Chicago is the 3rd most populous city in the United States with an estimated population of 2.7 million people. Chicagoland is also the 3rd most populated metro area in the US at nearly 10 million people. Chicago is an international destination and hub for all industries, especially finance, technology and transportation.
It's important to know home inspections are visual evaluations of homes that are non-comprehensive. Home inspectors operate off their Standards of Practice, which is governed by the state and/or home inspection associations. What's typically included in a home inspection are the following major systems:
The average for JUST a standard home inspection on an average sized home is $358. Keep in mind this is a national average and larger cities such as Chicago are most likely higher than the national average.
Add-on services like radon, termite or mold will carry additional costs.
If you're able to most home inspectors prefer you to be there. After all, this will most likely be your new home or investment so you'll want to be there to ask questions and get clarity on issues found.
A home inspection isn't a "pass" or "fail" type of inspection. Not to be confused with code inspections or appraisals, a home inspection is a snapshot at a moment in time of the condition and potential hazards or issues with major components of your home. It's for your education as a homeowner and to help you and your real estate agent in negotiations with the seller of the home.
Roughly 30% of the city is apartment buildings according to Zillow, with many homes being build before the 1960s boom. Chicago clocks in at a 59 on Redfin's Compete Score, and an average sale price of $315 as of April 2020.
Chicago is always ranked as one of the top cities to live in with so many different neighborhood feels and types of homes as you get outside city limits.