Licensed Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inspections Before You Buy
Buying a house or condo? Get a closer look at the plumbing, heating, cooling and drainage before closing. A general home inspection can identify concerns that need specialist evaluation — and that specialist evaluation is what we do.
Right Away Plumbing & HVAC provides focused contractor inspections, documented findings and priced repair recommendations, so you can make an informed decision and discuss repairs or credits with the seller. We are family-owned and have served Chicago and the northwest suburbs since 2008.
In Chicago, call 773-250-6060.
Why a Contractor Inspection Goes Deeper
A general home inspection covers many systems in a single visit. When a report recommends further evaluation by a qualified plumbing or HVAC contractor, we can investigate those concerns in depth — the water heater, the sewer line, the boiler, the venting — and tell you what a flagged item actually means before your contingency window closes.
Right Away is an Illinois licensed plumbing contractor (PL# 055-042428) with experienced HVAC technicians. Our inspection complements a general home inspection; it does not replace one, and general home inspectors remain the right starting point for the whole property.
What We Inspect
Plumbing
Accessible water supply piping, drains, vents, fixtures, water pressure, shutoff valves, gas piping and observable installation concerns.
Water heaters
Tank and tankless age, accessible components, venting, the temperature-and-pressure relief valve and observable safety concerns.
Sewer and underground lines
A camera scope of the main sewer, subject to an accessible cleanout and line conditions, looking for visible roots, cracks, bellies, blockages, collapse indicators and pipe material.
Drain tile, sump pumps and flooding
The accessible sump pit, pump, backup and check valves, plus visible drainage and moisture indicators. Concealed drain tile condition cannot be guaranteed without further testing or access.
Lead and water safety
We identify visible materials that suggest lead or galvanized piping; confirmatory testing or utility records may be needed. A visual inspection does not certify drinking-water quality.
Heating
Furnaces, steam and hot-water boilers and heat pumps — accessible components, venting and observable safety concerns. Heat exchanger evaluation and carbon monoxide testing where accessible and appropriate. Age and condition estimates are not guarantees of remaining life.
Cooling
The accessible condenser, coil, drainage, age and operating performance where weather and manufacturer guidelines permit. Refrigerant diagnostics as appropriate — no one can judge refrigerant condition by looking alone.
Air quality
Visible ductwork, filtration, humidity and ventilation concerns. This is not a laboratory air-quality certification.
Moisture, mold signs and foundation cracks
We investigate visible plumbing and drainage water sources and recommend qualified mold testing or structural evaluation where appropriate. We do not perform mold or radon testing or structural certification.
Inspection scope, sewer camera inclusion, access, weather limitations and any additional diagnostic charges are confirmed at booking. Concealed systems and inaccessible conditions are excluded from every inspection.
A Report You Can Use Before Closing
Your report includes photos documenting what we found, observed safety concerns, applicable code references where verified, and condition concerns — organized so you can act on it. Recommendations are clear, and repair estimates are itemized.
Code applicability depends on the installation date, local requirements, permits and scope, so an older installation is not automatically a violation. If you separately authorize repairs with us, that work can be documented with before-and-after photos.
Find problems before closing. Plan for lower utility bills.
Documented findings and priced repair estimates can help you ask the seller for repairs, a price adjustment or a closing credit. We also look for plumbing leaks and heating or cooling problems that may waste water or energy. Correcting identified problems may reduce utility costs; savings depend on the home, findings, repairs and usage. Seller credits and price reductions are negotiated and are not guaranteed. A plumbing and HVAC inspection before buying a house gives you this information while you can still act on it.
Who It's For
Home and condo buyers under contract
A trade-level look at the plumbing and HVAC before your inspection contingency closes.
Sellers preparing to list
Find and document problems before a buyer's inspector does, with fewer surprises in negotiation.
Realtors
Specialist follow-up when a general inspection report flags plumbing, heating, cooling or sewer concerns.
Investors and property managers
Documented condition and priced repair options before a purchase or between tenants.
Serving Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs
We are based at 2093 Rand Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, and inspect properties in Des Plaines, Chicago — including Hyde Park — and the surrounding northwest suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this replace a general home inspection?
No. This is a specialist plumbing and HVAC assessment used alongside a general home inspection, or as follow-up when one flags a concern. Right Away is a plumbing and HVAC contractor, not a licensed home inspector.
Is a sewer scope included?
A sewer camera inspection is available as part of the agreed inspection scope, subject to an accessible cleanout and line conditions. Confirm the scope you want at booking.
Can you repair what you find?
Yes. We provide separate, itemized estimates and can perform authorized plumbing and HVAC repairs within our qualifications. You are also free to use the report with any contractor.
How fast can you inspect before my closing?
Call with your closing deadline and we will confirm availability. We do not promise same-day inspections, but we will tell you honestly what we can do.
Do you test for mold or radon?
No. We do not perform laboratory mold or radon testing. We investigate visible moisture sources and refer you to qualified specialists where testing is needed.
Schedule Your Inspection Before Closing
Call 847-550-3322 for Des Plaines and the suburbs or 773-250-6060 in Chicago, or request an inspection online.