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Before you get a home inspection, there are a few things you should know. Though an inspector will look at hundreds of items, their focus is not on cosmetic flaws.Buying a home? Search all homes for sale on the MLSSelling your home? Get a home valuationIf you’ve decided to get a home inspection, congratulations! This means that the seller has accepted your offer and now you’re about to move on to the next part of the home buying process. Before you get an inspection, however, there are a few things that I think you should be aware of. Here is what you need to know about the home inspection process: You get to choose your home inspector. In the state of Illinois, inspectors are licensed by the state. The more reputable ones are members of the NAHI, or National Association of Home Inspectors. This means that you will get a really good home inspection from a qualified professional. What does this mean? NAHI home inspectors operate under a code of ethics and a standard procedure. You should be at your home inspection. Why is this? Your home inspector is going to take you through the home and point out anything that they find, which will teach you a lot of things about your home. Keep in mind that the home inspector’s job is not to point out cosmetic flaws; an inspector’s job is to point out adverse conditions in the home.Inspectors will not report cosmetic issues. The inspector will look at more than 100 different items, from the front step of your home to the chimney, the roof, and the ceiling. A home inspector will also point out structural and mechanical issues in the home you’re considering buying like heating and air, plumbing, and the foundation. From there, the inspector will put together a precise report that they will review with you so that you have all of the details of the inspection. The inspector works for the party that is paying for the inspection. This means that they are working for you. The NAHI Code of Ethics states that the home inspector is an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction. It goes on to say that the home inspector will not conduct the home inspection if the fee is contingent upon them delivering an untruthful conclusion. This means that you are getting an honest inspector who knows what they are doing. If you have any questions about home inspections or about Chicago real estate in general, please give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!