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Highland Park Home Inspections

Professional Home Inspections in Highland Park, Illinois

Dunsing provides professional home inspections for buyers, sellers and homeowners in Highland Park. We examine accessible home systems, renovation work and drainage conditions, with particular attention to properties near ravines and steep slopes.

 
Community Overview

About Highland Park

Highland Park combines a Lake Michigan setting with distinct business districts, historic architecture, parks, trails, restaurants and a particularly strong arts and music culture. The Ravinia District has its own neighborhood rhythm, while downtown Highland Park supports shopping, dining and public events throughout the year.

Music is part of the city's identity. Ravinia Festival draws audiences from across the region, but Highland Park also has a deep bench of local traditions, including Food Truck Thursdays, downtown concerts and the Bitter Jester Music Festival for emerging artists.

Summer can feel almost festival-like from week to week. Residents can shop the Ravinia Farmers Market, hear live music over dinner at Jens Jensen Park, browse hundreds of artists at the Port Clinton Art Festival or make an evening of a concert at Ravinia.

Local Resources & Data

Highland Park at a Glance

Useful local links, housing context and data points for buyers, sellers and homeowners.

Population
30,767
Owner Occupied
83.8%
Median Household Income
$168K
Median Year Built
1963
Median Sale Price
$886K
RADON IN 60035

Local Radon Testing Results

AT/ABOVE 4.0
23%
AVERAGE
3.0
pCi/L
HIGHEST
19.6
pCi/L
SAMPLE SIZE
100+ homes

ZIP-level results are useful local context, but radon can vary significantly from one home to the next.

From Dunsing

Local Guides & Inspection Notes

As we publish Highland Park-specific articles, homeowner resources and inspection insights, they will live here so this page becomes a useful local reference over time.

Market data can change over time; source links provide current context. Radon levels can vary significantly from home to home, so local ZIP-code data should not replace testing an individual property.

 
Why Highland Park
 

What Makes Highland Park Homes Unique?

Highland Park combines historic homes, midcentury residences and newer construction. On ravine and bluff properties, the relationship between the house, drainage outlets, retaining walls and sloping ground adds questions that go beyond the age of the building.

Ravine Properties
Observe accessible drainage outlets, slope-adjacent improvements and signs of water movement around the home.
Retaining Walls
Review visible wall conditions and recommend specialist evaluation when movement or distress warrants it.
Historic Homes
Look at original masonry, roofing and windows alongside later mechanical and electrical upgrades.
Midcentury Renovations
Check roof transitions, additions and connections between original construction and newer work.
Local Inspection Insights

What We Pay Close Attention to in Highland Park

A house near a ravine needs careful observation of the building and its surroundings. We identify visible concerns and explain when an engineer, drainage professional or municipal records review should follow.

Downspout Outlets
Where roof water goes matters, especially when discharge approaches a slope or retaining wall.
Decks and Additions
Accessible connections, supports and grading deserve attention where improvements sit near changing terrain.
Moisture Evidence
Basement staining, efflorescence and damp finishes can help frame questions about recurring water entry.
Inspection Boundaries
A visual home inspection does not determine slope stability or replace a geotechnical assessment.
North Shore waterway and surrounding vegetation
Ravines and Slopes

Ravine Properties Need More Than a Basement Check

Highland Park regulates work in steep slope areas because changes to drainage, vegetation and construction can affect ravines and bluffs. Buyers considering a slope-adjacent home should ask about prior projects, permits and any engineering reports available for the property.

Our inspection documents accessible building conditions, visible retaining wall concerns and drainage observations. If we see movement, erosion or uncertain discharge arrangements, we recommend the appropriate specialist rather than treating the home inspection as a slope-stability certification.

 
Why Dunsing

Experienced Inspectors Serving Highland Park

Dunsing is based in Lake Bluff and has served Chicagoland since 1980. Our inspectors combine local property knowledge with ongoing training and detailed reporting to help buyers, sellers and homeowners understand what matters before they move forward.

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Licensed home inspectors
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Chicagoland inspection experience since 1980
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Detailed, easy-to-understand inspection reports
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Team inspections when appropriate to help save time onsite
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Specialized services including radon, sewer scope, mold, chimney and thermal imaging

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Highland Park Home Inspection FAQs

What changes when a Highland Park home is next to a ravine?

We pay close attention to accessible drainage outlets, grading, retaining walls and improvements near the slope. Significant erosion or movement may call for engineering or geotechnical review beyond the home inspection.

Does a home inspection certify that a bluff or ravine is stable?

No. A visual home inspection evaluates accessible building conditions and reports visible concerns. Slope stability requires an appropriately qualified specialist and may require information or testing outside our inspection scope.

Should I ask for permits for a deck or addition near a slope?

Yes. Ask the seller for permits, plans and any engineering documents. Highland Park has requirements for work in steep slope areas, so the City should confirm the rules that apply to the specific property.

What do you look for in an older Highland Park home?

We review accessible roofing, masonry, structure and major systems, including how later updates connect to original construction. We explain observed defects and distinguish repairs from further investigation.

Can a retaining wall be evaluated during the inspection?

We report visible conditions on accessible walls, such as leaning, cracking or drainage concerns. A structural engineer or other qualified specialist may be needed to assess design, concealed components or significant movement.

Should I add sewer scope or radon testing in Highland Park?

A sewer camera can add information about the accessible interior of the private sewer lateral. Radon requires a test at the individual property; ZIP-code results describe tested samples rather than every home. Confirm the additional services and inspection scope when scheduling.

How long does a Highland Park home inspection take?

Time depends on the home’s size, age, condition, additions and selected services. Dunsing uses team inspections when appropriate to help save time onsite while providing a thorough review.

Explore Our Latest Blog Posts

 

Stay informed with practical tips, expert guidance, and helpful insights designed to protect your home and make homeownership easier. Explore our latest articles covering home inspections, maintenance, common concerns, and what homeowners and buyers should know.

Explore Our Latest Blog Posts

  •  

Explore Our Latest Blog Posts

 

Stay informed with practical tips, expert guidance, and helpful insights designed to protect your home and make homeownership easier. Explore our latest articles covering home inspections, maintenance, common concerns, and what homeowners and buyers should know.

  •  
Home Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents
Your Inspector Found Some Issues. Now What?

Your Inspector Found Some Issues. Now What?

An inspection report can feel overwhelming. Learn how to prioritize findings, compare repair proposals, verify contractor credentials, and choose the right next steps before committing to work on

Read More
Jamie Dunsing Oct 5, 2026
Home Inspections Commercial Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners
Insurance Inspections

Insurance Inspections

Your insurer may request a property inspection even after you have purchased a home. Learn what insurance inspections can cover, why they are requested, and how to prepare for the process.

Read More
Jamie Dunsing Oct 5, 2026
Home Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents
Does a home buyer really need a Mold Inspection?

Does a home buyer really need a Mold Inspection?

Mold concerns often start with moisture or visible warning signs. Explore how a home inspection, specialized mold evaluation, and third-party testing can help you understand what needs further

Read More
Jamie Dunsing Oct 5, 2026
Home Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents
Realtor Reforms: What Home Buyers Can Expect After the NAR Settlement

Realtor Reforms: What Home Buyers Can Expect

Changes following the 2024 NAR settlement raised new questions for buyers and real estate professionals. Jamie shares his perspective on buyer representation, compensation, and the potential impact

Read More
Jamie Dunsing Oct 5, 2026
Home Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents
Uh-Oh, Honey, I think we just bought a house!

Uh-Oh, Honey, I think we just bought a house!

The final walkthrough deserves as much attention as the earlier steps in your purchase. Use our pre-closing checklist to review repairs, test systems, and spot changes before taking ownership.

Read More
Jamie Dunsing Oct 5, 2026
Home Inspections Commercial Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents
Does your house suck? (Water, that is!)

Does your house suck? (Water, that is!)

Split-faced block can allow water into a building when construction details and maintenance fall short. Learn what to look for and why moisture concerns may call for a specialized evaluation.

Read More
Jamie Dunsing Oct 5, 2026
 
Our Expert Inspection Services
 

Specialized Services for a Deeper Look

In addition to standard property inspections, we offer a range of specialized services to uncover potential issues, evaluate key systems, and provide greater peace of mind.

Radon Testing

  • Radon is an invisible, odorless gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer. Our professional radon testing services deliver accurate results, giving you the information you need to protect your home and the people who matter most.

Sewer Surveys

  • Sewer line problems are often hidden from view and impossible to detect without a camera inspection. Our professional sewer camera inspections provide accurate results to help protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Mold Testing

  • Mold can grow unnoticed behind walls and in hidden areas, impacting your home's air quality and your family's health. Our professional mold testing services provide accurate results to help protect your home and the people who matter most.

Chimney Scan

  • Hidden damage inside your chimney can increase the risk of dangerous house fires if left undetected. Our professional chimney scan services provide detailed results to help protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

Thermal Imaging

  • Hidden moisture, electrical hot spots, and missing insulation can lead to costly damage if left undetected. Our professional thermal imaging inspections provide detailed insights to help protect your home and your investment.

EIFS/Dryvit®

  • EIFS (synthetic stucco) can allow hidden moisture intrusion if not properly installed or maintained. Our professional EIFS inspections provide accurate results to help protect your home and prevent costly damage.
 
Ready When You Are

Buying or Selling in Highland Park?

Get a clear, practical understanding of the property before you move forward. Schedule a Dunsing inspection with experienced local inspectors, detailed reporting and a team serving Highland Park and the surrounding communities.