gaskets on old furnaces. Fibers and particulate matter can also rub off and become airborne to contaminate more recently used materials such as insulation as well.

Health Risks

Asbestos poses the greatest health risk when its particles become airborne and are breathed in, which often happens as a result of building materials containing asbestos getting damaged. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the necessary safety precautions when handling asbestos-contaminated materials because they don’t realize how severe the risks are. In addition to causing discomfort in the form of a dry cough and shortness of breath, exposure to contaminated materials can be life-threatening as well. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a form of cancer which attacks the epithelial layer of cells, found in the abdominal cavity, heart and lungs.

How to Fix It

If you think you might have found asbestos in your home, contact a professional immediately for testing and evaluation. Not only do you probably lack the necessary training to deal with asbestos safely, but there are strict regulations in place regarding the handling of toxic materials as well. If materials containing asbestos are present in your home but remain undamaged and can be sealed away, your risk may be minimal. However, damaged or crumbling materials are very high-risk and will need to be professionally removed. Additionally, the surrounding area will likely need to be thoroughly cleaned and potentially re-sealed.

While asbestos used to be highly popular as a result of its durability, affordability, and heat-resistant properties, it is an extremely toxic material that can cause life-threatening conditions if released into the air and inhaled. If you suspect that your older home might have utilized building materials containing asbestos, look into professional testing and abatement immediately.

Please check out our services where offer a full suite of inspections that can provide you with the peace of mind you need.

Is your home experiencing electrical issues? Do you know what to look for? Most people are aware that things like frayed wires and flickering lights are a clear warning sign that the electrical system needs attention from a professional. But what are some of the other, less obvious symptoms of potential problems? Here are four situations that every homeowner should be on the lookout for. 

Exposed Wire

If you see exposed wire on a connection, it’s possible to fix it as long as you first turn off the power to the device. After that, simply disconnect the exposed part of the wire after removing the main wire from the terminal. It’s usually easy to spot exposed wiring because a certain amount of bare wire will be protruding from the connector. 

If these exposed wires come into contact with anything, they can cause a short or an electrical arc flash. Electrical arc flashes can be 30,000 degrees or hotter and have the potential to start a house fire. Remember, if you’re unsure whether a specific piece of wiring is exposed, or if you aren’t comfortable fixing it, call a professional home inspector. That way, you will know whether the problem is major or minor, and you can hire an electrician if necessary. 

Strange Odors

Any unusual odors coming from walls or floors, unless clearly caused by standing water or other impurities, can indicate a serious electrical problem. Sometimes short circuits can cause wire coverings to burn slowly and emit odd smells. Call a home inspector or electrician if you notice telltale odors like these.

Shocks When Turning Devices Off or On

In many cases, if you get shocked when you turn a lamp or other device on or off, the problem is the device itself. It can also be a sign of bad wiring. If you ever get shocked by a device, have an electrician or home inspector take a look at the situation.

Electrical Tape Joining Wires Together

Some homeowners notice wiring that has been joined together with electrical tape. This is a common problem in older homes in which previous owners performed unauthorized and dangerous work instead of calling an electrician. Do the smart thing and have an electrician look at any “tape-joined” wiring you discover in your home. 

If you spot any signs of potential electrical problems in your home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional home inspector. Licensed, experienced inspectors know what to look for and can often notice things that are virtually invisible to the untrained eye. There’s no reason to take chances with a home’s electrical safety. When in doubt, check it out. After you check to gather more information, leave the final diagnostic work to a home inspection team. It’s the smart way to take care of your biggest investment.

Are you concerned about the electrical system in your home? Make an appointment with Chicagoland Home Inspectors for a home inspection to set your mind at ease!

Ask anyone, and they will tell you that house flipping can be a great way for you to make money. Not only that, but many people find it very rewarding to be able to restore a home back to a livable status. However, many experienced house flippers will also tell you that it isn’t worth doing unless it’s done right. Many individuals who have adopted this attitude have been through a difficult home inspection. Of course, they will also tell you that it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Here are three tricks you can consider to make this process like a walk in the park:

Know Your Inspector

The key to a successful house flipping is to have a good working relationship with your inspector. Ideally, according to Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure, you want someone that you not only trust but an individual that is not afraid to level with you regarding the house in question. You want to be able to feel comfortable asking him or her questions. You will also want a home inspector that has integrity and is willing to educate you on the more complicated aspects of restoring a home. They will also be able to help you stay up-to-date on all of the latest home construction and remodeling practices.

Schedule Two Inspections

Having a property to flip doesn’t have to be a nightmare. The key is a little advance planning. One great suggestion would be to get two inspections—one before purchasing the property and one before selling it. You get the inspection prior to buying the property in order to identify any deal-breakers, and you get the inspection prior to selling it to make sure nothing else has gone wrong on the home since you have purchased it. Moreover, you should strongly consider the winter months for your home flipping improvements. According to Do Hard Money, winter is the best time to do home improvements for house flippers because there is less competition, enabling you to focus on doing a better job remodeling the home.

Remember That Honesty Is Always the Best Policy

You need an inspector that will give it to you straight. There is nothing more disheartening than a sale that falls through because of some issue that should have been caught. Thus, according to Money Crashers, you need an inspector that will tell you about such things as a damaged foundation, electrical wiring problems, sewer line problems, gas line issues, hazardous building materials, and neighboring structures that were built beyond your property line.

Clearly, it is invaluable for you to have a good home inspection for all of your flipping endeavors. Don’t hate the process. It’s there to help you. Instead, do everything in your power to be as professional as possible. Your home inspections will go much more smoothly.

Here at Chicagoland Home Inspectors, we have some of the best, top-rated home inspectors in the area. If you’re looking to get your home inspected, we are here to help! Schedule an appointment with us today!

If you decorate with wood in your home, you probably love how natural it is. Wood is long-lasting, classic, and beautiful, whether it’s a shiplap wall in your living room or a reclaimed wood table in your dining room. This versatile material is a common and popular choice for many purposes in the home. However, as wonderful as wood is, it needs some special care if it is going to last a long time. If you want your wood to last as long as possible, here are some things that you have to keep in mind.

Insects Love Wood

There are a lot of insects that crave wood. This means that they can deteriorate the wood over time. Carpenter ants will often set up nests in between the walls of a building. Termites like to form colonies within the wood, with some examples of established colonies actually being in the wood of abandoned buildings for generations and having thousands of members. Bark beetles will usually take up residence in a dead tree, but they normally will not damage residential wood. Finally, powderpost beetles will bore into the wood and will destroy it by turning it into dust.  

No Perfect Protection

Although there are ways to keep insects at bay, there is no perfect protection for wood that will fix the problem completely. Wood rot will eventually occur to all types of wood. Even fences require regular treatment, despite the fact fences are designed to be outside at all times. There are definitely ways to slow down the decay. Regular maintenance will definitely help the wood to last longer.

Wood Finish Breakdown

The first thing that will happen to your wood would be a deteriorating finish. One of the ways you can prevent this would be through maintaining the finish regularly. There is one main misconception you should be aware of: just because wood is new doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be maintaining it. Once the signs of wear are there, it is going to be much more difficult to restore the wood. This is because wood is often worn down by exposure to human skin. Body oils can break down the wood and turn it dark. Regular staining of even new wood can prevent this from happening.

The gist of this is that you should always maintain your wood and it will be good to you and last much longer. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional inspector who can examine your wood for insect activity or other signs of deterioration.

Selling a home might not seem like the biggest challenge. You just need to advertise, find a good realtor, and negotiate on the price, right? However, your home’s salability could be affected by some major unwelcome surprises. These four issues are things that need to be addressed before your home has any chance of being sold for a decent price.

Sinking Foundation

Your home needs a good foundation to rest on, but, over time, a foundation can lose its integrity. When this happens, your home’s condition can deteriorate to the point that it’s practically uninhabitable. You could have trouble opening and closing doors, start to notice how unbalanced your floors have become, and even have your walls collapse. Any signs of foundation problems need to be handled by a certified foundation repairperson.

Weird Plumbing Noises

If you’ve heard a strange sound emanating from your pipes, you might be dealing with plumbing problems. Vibrating pipes in your home often occur when your pipes are loose or the water pressure is too high. You could end up with significant leaks and further problems caused by water damage. Call a plumber to take a look at your pipes as soon as possible. They may need to tighten them up or take measures to lower the water pressure.

Mold

Mold is like an infection in your house, and it can lead to health problems for your family. In a warm, humid environment, such as a basement, mold can start to spread and quickly take over. If heavy rains lead to water getting into your house, you need to dry things up right away to keep mold from forming and spreading. If mold has already taken hold, you should call a remediation service. Before you put your home on the market, have another inspection performed a few weeks after remediation to guarantee that mold is no longer an issue.

Termites

Termites feast on wood because it’s rich in cellulose. As they feed on your home, they can ruin its integrity by hollowing out the walls and ruining your floors. You can detect termites by keeping an eye out for scattered wings. Try knocking on your wall and listen closely to hear termites moving around inside the walls. Call an extermination service to inspect your home for termites and ultimately get rid of them.

Real estate is competitive enough without a home seller having to deal with faulty plumbing, infestations, or other domestic nightmares. Take action to fix these problems right away so that you can make your home as attractive as possible to buyers. Let us help you in the process with a sellers/listing inspection.

Dressing up the exterior of your home can increase its outward appeal and market value as well as reflect a potential for indoor beauty. Exterior lighting is a powerful means to draw positive attention to your house. However, there are a few details that you need to address regarding exterior lighting to prevent stumbling blocks.

Common Issues

Before installing landscape or exterior lighting to your home, make sure you have the proper clearance. If you rent your property, you’ll need to check your lease or obtain permission from your landlord. Even if you own your house, make sure you satisfy all agreements and obtain appropriate authorization from your homeowner’s association, if there is one. Although many HOAs welcome exterior lighting as an additional safety measure for residents, they’ll require proper installation to prevent hazardous conditions. DarkSky explains that light pollution or nuisance lighting affects your neighbors. An HOA may regulate where your lights are placed and how bright they can be.

If no such organization exists where you live, you still need to keep these issues in mind. Do your utmost not to infringe on other people’s enjoyment of their property. Exterior lighting concerns include temporary decorations like holiday lights as well.  Don’t compromise on safety or consideration for your neighbors. Always use outdoor-rated fixtures, light bulbs, extension cords, and decorative lights. Make sure animals or children can’t get to your transformers, and contact local authorities about underground utilities if you need to dig. Schedule appropriate inspections and safeguard against defective lights, too.

Electrical Safety

Helius cautions that outdoor lights require careful electrical planning, as even when they’re covered and protected, they have to still deal with more moisture than indoor lighting. This means they can be a common hazard needing inspecting. Refer to the National Electrical Code for guidance. Always use the appropriate wattage light bulbs. Installing bulbs that exceed the maximum wattage recommendations can damage wire insulation because they can overheat. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters everywhere in your home as well as on your outdoor box. The exception is if you have a circuit breaker or GFCI device higher up in the wiring from your outside box. All outdoor wiring and receptacles need to be weatherproof. Avoid any metal when attaching temporary lighting.

Avoid Corrosion

The extreme moisture exterior lighting faces leads to corrosion and safety issues that can go undetected for a long time. Black Diamond warns that corrosion of bulbs and connections can present dangerous electrical concerns. Make sure to perform regular maintenance on your lighting system. Check halogen and incandescent systems at least twice annually. Plan on replacing all bulbs every two years. When lamps burn out, condensation occurs in the socket, which is a primary cause of corrosion. Besides ensuring you promptly replace old bulbs, you can also use dielectric compounds at each lamp’s base to prevent corrosion.  Avoid substandard connections because if water gets into the wiring, it will, of course, corrode it. Waterproofing connections will further help to prevent corrosion.

Exterior or landscape lighting can be excellent for home improvement. However, legal and community issues, electrical safety, and corrosion are a few elements to consider before embarking on an installation project.