About CIA


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Our Approach

Confidence born from experience informs everything we do at Chicago Inspection Agency. After serving in the Marine Corps. and then receiving a BA from College at University of Missouri, founder Brett Kelley spent twenty years building a career in construction and construction management. So, when founding Chicago Inspection Agency in 2003, he was already uniquely qualified to inspect homes. After all, who better to inspect than a builder? The confidence instilled from all that targeted experience over the years now means the CIA client is assured a top quality inspection, with easy to understand, personable advisory, a thoroughly informed report with concise photos and advice that’s right on target. Brett’s complete familiarity with building construction instills confidence in the client. Experience makes all of it look easy.

As the business grew, Brett hired Holly Smith as the certified CIA mold and indoor air quality specialist, Internachi certified, and personally mentored by Brett,  she adds compassionate commitment to client health and an unparalleled dedication to advancement of indoor air quality for all people and their families.


Brett Kelley - CIA Master Inspector

Brett Kelley – CIA Master Inspector

CIA Founder & Master Inspector Brett Kelley

  • Licensed building inspector
  • Experience running several small companies

Education

  • University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

Related Work Experience

  • President, Chicago Inspection Agency, Inc.  Prospect Hts. , Il.  August 2003 – present
  • Ran the day-to-day operations of a home inspection/construction consultation company
  • Performed over 8,000 residential/commercial building inspections
  • Provided in-field, computer generated printouts of all inspection reports, with photo documentation
  • Head of Carpentry Division,  Custom Roofing/Carpentry  Cary, Il.  June 2002– June 2003
  • Oversaw a 200 man carpentry division for the 2nd biggest roofing company in Illinois
  • Scheduled and supervised the construction of approx.100 homes/commercial buildings
  • Met with builders/homeowners/architects on a daily basis to better achieve production goals
  • over 20 years in the construction industry w/ over 1,000 homes built

Additional Work Experience

  • Construction Mgr.,  Basil Crittenden LLC   Northfield, Il.  1999-2002
  • In-field construction manager for a design/build architectural firm
  • Orchestrated all aspects of the construction of multi-million dollar homes in Chicago’s’ northern suburbs
  • Maintained tight construction schedules through proper planning and oversight 

Licenses and Associations

  • Nat’l Assoc. of Home Inspectors (NAHI)   2003-present
  • State Licensed Home Inspector  (Il. Lic.#450.0001060)  2003-present


United States Military Service

  • United States Marines – Semper Fiidelis!
Holly Smith

Holly Smith – CIA Mold and Indoor Air Specialist

CIA Mold and Indoor Air Quality Specialist Holly Smith

With years of experience in both customer service and the building trades,. Holly brings a wealth of professional builders experience to CIA. She been a top customer service rep., consulting with builders, architects, general contractors and the public on materials selection and capabilities for a wide range of building projects. She also had building project management and quoting experience in doors, interior decoration, draperies and blinds. With Holly’s attention to detail, and experience in running concurrent jobs, If anyone can  juggle all the balls in the air at once, Holly’s the one. And  she still has time for volunteer work with disadvantaged kids. 

Holly’s Unique Combination of Compassion and Capabilities

Her experience in materials, project management, and customer service,  made her a perfect fit when  Brett went looking for an assistant. But  it was Holly’s spirit of compassion reflected in her volunteerism that elevated her to true excellence as the Air Testing Specialist at CIA. Holly truly cares for the people whose living environments she tests.  She is especially satisfied when making friends and following up as her customers’ air is cleaned and their health issues improve. Just one conversation with Holly will convince you she is truly committed to improving your home health environment and your family’s good health, 

Meet the CIA folks and get a free quote – Just Call:

  • Brett (847) 322-2383 or 
  • Holly (847) 505-9240

Chicago Inspection Agency Thanks You!