Home & Commercial Property Inspections Across Chicago

Experience With Historic Homes, Vintage Multifamily Buildings, Condos, Renovated Properties and Commercial Buildings

Chicago properties can combine more than a century of construction within a single neighborhood, or even within a single building. Historic residences, brick two- and three-flats, condos, loft conversions, newer infill construction, mixed-use buildings, and extensively renovated properties all create different inspection considerations.

Dunsing Inspection Services has served Chicagoland since 1980, providing comprehensive residential and commercial property inspections throughout Chicago. Our inspectors help buyers, sellers, owners, investors, and businesses better understand a property’s visible condition and major systems before making important decisions.

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LOCAL EXPERIENCE

Built for Chicago

Chicago properties range from vintage two-flats, three-flats and masonry homes to condominiums, mixed-use buildings, newer construction and commercial properties. Many buildings have also evolved through conversions, additions, rooftop decks, interior renovations and major system upgrades over time.

Our inspectors evaluate each property based on its actual construction, use, visible condition and systems, helping clients better understand the property and the conditions that may deserve additional attention.

RESIDENTIAL

Residential Property Inspections

Chicago’s residential building stock is incredibly varied, from vintage two-flats, three-flats and masonry single-family homes to condominiums, townhomes, converted multifamily buildings and newer construction.

Our inspectors evaluate visible and accessible systems and components throughout the property, including structure, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interiors, exteriors and drainage. In Chicago, that can also mean accounting for flat or low-slope roofs, rear porches and exterior stairs, finished garden levels, shared building systems, rooftop decks, masonry exteriors and decades of renovations or conversions.

Whether you are purchasing an older city home, a condominium or a newly constructed property, our goal is to provide a clear understanding of the property’s condition and the items that may deserve additional attention.

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COMMERCIAL

Commercial Property Inspections

Chicago’s commercial building stock is incredibly varied, from neighborhood storefronts, mixed-use buildings and multifamily properties to offices, warehouses and larger commercial facilities.

Our inspectors evaluate visible and accessible systems and components throughout the property, including structure, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interiors, exteriors and drainage. In Chicago, that can also mean accounting for flat or low-slope roofs, rooftop mechanical equipment, masonry exteriors, shared building systems, changing building uses and decades of renovations or alterations.

Whether you are purchasing a neighborhood commercial building, mixed-use property, office, warehouse or larger facility, our goal is to provide a clear understanding of the property’s condition and the items that may deserve additional attention.

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Vintage Two-Flats & Three-Flats

Chicago’s classic multifamily buildings may contain masonry construction, shared systems, multiple electrical services, older plumbing, flat roofs, rear porches, finished lower levels, and decades of renovations.

Flat & Low-Slope Roofing

Flat and low-slope roofs depend heavily on membrane condition, drainage, flashing, penetrations, parapets, and previous repairs. Rooftop equipment, skylights, and additions can create further inspection complexity.

Rooftop Decks & Restricted Roof Access

Rooftop decks can conceal portions of the underlying roof membrane and limit visual access. Deck framing, posts, railings, stairs, and attachment points may also complicate drainage, flashing, and evaluation of the roof below.

Brick Masonry & Tuckpointing

Older masonry deserves careful evaluation for visible cracking, mortar deterioration, lintels, parapets, moisture staining, displacement, and evidence of previous tuckpointing or other repairs.

Condo Conversions & Major Renovations

Buildings converted or extensively renovated may contain significant changes involving structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, fire separation, layouts, and shared building components.

Finished Basements & Garden Levels

Finished lower levels can restrict access to foundations, structural framing, drainage systems, plumbing, utilities, and evidence of previous or active water intrusion.

Older Electrical & Plumbing Components

Vintage Chicago properties frequently contain multiple generations of wiring, electrical panels, piping, fixtures, water-heating equipment, and other systems installed or modified over time.

Rear Porches, Exterior Stairs & Deck Structures

Two-flats, three-flats, and other Chicago buildings often include rear porches, exterior stairs, balconies, and deck structures where framing, connections, railings, deterioration, and previous modifications deserve attention.

Additions & Building Transitions

Rear additions, vertical expansions, dormers, roof decks, and other alterations can create complicated connections involving foundations, framing, roofing, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC equipment.

Aging Sewer Laterals

Older buried sewer piping may develop root intrusion, deterioration, displacement, blockages, or other conditions that cannot be identified during a standard visual inspection and may warrant a sewer scope.

Limited Exterior Access

Dense construction, narrow gangways, neighboring buildings, fences, and other site conditions can restrict access to exterior walls, foundations, roof edges, and portions of some Chicago properties.

Commercial Roofing & Mechanical Systems

Older commercial and mixed-use buildings may contain low-slope roofs, rooftop HVAC equipment, larger electrical services, masonry exteriors, and systems modified repeatedly as building uses changed.

Chicago Building Types

Vintage Two-Flats, Three-Flats and Multifamily Buildings Are Part of Chicago’s DNA

Older Masonry Buildings Can Combine Generations of Construction and Renovation

Chicago’s two- and three-flats are among the city’s most recognizable residential building types. The City’s Newport Avenue Landmark District in Lakeview, for example, specifically highlights brick and stone-fronted three-flats dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ukrainian Village contains another well-preserved mix of worker cottages, two- and three-flats, single-family homes, and apartment buildings.

These buildings can present very different inspection considerations from a detached suburban home.

Masonry walls, shared structural components, flat or low-slope roofing, rear porches and stairs, multiple electrical services, common plumbing systems, finished garden units, additions, and decades of alterations can all affect what an inspector encounters.

Many have also been converted from rental buildings into condominiums or substantially renovated over time, creating transitions between original construction and newer systems that deserve careful evaluation.

Renovation & Redevelopment

Renovations and Conversions Can Change Almost Every System in a Chicago Property

What Looks New on the Inside May Still Be Connected to Much Older Construction

Chicago neighborhoods have experienced extensive renovation, redevelopment, and infill construction. Older homes and multifamily buildings may have been converted into single-family residences, divided into condominiums, expanded vertically or at the rear, finished below grade, or substantially reconstructed behind an older exterior.

Those changes can affect structural framing, foundations, roofing, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drainage, and fire separation.

During an inspection, transitions often deserve particular attention. We look at visible conditions where additions meet original construction, where rooflines change, where mechanical systems have been expanded, and where renovated finishes may limit access to older components.

This is especially relevant in neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Lakeview, and Old Town, where older housing and substantial redevelopment frequently exist side by side.

Building Envelope

Flat Roofs and Masonry Require a Different Inspection Mindset

Chicago’s Dense Urban Construction Creates Building Conditions Rarely Seen in the Suburbs

Brick masonry and flat or low-slope roofing are common throughout Chicago’s residential and commercial building stock.

Flat roofs depend heavily on drainage, membrane condition, flashing, penetrations, parapet details, and previous repairs. Rooftop decks, mechanical equipment, additions, and adjacent structures can add further complexity.

Masonry buildings can show visible conditions involving mortar deterioration, cracking, movement, previous tuckpointing, lintels, parapets, moisture intrusion, and transitions between original and repaired materials.

Because Chicago lots are often narrow and buildings may sit close to neighboring structures, some exterior surfaces can also be difficult or impossible to access fully during a standard visual inspection.

Chicago flat roof with brick parapet, rooftop HVAC equipment and skyline

Below Grade

Basements, Sewer Systems and Dense Urban Drainage

Basements and lower-level living spaces are common throughout Chicago, and finished interiors can conceal portions of foundations, framing, plumbing, drainage systems, and evidence of previous moisture conditions.

Much of the Chicago region also relies on combined sewer infrastructure where sanitary sewage and rainwater use the same local sewer system. MWRD notes that during heavy rainfall, local sewer capacity, damaged or obstructed piping, and stormwater entering the system can contribute to basement backups and street flooding.

During an inspection, we evaluate visible foundation conditions, grading where accessible, sump and ejector equipment, floor drains, signs of previous water intrusion, and other accessible components.

For older properties, a sewer scope can provide valuable information about the buried private lateral that cannot be evaluated during a standard visual home inspection.

Property Infrastructure

Older Water Service Lines Are Another Consideration

Chicago continues to undertake major lead service line replacement projects throughout the city through the Department of Water Management. Current projects include block-level replacements in multiple areas of Chicago.

During an inspection, Dunsing evaluates visible and accessible plumbing components, but buried water-service piping cannot be fully identified or evaluated through a standard visual inspection. Buyers of older Chicago properties should review available City records and obtain appropriate plumbing or water testing guidance when questions remain.

Bucktown

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Bucktown features vintage workers’ cottages, two-flats, renovated single-family homes, newer infill, and mixed-use properties throughout its dense, established residential streets. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout Bucktown and nearby Chicago neighborhoods.

Gold Coast

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Gold Coast combines historic mansions, vintage apartment buildings, luxury condominiums, townhomes, and high-rise residences near Chicago’s scenic lakefront. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout the Gold Coast and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods.

Lakeview

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Lakeview offers vintage two- and three-flats, single-family homes, condos, courtyard buildings, and extensive redevelopment across its diverse, established Chicago neighborhoods. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout Lakeview and nearby Chicago communities.

Lincoln Park

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Lincoln Park features historic rowhouses, single-family homes, vintage multifamily buildings, condos, and extensively renovated properties on compact urban lots. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout Lincoln Park and nearby Chicago neighborhoods.

Logan Square

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Logan Square blends historic greystones, two-flats, workers’ cottages, renovated homes, newer infill, and mixed-use buildings throughout its residential corridors. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout Logan Square and nearby Chicago neighborhoods.

Old Town

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Old Town combines historic rowhouses, brick cottages, vintage buildings, luxury residences, condos, and renovated properties throughout its established streets. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout Old Town and nearby Chicago neighborhoods.

West Loop

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West Loop blends converted lofts, modern condos, historic commercial buildings, and newer urban residences around Fulton Market and Greektown. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout West Loop and nearby Chicago neighborhoods.

Wicker Park

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Wicker Park features Victorian homes, two-flats, workers’ cottages, renovated residences, newer infill, and mixed-use buildings throughout its residential corridors. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout Wicker Park and nearby Chicago neighborhoods.

OTHER COMMUNITIES

Serving Communities Throughout Chicago

Beyond the neighborhoods featured above, Dunsing provides residential and commercial property inspections throughout Chicago, including Andersonville, Bridgeport, Hyde Park, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, River North, Roscoe Village, South Loop, Streeterville, Ukrainian Village, West Town, and surrounding neighborhoods.

From historic single-family homes and vintage two- and three-flats to condos, loft conversions, mixed-use buildings, newer construction, and commercial properties, our inspectors bring decades of Chicagoland experience to properties throughout the city.

Who We Are

For more than 100 years of combined experience, Dunsing Home Inspections has helped clients and real estate professionals make informed decisions with confidence. Led by second-generation Master Inspector Jamie Dunsing, our team is built on expertise, clear communication, exceptional service, and a commitment to treating every inspection as if it were our own home.

About Us

Who We Are

About Us

Meet Our Expert Inspectors

Get to know the experienced professionals behind every Dunsing inspection. Our licensed inspectors bring diverse backgrounds, extensive technical knowledge, and a shared commitment to providing thorough, dependable property inspections. Each member of our team is trained to clearly communicate their findings, answer your questions, and help you better understand your property. Meet our inspectors and discover the expertise, professionalism, and personal service that have helped build Dunsing’s trusted reputation.

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Expert Inspectors

Meet Our Team

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Home & Commercial Property Inspections Across Chicago

Experience With Historic Homes, Vintage Multifamily Buildings, Condos, Renovated Properties and Commercial Buildings

Built for Chicago

Chicago Service Area