Finding issues during a home inspection is very common, and it’s actually one of the main benefits of hiring a professional inspector. If problems are discovered, you’ll receive a clear report with photos, explanations, and recommendations so you can understand the severity of each item.

Depending on your situation, you can:

• Request repairs from the seller

• Negotiate credits or price adjustments

• Plan future maintenance

• Choose not to move forward with the purchase if the issues are significant

Our goal is to give you the information you need to make a confident, informed decision — not to alarm you.

Yes — absolutely. Even brand-new homes can have construction defects, safety issues, or incomplete workmanship. Builders work with many subcontractors, and mistakes can happen at any stage.

A new-construction inspection helps identify:

• Improperly installed systems or components

• Safety hazards or code-related concerns

• Roofing, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC issues

• Missing insulation or improper grading

• Items the builder needs to correct before closing

Many buyers are surprised by how many issues we find in new construction homes — even ones that “look perfect.”

An independent inspection gives you peace of mind before you sign off and ensures your home is built right from day one.

Yes — and here’s why. Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste, and Illinois is considered a high-risk radon state. Elevated levels can appear in any home, whether it’s old, new, a basement, slab, or crawlspace.

A radon test is the only way to know if the home is safe.
If levels are high, mitigation is usually simple, affordable, and very effective.

Most buyers in Illinois choose to test radon because:

• It protects your long-term health

• It can affect real estate negotiations

• Mitigation is far cheaper than potential health risks

• Results are fast and reliable with professional equipment

A small test during the inspection gives you big peace of mind.

Key Facts About Radon in Illinois:

High Averages: Illinois' average indoor radon level (around 5.1-5.3 pCi/L) is higher than the EPA's action level of 4.0 pCi/L, notes the American Lung Association

Prevalence: Roughly 45% of Illinois homes have radon levels at or above the EPA's recommended action level, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

Geological Factors: The state's soil, limestone, and shale deposits, combined with glacial history, contribute to elevated radon

High-Risk Zones: Central and northern Illinois, including areas around Chicago, are particularly affected, with specific counties like Kane, Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, DuPage, and Cook County designated as Zone 1 (highest risk) by the EPA. 

Why This Matters:

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, emphasizing the need for testing and mitigation in any Illinois home

Mold can grow quietly behind walls, under flooring, or in areas you rarely see — and by the time it becomes visible, the problem may already be significant. A professional mold test helps you understand what’s happening inside your home’s air and structure, not just what you can see on the surface.

Testing for mold helps you:

• Learn more through professional air sampling
  Professional air sampling provides detailed data on airborne mold spores, contaminants, and overall indoor air quality — giving you far more information than a visual inspection alone.

• Determine if hidden mold is present
  Get clear answers to the common question: “Is mold growing someplace I can’t see?”

• Identify the type of mold
  Different molds behave differently. Knowing what kind you have helps guide the proper response.

• Avoid unseen health risks
  Mold can impact indoor air quality, especially for children, older adults, or anyone with allergies or sensitivities.

• Protect your home’s condition
  Early detection prevents moisture and mold damage from becoming major, costly structural issues.

• Prevent expensive remediation later
  Catching a small problem now is far cheaper than fixing extensive mold growth down the road.

• Gain peace of mind when buying or selling
  Mold testing helps remove uncertainty and supports confident decisions during a real estate transaction.

Thermal imaging — also called infrared scanning — is a technology that uses a specialized camera to detect temperature differences on surfaces that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

It doesn’t see “through walls,” but it does reveal heat and cold patterns that can uncover issues such as:

• Hidden moisture or water leaks

• Missing or compromised insulation

• Electrical hotspots or overheating components

• Air leaks around windows, doors, or ceilings

• HVAC efficiency or airflow problems

At Foundation First Home Inspections, we always use a thermal camera on every inspection, and we have specific building science training that allows us to interpret these thermal patterns accurately.

This ensures problems are identified early — often long before they lead to major damage — giving you clearer insight and greater confidence in your home.

A moisture meter is a handheld tool used during home inspections to detect the presence of moisture in building materials like wood, drywall, or concrete.

Excess moisture can lead to:

• Mold growth

• Wood rot or structural damage

• Damage to flooring, walls, or ceilings

• Hidden leaks from plumbing or roofing

Moisture meters help inspectors identify problem areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye, allowing for early detection and prevention of costly repairs.

At Foundation First Home Inspections, we use moisture meters in combination with thermal imaging and visual inspections to provide a thorough assessment of your home’s condition.

Yes! We encourage clients to attend the home inspection whenever possible. Being present allows you to:

• See issues firsthand and understand their severity

• Ask questions directly about any concerns

• Learn about the systems, maintenance, and proper care of your new home

• Gain confidence in your purchase or sale

Attending the inspection is highly recommended, as it provides a deeper understanding of your home beyond the written report.

We inspect roofs safely and thoroughly, but walking on the roof is not always possible. Weather conditions, snow cover, or steep roof angles can make direct access unsafe.

In these cases, we may:

• Use a ladder or vantage points to visually assess the roof

• Employ a drone when conditions allow, providing high-resolution images of the roof’s condition

Even when the roof isn’t fully accessible, inspections during snow cover or rainfall can reveal:

• Areas of water intrusion or leaks

• Adequate insulation and ventilation

• Signs of ongoing moisture or drainage issues

Our goal is to provide a complete, accurate assessment of your roof and attic conditions while maintaining safety for everyone.

Yes — we typically remove the cover of the main electrical panel to inspect the wiring, breakers, and overall condition. This allows us to:

• Check for safety hazards such as overloaded circuits or improper wiring

• Identify signs of wear, corrosion, or damage

• Ensure the panel meets modern electrical standards

For safety reasons, we do not touch or test the breakers themselves. Our inspection is visual and focused on identifying potential issues that may require further evaluation by a licensed electrician.

• Illinois Licensed Home Inspector (IDFPR)

• InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)

• Licensed Radon Measurement Professional (IEMA)

• FAA Licensed Unmanned Aircraft Pilot

• Member of the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2)

Yes — we carry full professional liability (E&O) and general liability coverage.

Reports are typically delivered the same day or within 24 hours at the latest.

We do not offer “fast and cheap” inspections. Our focus is on thorough, detailed, and professional inspections to protect your investment.

Schedule directly on our website or call us at (847) 807-5161.

Yes — we inspect new construction homes before the builder’s warranty expires to catch issues early.