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Des Plaines Home Inspections

Professional Home Inspections in Des Plaines, Illinois

Dunsing provides professional home inspections for buyers, sellers and homeowners in Des Plaines. Des Plaines homes warrant attention to the difference between river flooding, sewer backup and water entering around the foundation. We review visible conditions and the systems at the actual address.

 
Community Overview

About Des Plaines

Des Plaines combines established residential streets with the landscape of the Des Plaines River corridor. For a homebuyer, location within the community brings questions about both the house and the surrounding drainage setting.

Its housing stock reflects decades of development and later renovation. The CMAP profile reports a median construction year of 1966, so buyers may encounter original mid-century components alongside modern finishes and replacement equipment.

The City publishes floodplain resources and maintains sanitary, combined and storm sewers. Those systems differ in purpose, and the connection serving an individual property should be confirmed rather than inferred from a citywide description.

A useful inspection puts visible basement conditions, accessible piping, lot drainage and the home’s construction history in context. Property disclosures, repair records and floodplain information add evidence that a single inspection-day visit cannot provide.

Local Resources & Data

Des Plaines at a Glance

Useful local links, housing context and data points for buyers, sellers and homeowners.
Population
58,772
2025 Census estimate ↗
Owner Occupied
78.3%
2020–2024 Census ↗
Median Household Income
$98K
2020–2024 Census ↗
Median Year Built
1966
2020–2024 CMAP ↗
Median Sale Price
$405K
Jun–Aug 2026 Redfin ↗
Radon in 60016

Local Radon Testing Results

Tested at/above 4.0 pCi/L
29%
Average
3.9
pCi/L
Highest
24.6
pCi/L
Sample Size
100+ homes

Results reflect tested homes in this ZIP. ZIP boundaries may extend beyond the municipality, and an individual home requires its own test.

Radon in 60018

Local Radon Testing Results

Tested at/above 4.0 pCi/L
29%
Average
3.5
pCi/L
Highest
14.1
pCi/L
Sample Size
25–99 homes

Results reflect tested homes in this ZIP. ZIP boundaries may extend beyond the municipality, and an individual home requires its own test.

From Dunsing

Local Guides & Inspection Notes

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

Future article: Des Plaines Basements: Floodplain, Sewer Backup and Surface Drainage
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 Des Plaines
 

What Makes Des Plaines Homes Unique?

Des Plaines homes warrant attention to the difference between river flooding, sewer backup and water entering around the foundation. We review visible conditions and the systems at the actual address.

Mid-Century Homes
Original structure and systems can remain beneath newer finishes.
Floodplain Location
Use City resources to investigate the specific parcel.
Different Sewer Systems
Combined and separate infrastructure require property-specific context.
Basement Alterations
Finished areas may limit access to foundation walls and older piping.
Local Inspection Insights

What We Pay Close Attention to in Des Plaines

In Des Plaines, we connect the home's construction history with the condition of its accessible systems. These priorities help buyers understand visible findings and useful next steps.

Low Openings
Window wells, doors and grading can affect surface-water entry.
Backup Protection
Identify accessible valves, pumps and plumbing arrangements.
Private Lateral
A camera inspection adds information about accessible interior pipe condition.
Repair History
Ask about earlier water entry, drainage work and basement finishing.
Residential home exterior
Basement Context

Three Water Questions for Des Plaines Buyers

River flooding, surface runoff and sewer backup are different mechanisms. Des Plaines maintains floodplain guidance and describes its sanitary, combined and storm sewer infrastructure. A location near the river does not by itself establish the history or performance of a particular house.

We review accessible drainage and plumbing, visible moisture evidence and low openings. Buyers should also check the parcel’s floodplain information and request disclosures and repair records. A general home inspection does not determine flood-insurance requirements or predict future storm performance.

Local Des Plaines resources:
City flood management · City sewer system
 
Why Dunsing

Experienced Inspectors Serving Des Plaines

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.

✓
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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Des Plaines Home Inspection FAQs

Is every Des Plaines home in a floodplain?

No. Review the specific parcel using City floodplain resources and confirm current information with the relevant authority. A nearby river or a city name alone does not establish floodplain status.

Are sewer backup and river flooding the same problem?

No. River flooding, sewer backup and surface drainage can affect a basement through different routes. We review visible conditions and recommend follow-up that matches the observed concern.

Does every Des Plaines home have the same sewer setup?

No. The City describes sanitary, combined and storm sewers, with another service provider serving some areas. Confirm the connection and provider for the property.

What do you look for in a finished basement?

Accessible walls and floors, staining, odors, low openings, sump equipment and visible piping. Finishes and stored items may limit what can be observed, so prior repair records are useful.

Can an inspection guarantee a basement will stay dry?

No. The inspection reflects accessible conditions at the time of the visit. Weather, groundwater and system capacity can change; ask about past events and investigate any documented concerns.

Should I add sewer scope or radon testing in Des Plaines?

A sewer camera evaluates the accessible interior of a private sewer lateral, while a standard visual inspection cannot establish radon levels. The local ZIP dataset reports 29% of tested homes in 60016 and 29% of tested homes in 60018 at or above 4.0 pCi/L. These results describe tested samples, not every home in the city. Test the individual property and confirm any additional service scope when scheduling.

How long does a Des Plaines home inspection take?

Inspection time depends on the home’s size, age, condition and complexity, as well as additions and extra 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?

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 Des Plaines?

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 Des Plaines and the surrounding communities.