Skip to main content
At Ease Inspections
Resources

Home Inspection Blog

Expert tips, buyer guides, and home inspection advice for the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, written by Certified Master Inspector (CMI®) Sammy Prato.

Seller's Guide7 min read

Pre-Listing Inspection for Northwest Suburbs Home Sellers

A pre-listing inspection for Northwest suburbs sellers finds problems before buyers do. Here's how it speeds up your sale, prevents renegotiation, and builds buyer trust.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
October 1, 2026
Buyer's Guide7 min read

Thermal Imaging Inspection in Crystal Lake and the Northwest Suburbs

An infrared camera reads temperature, not X-rays, and in McHenry County housing that means finding hidden moisture, missing insulation, and overheating electrical connections. Included free with every inspection.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
September 1, 2026
Buyer's Guide7 min read

WDI Termite Inspection Guide for Illinois Buyers

A WDI termite inspection in Illinois checks for wood-destroying insects before you buy. Here's what inspectors look for, what termites cost, and when you need the report.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
August 1, 2026
Buyer's Guide7 min read

Sewer Scope Inspection for Older Homes in Woodstock and Crystal Lake

Original clay sewer laterals under century-old trees are one of the most expensive surprises in McHenry County. Here's what the camera finds and why older Woodstock and Crystal Lake homes need a scope.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
July 1, 2026
Buyer's Guide8 min read

Pre-Purchase Home Inspection Cook County Checklist

A pre-purchase home inspection in Cook County protects your offer. Here's the checklist I walk through, what older Chicago homes hide, and how to read your report.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
June 1, 2026
Buyer's Guide7 min read

What to Expect From Your Home Inspection in the Northwest Suburbs

Buying a home in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs? Here's a clear, step-by-step look at what happens during a professional inspection, how long it takes, and how to get the most out of your report, from a Certified Master Inspector.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
May 20, 2026
Health & Safety6 min read

Radon Testing in Illinois: What Northwest Suburbs Homebuyers Need to Know

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and Illinois is a high-radon state. Here's why testing matters, how it works, and what your results mean for your home purchase.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
May 12, 2026
Health & Safety6 min read

Mold & Air Quality Testing: Protecting Your Family's Health at Home

Mold and poor indoor air quality often hide behind walls and in crawlspaces while affecting the air you breathe every day. Here's how professional testing works and when it's worth doing.

Salvatore "Sammy" Prato
May 5, 2026

We're Here to Put You At Ease.