My advice on this subject has always been the same: you most definitely should do a home inspection when you are buying a home.
Here in the Northern Illinois area, the home inspection contingency is written into and included in the standard Illinois real estate sales contract that we use.
As you are looking at homes for sale, you are certainly considering the condition. But an additional measure of safety on your behalf, is the home inspection contingency. In Illinois, home inspectors are now required by state law to be licensed. You may choose any home inspector you would like, or I can refer you to several home inspectors that provide excellent service.
From our MULTI-BOARD RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE CONTRACT 4.0:
Paragraph 10. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTIONS: Buyer may secure at Buyer's expense (unless otherwise provided by governmental regulations) a home, radon, environmental, lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards (unless separately waived), and/or wood destroying insect infestation inspection(s) of said Real Estate by one or more licensed or certified inspection service(s). Buyer shall serve written notice upon Seller or Seller's attorney of any defects disclosed by the inspection(s) which are unacceptable to Buyer, together with a copy of the pertinent page(s) of the report(s) within five (5) Business Days (ten (10) calendar days for a lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazard inspection) after Date of Acceptance. If written notice is not served within the time specified, this provision shall be deemed waived by the Parties and this Contract shall remain in full force and effect. If prior to the expiration of ten (10) Business Days after Date of Acceptance, written agreement is not reached by the Parties with respect to resolution of inspection issues, then this Contract shall be null and void. The home inspection shall cover only major components of the Real Estate, including but not limited to, central heating system(s), central cooling system(s), plumbing and well system, electrical system, roof, walls, windows, ceilings, floors, appliances and foundation. A major component shall be deemed to be in operating condition if it performs the function for which it is intended, regardless of age, and does not constitute a threat to health or safety. The fact that a functioning component may be at the end of its useful life shall not render such component defective for the purpose of this paragraph. Buyer shall indemnify Seller and hold Seller harmless from and against any loss or damage caused by the acts or negligence of Buyer or any person performing any inspection(s). Buyer agrees minor repairs and routine maintenance items are not a part of this contingency. If radon mitigation is performed, Seller shall pay for a retest.
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