Home & Commercial Property Inspections Across Chicago’s North Shore

Residential & Commercial Property Inspections for Buyers, Sellers, Owners and Businesses

From historic homes and lakefront residences to office, retail, mixed-use and other commercial properties, Chicago's North Shore includes an unusually diverse mix of buildings.

Dunsing Inspection Services has served Chicagoland since 1980, providing comprehensive home inspections and commercial property inspections throughout the North Shore. We work with homebuyers, commercial buyers and investors, sellers, property owners and businesses to help them better understand the visible condition of the property and its major systems.

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RESIDENTIAL

Residential Property Inspections

Whether you’re purchasing a home, evaluating a historic or luxury residence, preparing to sell or looking to better understand a property you already own, Dunsing provides detailed residential inspections throughout Chicago’s North Shore.

We evaluate visible and accessible structural components, roofing, exterior systems, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, interiors, insulation, ventilation and other major components of the home. Sewer scope inspections, radon testing and other specialty services can also be added when appropriate.

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COMMERCIAL

Commercial Property Inspections

Dunsing provides commercial property inspections for buyers, investors, owners, tenants and businesses evaluating properties throughout Chicago’s North Shore.

We inspect office, retail, mixed-use, multifamily and other commercial properties, focusing on visible building conditions, structural components, roofing, exterior systems, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other major systems that can influence a purchase, lease, investment or capital decision.

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Older Foundations & Basement Construction

Many older North Shore homes feature foundation and basement systems that have been repaired, reinforced or modified over time, making careful evaluation of visible structural conditions especially important.

Past or Active Moisture & Drainage Concerns

Basement moisture, exterior grading, drainage systems, sump pumps and signs of previous water intrusion are important considerations during North Shore home inspections.

Additions & Major Renovations

Historic and luxury homes throughout the North Shore have often been expanded or extensively renovated, creating transitions between original construction and newer structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.

Masonry, Stucco & Specialty Exterior Systems

Brick, stone, stucco and other exterior materials are common throughout the region and should be evaluated for visible deterioration, moisture-related conditions and previous repairs.

Complex Rooflines & Low-Slope Roofing

Larger homes and commercial properties may include multiple roof sections, additions, low-slope areas and complicated flashing details that require careful roof inspection.

Older Electrical & Plumbing Components

Older North Shore properties may contain a mixture of original and updated electrical wiring, panels, plumbing materials and fixtures installed during different periods of renovation.

Multiple HVAC Systems

Luxury homes, larger residences and commercial buildings often have multiple heating and cooling systems, zones or specialized equipment that increase the complexity of the inspection.

Finished Lower Levels & Restricted Structural Access

Finished basement walls and ceilings can conceal foundation surfaces, structural framing, plumbing, drainage systems and evidence of previous repairs or moisture intrusion.

Attic Insulation & Ventilation Concerns

Attic inspections can reveal issues involving insulation levels, ventilation, moisture, roof structure and modifications made during previous renovations or additions.

Aging Sewer Infrastructure

Older communities throughout the North Shore may have aging private sewer laterals, making a sewer scope inspection a valuable additional service for many residential and commercial buyers.

Site Conditions & Drainage

Ravines, Bluffs and Lake Michigan Create a Different Drainage Story

Along Parts of the North Shore, Topography Can Matter as Much as the House Itself

One of the most distinctive features of Chicago’s North Shore is the way drainage and topography change as you travel north along Lake Michigan.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources identifies the North Shore ravine system as a distinctive feature of the Lake Michigan coastal zone, extending through communities north of Winnetka. These steep-sided ravines provide natural drainage toward the lake, while stormwater runoff, erosion and slope conditions can add another layer of complexity to nearby properties.

For homes near ravines, bluffs or the lakefront, visible grading, drainage patterns, retaining conditions, erosion, vegetation, foundation conditions and the relationship between the home and surrounding terrain can all provide important context during an inspection.

The drainage story changes farther south. As the ravine system becomes less prominent, more stormwater is managed through engineered drainage and sewer infrastructure. Evanston, for example, maintains combined, relief-combined and separate storm sewer systems serving different portions of the community.

Buyers evaluating an older North Shore property may also benefit from reviewing available municipal drainage and sewer information. The City of Evanston’s sewer system resources provide one example of how local infrastructure can vary even within the North Shore.

Historic Construction

More Than a Century of North Shore Architecture Can Exist on the Same Block

Older Homes Often Combine Original Construction With Decades of Renovations and System Upgrades

The North Shore contains an unusually broad range of residential architecture, from Victorian and Prairie School homes to Tudor and Colonial Revival residences, mid-century designs, postwar development and newer construction.

For an inspector, the significance goes beyond architectural style. Older North Shore homes may combine original foundations, masonry and structural framing with newer electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC equipment, additions, finished basements and major renovations completed decades apart.

Those transitions deserve careful attention. We evaluate visible conditions where additions meet original construction, where rooflines change, where older foundations connect with later work and where renovated finishes may limit access to original structural or mechanical components.

This architectural history is particularly well documented across the North Shore. Evanston’s historic preservation resources document a substantial collection of historic districts and landmark properties, while the Village of Lake Bluff’s architectural surveys provide another detailed look at the region’s historic homes and estate areas.

Large & Complex Properties

North Shore Estate Homes Can Be a Different Kind of Inspection

Larger Residences Often Combine Original Architecture With Additions, Outbuildings and Multiple Generations of Building Systems

The North Shore is home to a concentration of estate-scale residences and architect-designed properties that can be considerably more complex than a conventional single-family home.

Lake Bluff’s historic estate-area survey documents large architect-designed residences, extensive properties and surviving outbuildings representing styles ranging from Tudor, French and Georgian Revival to Modern and Postmodern design. The Village of Lake Bluff’s historic resource survey provides a detailed look at this part of the North Shore’s architectural history.

From an inspection standpoint, size alone is only part of the story. Larger North Shore properties may include multiple HVAC systems, several electrical panels, extensive plumbing distribution, complex rooflines, flat or low-slope roof sections, multiple chimneys and fireplaces, specialty exterior materials, additions, finished lower levels and detached structures.

Portions of the property may also have been renovated or expanded repeatedly while significant original construction remains. That combination of scale, age and complexity is why Dunsing may use inspection teams on larger North Shore properties, helping evaluate more of the property efficiently while giving the client a clear understanding of the significant findings.

Large North Shore estate home representing complex residential construction

Deerfield

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Deerfield features established neighborhoods, larger homes, newer construction, and properties shaped by years of additions and renovations. Dunsing provides residential and commercial property inspections throughout Deerfield and nearby North Shore communities.

Evanston

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Evanston features historic homes, two-flats, lakefront residences, condominiums, and properties shaped by decades of renovation and redevelopment. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community and surrounding North Shore areas.

Glenview

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Glenview blends established neighborhoods, mid-century homes, newer construction, and larger properties with extensive updates and additions. Dunsing provides thorough residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community and surrounding North Shore areas.

Highland Park

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Highland Park features older homes, luxury properties, complex rooflines, additions, and renovations across a wide range of architectural styles. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community and nearby North Shore areas.

Lake Bluff

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Lake Bluff features historic homes, lakefront properties, older systems, and residences shaped by decades of additions and renovations. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community with deep local North Shore experience.

Lake Forest

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Lake Forest is home to historic estates, luxury residences, large properties, and homes with complex additions and renovations. Dunsing provides detailed residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community with decades of specialized North Shore experience.

Morton Grove

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Morton Grove offers a mix of older homes, mid-century properties, newer construction, and residences shaped by additions and updates. Dunsing provides thorough residential and commercial property inspections throughout Morton Grove and nearby established North Shore communities.

Niles

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Niles blends established neighborhoods, older homes, multifamily properties, and newer construction across a wide range of housing styles. Dunsing provides trusted residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community and surrounding established North Shore areas.

Northbrook

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Northbrook offers a mix of established neighborhoods, larger homes, newer construction, and properties shaped by years of additions and renovations. Dunsing provides trusted residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community and nearby North Shore areas.

Skokie

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Skokie combines established neighborhoods, mid-century homes, multifamily properties, newer construction, and decades of additions and renovations. Dunsing provides trusted residential and commercial property inspections throughout Skokie and the surrounding North Shore area.

Wilmette

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Wilmette is known for historic homes, luxury properties, older foundations, and decades of thoughtful additions and renovations. Dunsing provides trusted residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community with experience across North Shore construction.

Winnetka

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Winnetka combines historic homes, luxury properties, older foundations, and extensively renovated residences throughout established neighborhoods. Dunsing provides trusted residential and commercial property inspections throughout the community and surrounding North Shore areas.

OTHER COMMUNITIES

Serving Communities Throughout Chicago’s North Shore Suburbs

Beyond the communities featured above, Dunsing provides residential and commercial property inspections throughout Chicago’s North Shore, including Glencoe, Northfield, Kenilworth, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Lincolnshire, Highwood, Fort Sheridan, and surrounding communities. From historic homes and lakefront residences to larger estates, renovated properties, condos, and commercial buildings, our inspectors bring decades of North Shore experience to properties across the region.

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 Inspections Commercial Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners

Insurance Inspections

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Home Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents

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Home Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents

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.

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Home Inspections Commercial Inspections Homebuyers & Homeowners Real Estate Agents

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

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Home & Commercial Property Inspections Across Chicago’s North Shore

Residential & Commercial Property Inspections for Buyers, Sellers, Owners and Businesses

Built for the North Shore

North Shore Service Area

The Right Inspection for Every Property

Residential Property Inspections

Commercial Property Inspections

Common North Shore Inspection Considerations

Common North Shore Inspection Considerations

Ravines, Bluffs and Lake Michigan Create a Different Drainage Story

Along Parts of the North Shore, Topography Can Matter as Much as the House Itself

More Than a Century of North Shore Architecture Can Exist on the Same Block

Older Homes Often Combine Original Construction With Decades of Renovations and System Upgrades

Generations of Construction We Evaluate

North Shore Estate Homes Can Be a Different Kind of Inspection

Larger Residences Often Combine Original Architecture With Additions, Outbuildings and Multiple Generations of Building Systems

Explore the North ShoreCommunities We Serve

Deerfield

Evanston

Glenview

Highland Park

Lake Bluff

Lake Forest

Morton Grove

Niles

Northbrook

Skokie

Wilmette

Winnetka

Serving Communities Throughout Chicago’s North Shore Suburbs

Who We Are

Our Expert Inspection Services

Meet Our Expert Inspectors

Explore Our Latests Blog Posts

Explore Our Latest Blog Posts

Your Inspector Found Some Issues. Now What?

Insurance Inspections

Does a home buyer really need a Mold Inspection?

Realtor Reforms: What Home Buyers Can Expect

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

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

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