"I was very impressed with the quick and informative response I received. Janet took the time to give me background information on my artwork and I was very appreciative for the knowledge. I would highly recommend using them! Jodie L."
We are the leading Chicago appraisal firm specializing in property appraisals for Divorce, Bankruptcy, Tax Appeals, Probate & Estate, Pre-Listings, FSBO's and more. We are considered by many to be the top appraisal firm in the Chicago market and surrounding including Park Ridge, Glenview, Morton Grove, Niles, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Norridge, Harwood Heights and more.\n
Big Patriot Home Remodeling is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
Cole & Nosek Contracting brings over 50 years of hands-on experience in the field, along with decades of trusted side job expertise. No project is too big or too small—we handle everything from repairs and renovations to custom work and professional painting. If you can envision it, we can build it. Reliable, skilled, and committed to quality, we get the job done right.
Antiques and Jewelry Appraisals questions, answered by experts
While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.
While there's not a lot of definite research, some experts suggest that an in-ground or wall-mounted basketball hoop can add value to your home by increasing curb appeal. In addition, having a basketball hoop is an attractive feature of a house since it promotes physical activity, especially for children.
Foundation cracks won’t always affect your appraised value. All foundations crack due to normal settlement, so hairline cracks that aren’t leaking or uneven from side to side are unlikely to have an impact on your appraisal. Structural cracks, on the other hand, often lead to a reduced appraised value, especially if the underlying problem will cause the issue to worsen over time.
The cost to appraise a home depends on the type. Common types include:
Single-family homes: $300–$400
FHA or VA single-family homes: $400–$500
Condominium: $300–$500
Multi-family home: $500–$1,000
Apartment building: $1,500–$3,000
Commercial properties: $1,400–$10,000
Raw land: $1,000–$8,000
In short, yes, a pond can add to your home’s value. However, whether it adds value will depend on the condition and aesthetic of your pond. Having this feature already built into a yard’s home can be appealing to homebuyers who value its aesthetic and would prefer not to build it themselves. But if it is not kept in good condition, it could turn buyers away.
The Whiting, IN homeowners’ guide to antique and jewelry appraisals
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Home appraisals are an important part of buying or selling a home and getting a mortgage loan. Learn more about home appraisal costs and what they include.
Having a piece of jewelry fall down the drain can be a stressful experience. We’ll cover the best tips and tricks to get your jewelry back safe and sound.