Frequently Asked Questions.
Elite Inspections provides thorough, unbiased home inspections that help buyers and sellers understand a property’s condition with confidence. From detailed evaluations of major systems to optional services like radon testing, sewer scope inspections, and thermal imaging, our inspections deliver the information you need to make informed decisions. With experienced inspectors, detailed reports delivered within 24 hours, and a commitment to clear communication, we help protect your investment every step of the way. Browse our frequently asked questions for additional information, or contact our team if you don’t see your question listed.
Home inspection costs in Illinois typically range from $400 to $600, depending on the property's size, age, location, and complexity. Smaller condominiums may cost less, while larger homes, multi-unit properties, or homes with additional structures generally require a higher investment.
Elite Inspections' standard single-family home inspections start at approximately $460. Additional services such as radon testing and sewer scope inspections are available for an additional fee. Rather than choosing an inspector based solely on price, homeowners should compare experience, report quality, licensing, and the overall scope of the inspection.
Several factors influence the cost of a home inspection, including the home's square footage, age, property type, number of units, HVAC systems, electrical panels, bathrooms, detached structures, crawlspaces, roof complexity, and overall condition. Additional services such as radon testing, sewer scope inspections, and thermal imaging can also affect pricing.
Larger or more complex homes require additional inspection time and more detailed reporting. Elite Inspections provides pricing based on the unique characteristics of each property to ensure every inspection receives the time and attention it deserves.
Most single-family home inspections take approximately 1½ to 2½ hours. Larger, older, multi-unit, or heavily renovated homes may require four hours or more depending on their size and complexity.
Inspection time also varies based on accessibility, weather conditions, additional services requested, and client questions. Elite Inspections believes a thorough inspection should never feel rushed, allowing sufficient time to evaluate the home's major systems and explain important findings.
Yes. Although attendance is not required, Elite Inspections strongly encourages buyers to attend, particularly near the end of the inspection. Being present allows you to ask questions, see significant findings firsthand, learn the location of important shutoff valves, and better understand how the home's major systems operate.
If you're unable to attend, you'll still receive a detailed inspection report with photographs and can contact the inspector afterward with any questions.
Some of the most significant issues found during home inspections include active water intrusion, major foundation movement, structural concerns, unsafe electrical conditions, failing roof systems, plumbing leaks, sewer line defects, HVAC failures, poor drainage, and signs of long-term moisture damage.
A major finding doesn't automatically mean you shouldn't purchase the home. Instead, it provides valuable information that helps buyers understand potential repair costs, negotiate appropriately, or obtain additional evaluations from qualified specialists.
If significant issues are discovered, Elite Inspections documents the condition, explains why it matters, and recommends appropriate next steps. Depending on the findings, buyers may request repairs, negotiate a credit or price reduction, obtain contractor estimates, request further evaluations, or proceed with the purchase as-is.
The inspection report is designed to provide objective information—not to tell buyers whether they should purchase the home. That decision remains with the buyer and their real estate professionals.
A pre-listing inspection evaluates the same major visible systems as a buyer's inspection, including the roof, exterior, structure, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, attic, basement or crawlspace, garage, interior components, installed appliances, and site drainage.
The goal is to help sellers identify concerns before listing the property so they can complete repairs, gather estimates, improve disclosures, and reduce surprises during negotiations.
Professional radon testing typically costs between $200 and $300 during a real estate transaction. Elite Inspections currently offers radon testing for approximately $250 when requested.
Because radon cannot be detected during a visual inspection, testing is performed as a separate service using specialized monitoring equipment that meets established testing protocols.
Radon is common throughout Illinois, and elevated levels have been found in every region of the state. Approximately 45% of tested Illinois homes have radon levels at or above the EPA's recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
Since radon is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, the only way to determine whether a home has elevated levels is through professional testing.
Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to identify temperature differences on building surfaces that may indicate moisture intrusion, missing insulation, air leakage, electrical overheating, or HVAC performance issues.
While thermal imaging is a valuable supplemental tool, it is not X-ray vision and cannot see through walls. Elite Inspections uses thermal imaging when conditions warrant to provide additional insight during the inspection process.
Thermal imaging can sometimes reveal temperature patterns that suggest hidden moisture, but it cannot confirm the presence of water by itself. Findings should always be interpreted alongside visual observations and, when appropriate, verified with a moisture meter.
When used properly, thermal imaging can help identify potential leaks or moisture-related concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed during a standard visual inspection.
A home inspection is a visual evaluation of a property's visible and accessible systems to identify material defects, maintenance concerns, and safety issues. A code inspection, on the other hand, is performed by a municipal building official to determine compliance with applicable building codes and permit requirements.
Elite Inspections evaluates the condition of the home rather than certifying code compliance or enforcing building regulations.
For many homeowners, a professional home inspection every three to five years is a good way to identify maintenance concerns before they become expensive repairs. Older homes, homes with previous water intrusion, outdated systems, or recent renovations may benefit from more frequent inspections.
Maintenance inspections can also be valuable before listing a home for sale or after purchasing a property to help prioritize future repairs and improvements.
Choose a licensed and insured inspector with extensive experience, detailed sample reports, strong customer reviews, and knowledge of local construction practices. It's also important to find someone who communicates clearly, provides realistic expectations, and remains available to answer questions after the inspection.
Elite Inspections recommends reviewing report quality, inspection scope, additional services offered, and overall experience rather than selecting an inspector based solely on the lowest price.
