Home Inspections in Bloomington, IL

What I Look For in Bloomington-Normal Homes

Bloomington-Normal has a unique housing mix — historic Victorian-era homes near downtown Bloomington and the Franklin Park district, mid-century brick ranches scattered through Normal, newer subdivisions in Hudson and Downs, and a deep stock of 1990s-2010s construction across the metro. Each era brings its own inspection priorities, and after years of inspecting homes across central Illinois, I know what to focus on:

Older Bloomington homes (pre-1950): Knob-and-tube wiring still hiding in attics, original cast-iron drain stacks, undersized electrical service, and basement moisture from limestone foundations. I check every one of these.

Mid-century Normal ranches: Aging galvanized supply lines, original Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels (both known fire risks), and HVAC systems well past their useful life.

Newer construction (1990s-present): Improperly flashed windows, attic ventilation issues that lead to ice damming, and the surprisingly common problem of poorly-installed sump pumps in homes built on McLean County's clay soils.

Storm and weather exposure: Central Illinois storms hit hard. I look closely at roof condition, hail damage, gutter drainage, and grading — all critical for keeping water out of your basement.

What's Included in Every Bloomington Home Inspection

Every inspection I perform follows the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and includes a comprehensive review of:

• Roof, attic, and ventilation — shingles, flashing, vents, insulation, and signs of past leaks

• Exterior and grading — siding, trim, soffits, windows, drainage, and lot slope

• Foundation, basement, and crawl space — moisture, cracks, structural concerns, and sump pump function

• Electrical system — panel, breakers, GFCI/AFCI protection, and a sample of outlets and switches

• Plumbing system — supply lines, drains, water heater, fixtures, and visible leaks

• HVAC — furnace, AC, ductwork, and a working-condition assessment

• Interior — walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and stairs

• Appliances — built-in kitchen and laundry appliances tested for basic function

• Fire and life safety — smoke alarms, CO detectors, and combustion appliance venting

You'll receive a detailed, photo-rich digital report, typically within 24 hours of the inspection, that you can share with your agent, lender, or contractor.

Additional Testing Services Available in Bloomington

Beyond the standard home inspection, I offer specialized testing that's especially relevant for Bloomington-Normal homes:

Radon testing — McLean County has documented elevated radon levels, and Illinois EPA data shows much of central Illinois falls in radon Zone 1 (highest risk). I provide certified continuous-monitor radon testing using calibrated Breeze monitors.

Mold testing — Bloomington-Normal's humid summers and seasonal flooding can lead to hidden mold growth, especially in basements and crawl spaces. I send samples to PriorityLab (directed by Dr. John Shane, PhD) for AIHA-accredited analysis.

Particle ID / air quality testing — If you suspect indoor air quality issues, I can collect samples and identify airborne particulates, allergens, and contamination sources.

Bloomington-Normal Service Area

I serve the entire Bloomington-Normal metro and surrounding McLean County, including:

Bloomington • Normal • Hudson • Towanda • Le Roy • Heyworth • Stanford • Carlock • Danvers • McLean • Lexington • Downs • El Paso

If you're outside this area but in central or northern Illinois, contact me directly — I cover an 7-county service area and am happy to discuss travel for your inspection.

Ready to Schedule Your Bloomington Home Inspection?

Don't buy a home blind. Get a thorough, professional inspection from an inspector who treats every property like it's his own family moving in.

Phone: (309) 712-4189 Email:chase@hoi-propertyservices.com