Buying a home in Chicago comes with a long checklist. One question that often gets overlooked is radon testing. Many buyers assume a standard home inspection covers everything. That is not always the case.

So, do you need radon testing with your Chicago home inspection? In most cases, the answer is yes.

What Is Radon and Why Should Chicago Homebuyers Care?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. The only way to know if it is present is through testing.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency reports that nearly 40 percent of homes tested in Illinois have elevated radon levels.

In a city like Chicago, where many homes have basements, radon can enter through foundation cracks, sump pits, and floor drains. Even newer homes are not immune. Read more

When you’re working to get a deal to the closing table, the home inspection shouldn’t be the part that slows everything down. A great inspection partner doesn’t just check boxes—they help you protect your client, manage expectations, and keep your transaction moving smoothly. If you’re searching for realtor inspection services that truly support your business, here’s what to look for. Read more

When buying or maintaining a property, one of the smartest steps you can take is scheduling a thorough and professional inspection. Small details that seem harmless today may actually reveal larger structural issues tomorrow. Inspections go beyond surface-level looks—they uncover the real condition of a property, giving you the knowledge you need to protect your investment.

In today’s example, our inspection team examined a wood retaining wall. At first glance, it might look like an ordinary wall holding back soil, but closer inspection revealed several problems that could lead to major repair costs down the road.

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If you’re buying a home or maintaining an older property, you may be asking what is a sewer scope inspection? It’s a camera-based evaluation of the main sewer line from your house to the street. An inspector feeds a flexible camera through the cleanout to spot cracked joints, blockages, tree root intrusion, and other issues that can cause backups.

Why it’s especially important in older Chicago neighborhoods

Many classic Chicago homes still use clay or cast‑iron sewer piping. Over decades, hairline gaps at joints invite thirsty tree roots (often from those big parkway trees) into the line. Roots grow, catch debris, and slowly block wastewater outflow, which can culminate in messy—and expensive—backups into the home.

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