About Mike Chen
I'm based in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Before becoming a home inspector, I spent six years in construction project management, working on everything from single-family additions to mid-rise commercial builds. That hands-on experience with framing, roofing, mechanical systems, and concrete work gave me a practical foundation that classroom training alone can't provide.
In 2011, I earned my home inspector license and started working with a local inspection firm. By 2014, I had opened my own practice. Over the next eight years I inspected properties across Chicagoland, from turn-of-the-century Victorians in Oak Park to new construction in Naperville.
Certifications and Training
I hold certifications from both the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). I've completed advanced training modules in electrical systems, structural evaluation, roofing, and moisture intrusion diagnostics. I also hold a radon measurement certification through the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
I stay current with continuing education requirements and follow developments in building codes through the International Code Council. These days, I occasionally teach a home inspection basics course at the local community college.
Why I Stepped Back from Active Inspections
After 3,500+ inspections, I started noticing the same pattern. Buyers would get their reports, feel overwhelmed, and either panic about minor cosmetic issues or miss the significance of something that actually mattered. The 30 minutes I had at the end of each inspection to walk them through findings was never enough.
I transitioned away from full-time inspection work in 2022 to focus on education. This site, along with some occasional teaching, lets me help a lot more people understand what their inspection reports are telling them.
What This Site Covers
We focus on helping you understand your home inspection report. That means explaining what each section covers, what different findings mean, and how to prioritize issues. We also cover what happens after the inspection: negotiating repairs, getting contractor quotes, understanding when to walk away from a deal, and deciding whether to move forward with a purchase.
Our content spans five main topic areas: report basics (how to read the document), structural issues (foundations, framing, roofing), systems and components (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), interior and exterior findings (windows, siding, moisture), and taking action (negotiation, repairs, next steps).
What We Don't Do
We are not here to tell you whether to buy a specific house. We are not providing a professional inspection of your property. Nothing on this site replaces the judgment of a qualified inspector who has physically walked through the building you're considering. Our goal is to give you the knowledge you need to have informed conversations with your inspector, your real estate agent, and any contractors you might hire. The decisions are yours to make.
Editorial Approach
Every piece of content on this site is based on real inspection experience, industry standards, and published research. We reference guidelines from ASHI, InterNACHI, the EPA, and other recognized authorities where relevant. When costs are mentioned, they reflect general market ranges and are updated periodically based on contractor surveys and industry data.
Articles are reviewed for technical accuracy before publication. We correct errors when they're brought to our attention, and we note the date on every article so you can see how current the information is.
Advertising Disclosure
This site displays advertisements through Google AdSense. We also use Google Analytics (GA4) and Google Tag Manager to understand how visitors use the site. Advertising revenue helps cover hosting, development, and content production costs. Our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. We do not accept payment for positive coverage, product recommendations, or contractor endorsements.