Mechanical Systems Inspection for Homes and Buildings
Multi-unit buildings, two-flats and larger homes often share boilers, water heaters and venting that no single occupant watches closely. A mechanical systems inspection gives owners, landlords and property managers a documented picture of that equipment — what is working, what is wearing out, and what needs attention first.
In plain words: we check the building's big equipment, photograph it, and give you a list of what to fix now and what to plan for.
In Chicago, call 773-250-6060.
What we check
- Boilers and hydronic piping, pumps, expansion tanks and controls
- Shared and individual water heaters
- Venting, chimneys and combustion air for gas equipment
- Mechanical room conditions, clearances and access
- Visible code and upgrade concerns
- Written report with photos for owners, boards and managers
We take before and after photos, and you get a clear written report with photos and repair or upgrade options.
What a mechanical inspection covers in a home or building
A mechanical inspection of a home or building focuses on the equipment that heats the space and the water: boilers, furnaces, hydronic piping, circulators, water heaters and the venting that serves them. We note condition, visible problems and equipment age.
For property managers and associations, the report is written so it can be handed to an owner or board and used to plan budgets.
Planning repairs and upgrades
Findings are sorted into urgent items, work to plan in the next season, and items to monitor. Where replacement is on the horizon, we explain the options so it can be scheduled before a failure rather than after one.
Who it's for
Home buyers
A trade-level look at plumbing and HVAC before closing, to complement — not replace — your home inspection.
Home sellers
Find and document problems before a buyer's inspector does, so there are fewer surprises in negotiation.
Homeowners planning upgrades
Know what condition the existing systems are in before you budget a remodel or replacement.
Landlords and property managers
Written condition reports with photos for units and buildings, to plan repairs instead of reacting to them.
How it works
- Step 1
Book
Call or send a request. Tell us the property type, the systems you want checked and any deadline, such as an inspection contingency.
- Step 2
On-site inspection
A technician inspects the accessible equipment and piping, and runs the systems where it is safe to do so.
- Step 3
Photos
We photograph what we find — before photos of the conditions, and after photos of any work we are later asked to do.
- Step 4
Report & recommendations
You get a clear written report with photos, separating urgent items from planned work, with repair or upgrade options.
- Step 5
Optional repair or upgrade
If you want, our team can price and do the work. You are free to use the report with any contractor.
What this inspection is — and isn't
Right Away is a plumbing and HVAC contractor, not an Illinois-licensed home inspector. This is a Plumbing & HVAC Inspection of accessible systems, not a whole-home inspection; it complements a buyer's home inspection and does not replace it. We do no electrical work and do not inspect electrical systems — electrical questions go to a licensed electrician.
Service area
From our shop at 2093 Rand Rd in Des Plaines, we inspect properties in Chicago and the northwest suburbs:
Frequently asked questions
Is a mechanical inspection the same as a home or building inspection?
No. Right Away is a plumbing and HVAC contractor, not a licensed home inspector. We inspect mechanical systems — heating, water heating and venting — and our report complements a general inspection.
Do you inspect multi-unit buildings?
Yes. We inspect boilers, water heaters and venting in two-flats, apartment buildings and condo buildings, and write the report for owners and managers.
Can you do the repairs you find?
Yes, if you want. Repairs and upgrades by our team are optional; the report is yours to use.
Do you inspect electrical panels or wiring?
No. Right Away does no electrical work and does not inspect electrical systems.
Related services
Schedule an inspection
Call 847-550-3322 for the suburbs or 773-250-6060 in Chicago, or schedule an inspection online.