Pre-purchase Home Inspection Services in Plainfield, IL

Buying a Home? Don’t Skip This Step

A professional pre-purchase home inspection gives buyers a clear picture of the property’s condition before closing. From structural concerns to hidden electrical or plumbing issues, our licensed home inspectors in Plainfield IL uncover what sellers may not disclose. With a detailed, same-day report, you gain valuable insight to make informed, confident decisions in a competitive real estate market.

Common Issues Found in Home Inspections

Home inspections often reveal hidden issues that can affect safety, value, and repairs. Here are six of the most common problems we uncover:

  • Roof Damage – Worn shingles, leaks, or poor drainage compromise protection.

  • Electrical Hazards – Outdated wiring, missing GFCIs, or overloaded panels pose risks.

  • Plumbing Leaks – Undetected drips or corrosion lead to costly water damage.

  • Foundation Cracks – Visible shifting may signal structural or moisture problems.

  • HVAC Deficiencies – Inefficient or poorly maintained systems reduce performance and comfort.

  • Attic Ventilation Issues – Poor airflow can cause mold, moisture, and heat buildup.

What’s Included in Our Pre-Purchase Inspections

Roof and Exterior

We assess roofing materials, gutters, downspouts, siding, trim, windows, doors, grading, and drainage for visible damage or wear.

Foundation and Structure

We inspect visible structural components, including the foundation, walls, ceilings, floors, and framing for signs of movement, cracks, or water intrusion.

Electrical System

We examine panels, wiring, outlets, fixtures, and breakers to ensure safety, function, and compliance with modern standards.

Plumbing System

We check supply lines, drainpipes, water heaters, and fixtures for leaks, corrosion, or improper installation.

Heating and Cooling

We test HVAC equipment, ductwork, and thermostats for basic operation, age, and maintenance condition.

Interior Components

We evaluate walls, ceilings, flooring, stairways, doors, and windows for damage, wear, or installation issues.

Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation

We inspect insulation levels, attic access, roof structure, and ventilation to ensure proper airflow and energy efficiency.

Basement and Crawlspaces

We look for water damage, structural issues, and signs of pests or mold in lower-level spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do to prepare the home for inspection?

Ensure all utilities are on, and provide access to attics, basements, crawlspaces, and electrical panels. Remove any obstructions that could block inspection of key areas.

Can a home fail a pre-purchase inspection?

No, there’s no pass or fail. The inspection documents the home's condition, revealing issues the buyer should consider before moving forward.

Will the inspector check the roof and attic?

Yes, both are included. The roof is inspected from the exterior and interior where accessible, while attic insulation, structure, and ventilation are also evaluated.

Are appliances and HVAC systems tested during the inspection?

Yes, built-in appliances and heating/cooling systems are tested for basic function. The inspector does not disassemble components or perform specialized diagnostics.

Does the inspector check for mold or pests?

Visible signs of mold or pest activity are noted, but a home inspection does not replace specialized mold or pest inspections unless otherwise requested.

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Schedule Your Pre-Purchase Home Inspection in Plainfield IL

Make informed decisions with a licensed inspection before you buy. Our experienced team provides thorough evaluations and same-day digital reports to give you peace of mind.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

"Mike was so easy to work with. We hired him for our pre drywall and completed inspections on our new construction home. Being a first time home owner I had lots of questions. He was always quick to return my phone calls and happy to take the time to help me address any concerns I had during the build. His reports were detailed and simple to read as well. Overall a very professional and patient guy. We would absolutely hire him again."

Detra H.

"Mike was great to work with and very knowledgeable. He was prompt, confirmed our scheduled time and date ahead of time and walked me through all my concerns while suggesting solutions along the way. I will definitely work with Mike again and recommend his services for anyone in need of a home inspection."

Chris C.

"Mike was very professional and timely. He was able to fit me into his schedule with just a day's notice. He was in and out with no issues. He answered any and all questions I had with great explanation and helped me better understand. Highly recommended for sure."

Claudia R.

"Smart choice is the way to go. There prices are great and fair. When i say they do a thorough cheek they do a Thorough cheek. Saving you hundrads or thousand dollars. If you need your home inspected smart choice home inspecrion is the way to go."

Jessica H.

"Mike is an outstanding inspector. He has high integrity and helps his clients make wise decisions about their home purchase. He explains things in a way that non-experts can understand and he teaches his clients about their home and about how to care for it. He spends time answering questions at the inspection and is even available for calls afterwards. I'd recommend him to anyone looking for a home inspector."

Alicia G.

"It was a great experience to have Mike as my inspector. He is professional, knowledgeable, and absolutely helpful. He helped me with dry wall walk and final walk on a new building. He identified big issues and small issues (even I didn’t notice). He is also patient/kind and willing to spend time explain things and share knowledge in details. If you are looking for a trustworthy and professional inspector, a smart choice is to find smart choice home inspections!"

Jiao W.

"My wife and I have nothing but good things to say about Mike. He came out and inspected our vinyl plank flooring that was installed incorrectly. He was very knowledgable and even pointed out issues that we did not notice. If you are looking for piece of mind when buying a home then Mike is your guy!!!"

Jonathan U.

"I'm really glad I chose Mike for the inspection of my new construction home. He is patient and pays great attention to detail in his work. He also takes the time to kindly explain and answer any questions I had, which helped me fully understand the process. My only regret is not having a pre-drywall inspection done. I strongly recommend not listening to the builder and instead getting an inspection done to save yourself from potential headaches."

Robin K.

"Mike was great. He was very thorough in his inspection. He’s very knowledgeable and patient. He even made himself available for questions days after the inspection was complete. Thank you for a great experience."

Shakka B.

"I was having an issue with the attic in my house creaking. I called Smart Choice Home Inspections, and Mike came out as soon as possible. Mike was very kind and knowledgeable. He sat down with me and properly explained what the issues were and what possible avenues I could take to fix them. I would recommend Smart Choice Home Inspections to anyone who needs to have home inspections done."

Malik T.

"Mike came out and did a great job for a home inspection. He found a lot of items that I would have glanced over. I feel comfortable moving into my new house knowing he did such a thorough inspection. Report came back within 24 hours with good pictures and description of everything. He also explained everything very well to me while on-site and allowed me to ask any questions."

Brad F.

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Contact Information

Plainfield, IL 60585

Mon - Sun: 7:00AM - 10:00PM

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