Medical professional working at Loyola hosp. needs advice regarding loctation and purchase vs. renting

[DandiDay]

Great info, Chet, from your last two posts!

I hear what you're saying about the inspectors. They certainly can't catch everything. It just seemed to me that there was a preponderance of negative issues with the EIFS as well as potential problems down the road. Especially from the harsh Chicago-area weather.

One would "hope" that this Dryvit was properly installed; however, there's also the issue of maintenance, which one must try to discern that the seller took consistent and proper care with any small cracks as well as had the recommended yearly inspections.

With sellers who weren't exactly forthcoming, that's a red flag for me...especially at a high seller's price point!

thanks,

Dandiday

[ToriaT]

I think what you heard before about windows is good advice. Its very common for people here to replace windows after some time. It usually considered a good thing provided its a quality job, because it is a major expense. I just finished replacing all the windows in my house and it was well over ten thousand dollars. Its not because of any fault of construction its just that the builder put in wood builder grade windows that tend to not operate well over time and also are not energy efficient. Be careful about buying historical houses with old windows. My building in Berwyn has eighty year old oak windows that are amazing but they are all in need of being refurbished and its tough to find firms that even fix those windows and it comes with a high price.

[DandiDay]

Thanks for the warning.
I've been examining windows in every house. Some are beautifully done, with extra storm windows, screens, and removable inner panes. BTW, I lived my entire youth in the chilly Northeast, and recall helping my parents do the screen and storm window switch every major season.

Trouble is, I don't know how to distinguish cheap double-paned windows from better quality ones.

The house in question actually appeared to be very well maintained...I was only questioning the timing of the window replacement with problems (potential) with the Dryvit exterior, and location of the cracks.

In reading about telltale problems with Dryvit, replacing the basement windows is one sign they had water seepage in through or around window casements via improperly applied EIFS materials.

It just seemed odd that they didn't mention that in their list of improvements....I found that out from someone else. Also, why just the basement windows? The remainder of the basement looked absolutely stellar! One would think the windows had already been done at the time of the basement reno.

In fact, come to think of it, they repainted the basement recently...

[Lookout Kid]

Most modern windows don't require a seasonal storm window switch out any more. Most people just leave their screens on all year, unless they have old crappy windows.

[JJski]

Dandi, I would advise finding a good inspector now. When the right house comes up (in your key areas) you want to send them in ASAP. As you have seen the good homes go quick…

Around the corner from us a good one was listed in July. Sold in 3 days, multiple offers and above listing price… the ultra desirable areas (your budget does allow for) is that krazy…


Good Luck...

[DandiDay]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Most modern windows don't require a seasonal storm window switch out any more. Most people just leave their screens on all year, unless they have old crappy windows.

Originally Posted by JJski

Dandi, I would advise finding a good inspector now. When the right house comes up (in your key areas) you want to send them in ASAP. As you have seen the good homes go quick…

Around the corner from us a good one was listed in July. Sold in 3 days, multiple offers and above listing price… the ultra desirable areas (your budget does allow for) is that krazy…


Good Luck...

Thanks, guys! I sent for a couple of books to educate myself on older homes - both buying and what to look for, as far as renovating. I'll have to check into what to look for regarding windows, too!

JJski, great advice! We are lining up the appropriate people and have everything else in order to make an immediate offer on a great house, when it arises. I know the house you speak of...had been through all of the recently sold houses, as well as those still under contingency or pending. Most had the qualities we were looking for, at our budget. Judging from the sold patterns, there was a "push" in mid-to-end November. We were several weeks too late in our house-hunting trip.

But, nevermind. We'll just wait and watch now. If any of you hear of a house coming up, please let us know!
Again, many thanks to all of you who have posted and given such great advice...it is greatly appreciated!!!