| What is a
home inspection? |
| A home inspection is an objective visual
examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to
the foundation, as of the day of inspection. Having a home inspected will
better inform you of what you're buying. If problems and/or concerns are found,
the inspector may recommend further evaluation and/or repairs by a specialist in
any given trade. |
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What does an inspection include? |
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The standard home inspector's report will review the
condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system
(temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof,
attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the
foundation, basement/crawl space, basement seepage and visible/accessible
structural elements.
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Check out "Items Inspected"
of this web site for listing.
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Why do I need a home inspection? |
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The purchase of a home
is probably the largest investment you will ever make. You should learn as much
as you can about the condition of the home and the need for any major repairs
before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties
afterwards. Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of
a home, as well as the maintenance issues that will be necessary to keep it in
good condition. Upon completion of the inspection, you, as the buyer, will be
better informed
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Remember,
inspectors and inspections are not the same !
Don't let a home inspection price be the determining
factor,
a cheap inspection may not mean you get a quality inspection or an experienced
inspector, you need a quality, knowledgeable and licensed
home inspector that knows what to look for and has your best interest in mind.
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The knowledge gained from an experienced inspector is well worth
the cost. The inspector's qualifications, including his practical experience,
training, professional affiliations, and licenses should be the most important
consideration. |
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| Can't I do it myself? |
| Even the most experienced home owner lacks the
knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected
thousands of homes in his/her career. He/she understands how the systems and
components function together, as well as how and why they fail. Above all, most
buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional
about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the
most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion
by an experienced home inspector. |
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Can a house fail an inspection? |
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No. A professional home inspection is an examination
of the current condition, as of the day of inspection, of your prospective home.
It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, nor a municipal
inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore,
will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe/report its physical condition
and indicate the necessity of repair or replacement. Remember, a home
inspection does not guarantee/warranty against any future problems that may
occur after the home inspection. Conditions of your purchase may change as soon
as the day after the home inspection, especially if the home is occupied. |
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How do I find a home inspector? |
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The best source is someone you know or heard
of. Attorneys and Real estate agents are typically familiar with inspectors and
can provide you with a list of names from which to choose from. Whatever your referral source, you will want to
make sure that the home inspector is a Member of
the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®)
and is licensed by the State of New Jersey in order to be certain
of his/her professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics. A list
of ASHI® Members in your area is available upon
request from the Association's headquarters or by clicking on the link provided
below. |
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Find an ASHI
Inspector -
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| What is the American Society of Home Inspectors®?
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The
American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®)
is the oldest and leading non-profit professional association for independent
home inspectors. Since its formation in 1976, ASHI®'s
Standards of Practice have served as the home inspector's performance guideline,
universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities
alike. Copies of the Standards are available free from ASHI®.
ASHI®'s professional Code of Ethics prohibits Members
from engaging in conflict of interest activities which might compromise their
objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that the inspector will not, for
example, use the inspection to solicit or refer repair work. In order to assist
home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI® sponsors
a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout the year, often in
cooperation with one of its nearly 50 Chapters. ASHI®
also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful
consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance. |
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Who belongs to ASHI®?
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| Members of ASHI® are independent professional
home inspectors who have met the most rigorous technical and experience
requirements in effect today. To become an ASHI® Member, an inspector must pass
two written technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250 professional
fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her candidate status for no
less than six months. ASHI® Members are required to follow the Society's Code of
Ethics, and to obtain continuing education credits in order to keep current with
the latest in building technology, materials, and professional skills. |
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When do I call in the home inspector? |
| A home inspector is typically contacted
right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often
available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an
inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent
upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify
the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. |
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Do I have to be there for the inspection? |
| NO. However, it is highly recommended.
You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you
learn about the condition of the home, how the systems work, and proper
maintenance. Also, you may find the written report easier to understand. The
verbal instruction/exchange is just as important as the written report, you'll
gain so much more at the inspection |
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| What if there are problems after I
move in? |
| Remember, having a home inspection does not
mean you'll never have problems. In fact, the average homeowner will spend 5% of
the purchase price or more within the first three years of ownership. Owning a
home means constant maintenance and monitoring/observation of all components of
the home. Don't expect to move in, do nothing and not have any problems or
mechanical failures. |
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| Final walk through- |
| Your final walk through is your last chance
to discover problems, defects, or concerns. Don't take your final walk through
lightly. Areas that were concealed, inaccessible will now be unobstructed and
visible. If you should find any concerns, let your attorney know as soon as
possible. Call us if needed. |
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What if the report reveals problems?
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| No house is perfect, not even brand
new homes. If the inspector identifies
problems/concerns, it doesn't mean you shouldn't buy the house. It means that
you should be cognizant of the problems/concerns found, contemplate your
options, and take appropriate action for remedy. |
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| What about Radon Testing? |
| Generally, if you want radon testing, we will
leave the testing canister at the property, at the time of the inspection. The
testing canister will remain in the home for a period of 48 hours (minimum) to
144 hours (maximum). Once we retrieve the canister, it is sent back to the
testing laboratory for results. The results usually take between 5-10 days
after the day of inspection. A copy of the radon results will be mailed to
your current address as soon as available. However, if we can not obtain access to the home
for radon pickup due to reasons beyond our control, and the time for pickup has
exceeded the maximum allowable time period, than the test is considered invalid
or "overexposed" and cannot be processed. If
you would like us to do another radon test, than an additional $125 will be
charged for retesting. |
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| If the house proves to be in good condition, did I
really need an inspection? |
| Absolutely. Now you can complete your home
purchase with clear conscience as to the condition of the property and/or its
equipment and systems |
