Tag archive: Chicago Condo Inspection
Top Ten New Condo Safety Issues & Defects
Fitting New Condo Safety Issues and defects into the Top 10 list is going to be a little tight, but you can find out about many other bad things from the Chicago condos by checking entire Chicago Condo Inspection Manual. You would think that after such a spectacular real estate meltdown, something would change in…
New Water Heater Installation | Chicago Condo Inspection
New Water Heater Installation in a Condominium - Chicago Inspection Tips
To start your inspection of a new water heater installation in a Chicago condominium you have to determine what type of a water heater you actually have.
The following water heater installation guidelines will most likely apply in any jurisdiction (please double check). The only difference or rather an addition would be water heater strapping and flexible gas connectors that are required in seismic areas.
Below are 4 most common types of water heater installation in Chicago new condos:
Tank type /natural draft water heater with a metal vent pipe (galvanized steel – make sure there is no aluminum [...]
Chicago Condo Inspection Firewall Separation or NOT
Even if you know very little about Chicago history, I’m sure you have heard of the Great Chicago Fire that started on October 8, 1871 … maybe you didn’t remember the date … This chapter of your Chicago new condo inspection covers firewall separation between the condominium units, and it will tell us if we…
Chicago Condo Inspection & Combustion Air Requirements
This part will cover Chicago condo inspection combustion air requirements for the gas furnace and water heater installed inside your condo closet / utility room (not in the building common areas) – this is an extremely important section and you may need measuring tape.
All gas burning appliances require oxygen for a proper, complete and safe combustion process / without creating measurable and dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide.
Because Carbon Monoxide has no taste, smell or color you must have a CO detector installed in your condo to alert you about any unsafe levels (check Chicago smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector requirements).
First [...]
How to Perform Kitchen Inspection | Home Inspector Tips
The following kitchen inspection guidelines can be used by a home inspector to establish routine procedures while performing a general home kitchen inspection. Every home owner/ seller / buyer can also follow this kitchen inspection manual to determine if his kitchen conforms to the residential construction industry standards or / and if the contractor did his job right on a brand new kitchen.
Keep in mind that building codes are updated / changed periodically and requirements my slightly vary between jurisdictions. Don’t hesitate to ask me questions and always verify if particular requirement has been adopted and is being enforced in your area by contacting your local building department.
Chicago New Condo Electrical Requirements | Condo Inspection
This section of my Chicago Condo Inspection Manual will help you to ensure that your property developer / electrical contractor followed local electrical code requirements while wiring your brand new condo or a gut-rehabbed property. You’ll find here general Chicago new condo electrical requirements and more details concerning your kitchen, bathroom and the laundry area…
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements | Chicago Condo
Requirements for the smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors / alarms installation in the city of Chicago are slightly different than those from NEC (National Electrical Code). So if you’re moving from the Chicago suburbs or other states into the Windy City you’re actually going to need LESS smoke, fire and Carbon Monoxide protection.
So let’s continue your Chicago condo inspection and check for smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.
Pushing test button on smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors may only confirm that unit is mechanically functional and it has power. This test does not guarantee proper response to smoke, flame and / or CO presence.
Condo Floor, Walls, Windows and Interior Doors Inspection
Following section of the Chicago condo inspection concerning issues with hardwood / floating / tiled / carpeted / vinyl floors, windows, doors and wall surfaces may be considered as cosmetic (at least parts of it). Although, some of the described conditions may be a result of an already corrected problem, other are evidence of an…
Condo Entrance From Enclosed Staircase, Hallway or Garage
Let’s start your Chicago condo inspection from the unit entrance doors. The entrance to your condominium from an enclosed staircase, hallway or a garage must comply with the City of Chicago building / fire code requirements. The condo entrance door must be a fire-rated type – no hollow core interior type doors like the ones…
Chicago Condo Inspection Manual | Condo Safety Issues & More
Purchasing a new condo in Chicago without a professional inspection carries significant risks, and naturally many buyers are taking their chances. Some are on a tight budget / trying to save a few extra dollars on a condo transaction, others are not even aware or pay attention to a home / condo inspection disclosure. There’s…