If you're a first-time homebuyer, your home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. It's the moment you find out what you're actually buying, not what the listing says, not what the seller's disclosure mentions, but the real, current condition of the property.
Here's exactly what happens before, during, and after a Gold Coast Home Services inspection, and how to get the most out of it.
Before the Inspection
Scheduling. Once your offer is accepted, you typically have 5–10 days in your contract to complete your inspection. Don't wait. The sooner we get on the calendar, the more options you have if something turns up.
Attendance. We welcome, and encourage, you to attend the inspection. Walking through the home with us is the single best way to understand what we find. You'll learn how the major systems work, where the shutoffs are, and what to keep an eye on as a new owner.
Cost. Standard residential inspections start at $325 in Chicagoland. Add-ons like sewer camera scope, radon testing, and thermal imaging are priced separately. We provide a clear, transparent quote up front, no surprises.
During the Inspection
A standard inspection takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the home. Plan to be there for at least the last hour so we can walk you through findings together.
We follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice, which means we evaluate:
- Roof, structure, shingles, flashing, gutters, downspouts
- Exterior, siding, eaves, fascia, walkways, drainage
- Structure & foundation, settling, cracks, water intrusion
- Basement & crawl spaces, moisture, structural members, sump pumps
- Attic, insulation, ventilation, mold or moisture
- HVAC, furnace, A/C, ductwork, filters
- Electrical, service panel, outlets, grounding, GFCI/AFCI protection
- Plumbing, fixtures, water heater, shutoffs, signs of leaks
- Doors, windows & interior, seals, drafts, mold, water damage
- Garage, door operation, openers, separation from house
- Decks & patios, structural integrity, fasteners, rot
We use infrared thermal cameras to spot hidden moisture, insulation gaps, and electrical hot spots that aren't visible to the naked eye.
What We're Not Looking For
Important to clarify: a home inspection is not a code compliance inspection, an appraisal, or a guarantee that nothing will ever break. It's a visual, non-invasive assessment of the home's condition at the time of inspection. We don't open walls, we don't dismantle equipment, and we don't evaluate cosmetic preferences.
After the Inspection, The Report
You'll receive a comprehensive modern inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection. The report includes:
- Photos of every finding
- Clear descriptions in plain language
- Severity ratings (safety, major, monitor, maintenance)
- A summary section your real estate agent can use directly
- A Repair Request Document Generator that lets your agent copy items into a repair request with one click
You'll be able to access the report on your phone, tablet, or laptop, and so will your agent.
Common Questions First-Time Buyers Ask
Should I expect the report to find problems? Yes, every home has issues. New construction, 100-year-old bungalows, condos, custom builds, doesn't matter. The goal isn't to find a perfect home. It's to know exactly what you're getting.
What if the report finds something major? You have options. You can negotiate a repair credit with the seller, request the seller make the repair before closing, adjust your offer, or walk away. Knowing is what matters.
Should I get add-ons like radon and sewer scope? For most Chicagoland homes, yes. Radon is a real health risk in Illinois and Indiana. Sewer line repairs are some of the most expensive surprises a homeowner can face. Both add-ons are well worth the cost.
Can I call you after the inspection with questions? Absolutely. Tony is reachable directly, no call center, no gatekeepers. Call or text questions any time, before or after the report.
Ready to Schedule?
Gold Coast Home Services serves homebuyers across Chicagoland, Illinois and Indiana. We make the process clear, easy, and friction-free, exactly what a first-time buyer needs during one of the most stressful moments of their life.
Reach out at (312) 358-1200 or tonyldiggs@gmail.com to schedule your inspection.