Half the calls we get start with 'my inspector said the roof has maybe five years left' — and half the time, that inspector never set foot on the roof. Our inspections are different. Drone over the field, boots on the slope, head in the attic, moisture meter on the decking. You get a written report with photos within 48 hours.
What is in our inspection report
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. It is more work, and it is the standard we hold ourselves to.
What you get with us
- 48-hour written report turnaround
- Drone footage included as MP4
- Free for current customers, $295 flat for everyone else (waived if we do the work)
- Accepted by every major insurer and lender in Cook County
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?+
Storm and insurance inspections are free. Pre-purchase and pre-listing inspections are $295 flat, credited back in full if you have us perform any resulting work.
Will you give me an honest answer if the roof is fine?+
Yes. About 30% of our paid inspections end with us telling the homeowner the roof is in good shape and not to spend money. That is the report we write because that is what we saw.