MacDonald Property Inspections' Qualifications
Andrew J. MacDonald, President

National Association of Certified Home Inspectors abiding by NACHI's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

State of Illinois licensed Home Inspector. License Number: 450.0003089

Certified Mold Specialist

We generate comprehensive reports of the home inspection complete with photographs and recommendations.

We own and use a variety of specialized tools and detection equipment.

Extensive training and certification through American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT)



Our Focus
MacDonald Property Inspections focuses on providing accurate answers to these questions as we inspect every home:

• Is the home safe?
• Are all systems operational?
• Are there deficiencies or signs of future failure?
• What small repairs or replacements could prevent larger costs later?



A Few Great Reasons to Use
MacDonald Property Inspections
As of January 1, 2003, the State of Illinois requires that any person doing a Home Inspection in Illinois must be tested, accredited and licensed by the State. This means that the person must have completed 60 hours of state-approved coursework (including lab and field experience), sit for a computerized, State licensing exam (4 hours long) and pass a legal background check. To retain his license, an inspector must also complete regular continuing education courses each year.

Just about everybody could do home inspections prior to the state's new law, but things have changed. The new requirements have led to a higher level of professionalism and competency. While some of the old inspectors still continue to work, they usually do 'quickie' inspections (under 2 hours) and provide only minimal, checklist type reports.

A complete, professional home inspection will take a minimum of 3 to 5 hours.

A professional home inspector will go over the house with diligence and care, not only inspecting for its flaws, but also explaining to you the positive aspects and features as well as providing maintenance instructions on how to keep your new home in top condition. Educating the client is the inspector's first priority.

A professional home inspector will use the latest tools and technology to completely inspect your new home. We utilize electrical circuit analyzers (checking more than just polarity and grounding), combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors along with radio frequency moisture meters. This greatly exceeds state and national association standards of practice.

A professional home inspector will prepare the report only after cross checking all the systems inspected, as well as checking for posted government and manufacturer recalls or defect notices.

He will not only inspect your home, he will also educate you on all the house's systems and components. He will continue to provide the same level of service throughout the remainder of the sale process, providing technical support to your attorney and Realtor and he will provide free support and consultation indefinitely after you have moved in.

Of course, higher levels of professionalism and service usually lead to higher prices. Most of the new inspectors are more experienced, better trained, take more time with the client and are also fully insured and bonded. While this is more expensive, it protects you as well as protecting them.

We do a complete home inspection, covering many items that lesser inspections often miss. We provide a comprehensive and detailed Home Inspection Report, clearly describing the entire property, not just the defects found, and providing guidance in how to maintain your new home to keep it safe and preserve its value for many years to come. We include color pictures and informative diagrams showing you exactly what each item does and how its condition affects you. We know your new house and will work to teach you about it as well.

When it comes right down to it, how competent do you want the person who inspects your home to be?



Home Inspection Essentials
The home buying process can be confusing and stressful. Not only do you need to consider things such as price and location, you also have to worry about whether the house itself has any hidden problems that could become costly surprises down the road.

As Professional Home Inspectors, MacDonald Property Inspections' job is to look for those hidden problems for you. The Home Inspection is an unbiased, professional assessment of the condition of the house. It provides you an expert opinion and professional report on the condition of the physical structure and various systems within a house. Giving you peace of mind on what is likely the largest purchase you'll ever make.

In order to prepare the report, the home inspector must conduct a visual inspection of the house. The inspection process typically takes about 3 hours to complete. This of course may vary, according to the size and condition of the home. MacDonald Property Inspections strongly encourages you to accompany your home inspector during the inspection. This will give you a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the systems of the home.

We will inspect all the structural elements and systems of the home. Full inspections of both the interior and exterior typically will include:

• Framing (structure)
• Floors
• Ceilings
• Windows
• Roof and Attic
• Foundation
• Walls
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• Heating and Air Conditioning systems
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Gutters / Flashing
• Porches / Decks
• Landscaping
• Chimney
• Siding
• Trim

Additional items and systems unique to a particular home can also be inspected.

When the inspection is complete, MacDonald Property Inspections will tell you of any problems that were discovered and discuss them with you. We will also tell you about any routine maintenance that should be performed, as well as answer any questions you may have. You'll also receive a comprehensive written report of the home inspection.

Our goal at MacDonald Property Inspections, is to discover and inform you of anything we find that might affect your purchase decision. You will be told about any problems we find, and make repair recommendations. We'll also inform you of what maintenance tasks are required to keep the home and its systems in top condition.


Our Promise to You
MacDonald Property Inspections will dedicate 100% of our time and energy to deliver you, our customer, professional and courteous service. Our philosophy is simple:
We put ourselves in your shoes and treat you like family. Our goal is to become your trusted, personal home inspector and consultant.

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