The Greater Kankakee Area and surrounding communities are full of charming older homes. Solid bones, mature trees, established neighborhoods.
They're also full of aging systems that deserve a careful look before you sign. After 30 years of working on these houses, here's where my attention goes first.
The Basement and Foundation
Most older homes around here have basements, and basements in our climate work hard. Freeze-thaw cycles, spring rains, and decades of settling all leave their marks.
I look for active moisture, efflorescence (the white mineral deposits that show where water has been), foundation cracks and their patterns, sagging beams or posts, and how well the grading and gutters outside are moving water away from the house.
Some findings are routine maintenance. Others affect the value of the home. Knowing the difference is what the inspection is for.
The Electrical System
Many area homes still carry the wiring of a different era: 60-amp services, fuse panels, ungrounded outlets, and in some cases knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring.
Having done electrical work for decades, I open the panel and evaluate what's actually there, not just what the cover suggests. Insurance companies often care about this as much as you do.
Plumbing Materials and the Sewer Line
Galvanized steel supply pipes corrode from the inside out, and older drain systems may include clay tile or Orangeburg pipe that is at the end of its service life.
The buried sewer lateral is one of the most expensive things on a property to replace, and it's invisible to a standard inspection. That's why I offer a sewer scope inspection: a camera run through the line that shows exactly what condition it's in. For older homes with mature trees, it's one of the smartest add-ons you can choose.
The Roof and Attic
I climbed enough roofs as a builder to know what good roofing looks like up close. Beyond shingle age, I'm checking flashing details, ventilation, and what the attic says about the roof's history. Stains, patched decking, and insulation condition tell a story the listing photos don't.
What's in the Air and Water
Two invisible items matter a lot in our region:
Radon. Much of Illinois and Indiana sits in the EPA's highest radon potential zone. A 48-hour test during your inspection period is the only way to know.
Well water. Plenty of homes outside town are on private wells. Water quality testing checks for bacteria, nitrates, and lead, and is often required for FHA, VA, and USDA loans anyway.
Old Doesn't Mean Bad
Some of the best-built homes I've ever inspected are the oldest ones. The point of an inspection isn't to scare you away from an older home. It's to make sure you walk into the purchase with clear eyes, a realistic maintenance picture, and negotiating power where it's deserved.
Buying in Momence, Kankakee, or the surrounding communities? Call or text (815) 278-3191 or book online to schedule your inspection.