Real Inspection Services

Real Inspection Services Real Inspection Services is Chicagoland's premier inspection company. Serving 13 counties
203(k) Consultant Services

RIS Inspectors deliver trusted, detailed reports to help to protect your biggest investment. REAL INSPECTION SERVICES provides expert home inspection services to ensure your property meets the highest standards. Trust our professional inspectors for thorough evaluations and valuable insights. Serving local communities with integrity, we deliver peace of mind for your home-buying journey.

07/29/2026

🌧️ Heavy rain doesn't create most defects - it often reveals them.

Many of the issues we identify during inspections exist long before the next storm arrives. Severe weather simply makes their impact impossible to ignore.

In this video, we're sharing real examples from our recent inspections, including:

➡️ A basement flooded when city's sewer system became overwhelmed during heavy rain, causing sewage to back up into the home.
➡️ Rainwater entering through a missing chimney rain cap.
➡️ An improperly installed sump pump discharge system that wasn't directing water away from the home.

Whether you're buying a home, maintaining your current one, or evaluating storm-related concerns, a thorough inspection can help identify defects before they lead to more extensive damage. Early detection can make all the difference.

There's nothing more rewarding than earning the trust of both our clients and our real estate partners. 🏡❤️Every review ...
07/27/2026

There's nothing more rewarding than earning the trust of both our clients and our real estate partners. 🏡❤️

Every review reminds us why we do what we do. Whether you're buying a home, selling one, or helping your clients through the process, thank you for trusting Real Inspection Services.

Here's what a few of our amazing clients and agents had to say!

⚠️ Chicago Area Air Quality Alert – What Homeowners Need to KnowThe Chicago area is experiencing hazardous air quality d...
07/17/2026

⚠️ Chicago Area Air Quality Alert – What Homeowners Need to Know

The Chicago area is experiencing hazardous air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires combined with extreme heat and humidity. Even if your home appears sealed, smoke particles can still find their way indoors.

What Homeowners Should Do:

🏡 Protect Your Indoor Air

Keep all windows and exterior doors closed.

Run your air conditioning on recirculate if possible.

Replace or inspect your HVAC air filter if it's dirty. Consider using a higher-efficiency filter, if your HVAC system supports it.

Run portable air purifiers with HEPA filters if available.

🔍 Check Your Home

Make sure windows and doors are properly latched to reduce outside air infiltration.

Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows for gaps.

🚫 Avoid Bringing Smoke Indoors

Limit opening garage doors and exterior doors.

Avoid burning candles, fireplaces, or wood stoves.

Delay activities that create indoor pollutants, such as painting or using strong chemicals.

🏠 After the Smoke Clears

Replace HVAC filters if they were heavily exposed to smoke.

Wipe down surfaces where fine ash or dust may have settled.

If you notice a persistent smoke odor indoors, consider having your HVAC system and ductwork evaluated.

Why This Matters

Wildfire smoke contains extremely fine particles (PM2.5) that can enter homes through small gaps and ventilation systems. Maintaining your home's air filtration and sealing can significantly reduce indoor exposure.

Stay safe, stay indoors when possible, and check on neighbors, children, older adults, and anyone with asthma, heart, or lung conditions.

It’s sweltering out there, Chicago! ☀️ Your AC is working overtime to keep you cool. Don't wait for a breakdown - here i...
06/30/2026

It’s sweltering out there, Chicago! ☀️ Your AC is working overtime to keep you cool. Don't wait for a breakdown - here is how to keep your home comfortable:
✅ Change that filter: Dirty filters restrict airflow and strain your system.
✅ Keep it steady: 75°–78°F is the sweet spot for efficiency.
✅ Block the sun: Close those south/west-facing blinds to cut heat gain.
✅ Clear the area: Ensure the outdoor unit is free of grass and furniture.
✅ Shift your chores: Limit oven/dryer use during the hottest hours.

Pro-tip: If your AC stops, check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker before calling for help!

Need a professional eye on your home's systems? Reach out to Real Inspection Services today! 🏠🛠️

🌩️ Day 1 of the storms may be over, but the inspection concerns are just beginning.Yesterday's severe weather brought da...
06/11/2026

🌩️ Day 1 of the storms may be over, but the inspection concerns are just beginning.

Yesterday's severe weather brought damaging winds, downed trees, and widespread power outages across the Chicago area. With additional storms still possible today, now is a good time for homeowners to take a closer look at their property.

As inspectors, some of the most common storm-related issues we see include:

✅ Missing or lifted shingles
✅ Damaged gutters, downspouts, and flashing
✅ Fallen branches impacting roofs, siding, or fences
✅ Water intrusion in attics, basements, and crawlspaces
✅ Foundation drainage issues from heavy rainfall
✅ Exterior electrical equipment damage

Not all storm damage is obvious from the ground. Sometimes the only signs are subtle water stains, displaced roofing materials, or moisture that doesn't appear until days later.

After the weather clears, take a walk around your property and document anything that looks unusual. Catching issues early can help prevent much larger repairs down the road.

😸 Deficiency: Under-sink area partially obstructed by a very curious inspector. Access was granted after a brief negotia...
06/10/2026

😸 Deficiency: Under-sink area partially obstructed by a very curious inspector. Access was granted after a brief negotiation involving treats.

One Call. One Team. One Very Curious Inspector.

📢 Daycare Owners: Did You Know?Illinois law requires licensed daycare centers, daycare homes, and group daycare homes to...
06/09/2026

📢 Daycare Owners: Did You Know?

Illinois law requires licensed daycare centers, daycare homes, and group daycare homes to complete radon testing at least once every three years.
📖 Reference: Illinois Child Care Act of 1969, Section 5.8 (225 ILCS 10/5.8)

Most people know us for residential and commercial inspections, but for years we've also helped daycare providers throughout Illinois meet radon testing requirements and maintain a safe indoor environment for children and staff.

Whether you're approaching a license renewal, unsure when your last test was completed, or simply want to verify compliance, we're here to help.

✅ Licensed Illinois Radon Professionals

✅ Fast Scheduling & Reporting

✅ Daycare, Preschool & Childcare Facilities

Because protecting the air children breathe is just as important as protecting everything else in your care.

One Call. One Team.

📞 312-724-5100

05/29/2026

Not every issue in a home inspection is about something being broken — sometimes it’s about how things were installed.

This AC condenser was placed directly in front of the electrical meter, blocking the required safe working clearance. Electrical equipment must remain accessible for servicing and emergency access.

Situations like this are more common than you’d think, and they’re a reminder that proper installation matters just as much as proper function.

Today’s inspection concern: missing window stoppers.Current homeowner response:“The cat seems fine.” 🐈😅Friendly reminder...
05/14/2026

Today’s inspection concern: missing window stoppers.

Current homeowner response:
“The cat seems fine.” 🐈😅

Friendly reminder - upper-story windows without proper stops, restrictors, or secure screens can become a real safety hazard for curious pets and children. Sometimes it’s the small, overlooked items that make a big difference in home safety.

05/03/2026

Most homeowners assume termites aren’t an issue in the … until they see damage like this.

In this inspection, we found termite activity around the exterior perimeter, followed by significant structural damage inside an enclosed porch area. What looked fine from the outside was already compromised from within.

Termites don’t need much time to cause serious damage - and they often work in areas you don’t regularly see or check.

This is why a thorough home inspection matters. It’s not just about what you can see… it’s about what’s hidden.

Address

1363 Shermer Road Suite 320
Northbrook, IL
60062

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5am
Tuesday 8am - 5am
Wednesday 8am - 5am
Thursday 8am - 5am
Friday 8am - 5am

Telephone

+13127245100

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