Plenty of Evanston homeowners are told 'the roof has maybe five years left' by someone who never set foot on it. A real inspection means a drone over the field, boots on the slope, a head in the attic and a moisture meter on the decking — and a written report with photos afterwards. We match you with contractors who inspect that way.
What a thorough inspection report contains
Field condition slope by slope, granule-loss assessment, flashing condition at every chimney, valley, and sidewall, ventilation calculation (intake vs. exhaust), attic moisture readings at six locations, ice-dam vulnerability map, fastener and nail-pop count, estimated remaining service life, and a prioritized list of repair items separated into 'now,' 'within 12 months,' and 'long-range planning.'
When to order an inspection
Before listing your home (it is the cheapest negotiating tool you have), before closing on a purchase, after any hail or high-wind event, every five years on a roof over 12 years old, and any time a contractor knocks on your door uninvited claiming to see damage 'from the street.' (Real damage is rarely visible from the street.)
Why drone-and-walk matters
Drones alone miss soft hail bruising and underlayment failures. Walks alone miss the high ridges and tower roofs on Evanston Victorians. Doing both — and pairing it with an attic inspection — is the only way to see the whole system. Ask whether the inspection includes all three.
What you get with us
- Ask for a written report with photos
- Ask whether drone footage is included
- Confirm the fee and whether it is credited against work
- Storm-claim inspections are often free — ask first
Questions Evanston homeowners ask about inspection.
How long does the inspection take?+
Plan on 60 to 90 minutes on site for most single-family homes; two-flats and three-flats run 90 to 120 minutes.
Is the inspection free?+
Our matching service is always free. Inspection pricing is set by the contractor — storm and insurance inspections are commonly free, while pre-purchase and pre-listing inspections often carry a flat fee that is credited back if you hire them for the work. Confirm it before booking.
What if the roof turns out to be fine?+
Then that is what the report should say. A written inspection that finds nothing urgent is a good outcome, and a contractor who cannot show you photographs of the problems they claim to have found is one to walk away from.