Home Inspection
The purchase of a home will probably be the largest single investment you will ever make. Whether buying an older home or a newly built home, one of the major concerns home buyers have is being confronted by costly problems after they take possession of the home. A 411 Home Inspection is one of the best ways homebuyers can effectively evaluate the property they are interested in. A home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as reviewing some basic maintenance measures needed to keep the property in good shape. A 411 Home Inspection ensures a thorough knowledge of the home so your decision can be made with confidence and peace of mind.We do it right so you can sleep tight!
Can't I Do It Myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise a professional home inspector has. A licensed inspector is familiar with all elements of home construction, all of its systems, and all aspects of home maintenance. He understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function, as well as how and why they fail. Even the most experienced contractors, plumbers, and electricians don't know all aspects of a home. Only a trained and licensed inspector can fully evaluate the prospective property and all of its systems.Another important fact is that most homebuyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about a house they really want, and this can affect their judgment. For the most accurate information you can get, it is best to get an impartial inspection done by a licensed New Jersey Home Inspector.
What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
A Full Home Inspection includes the following items:
EXTERIOR: Siding, Trim, Windows, Doors, Decks, Stairs, Railings, Retaining Walls, Eaves, Soffits, Fascias, Grading, Drainage, Sidewalks, and Driveways.
ROOFING: Flashings, Vents, Gutters, Downspouts, Chimneys, Rain Caps, Spark Screens, and Skylights.
FOUNDATION: Walls, Bolting, Ventilation, and Sump Pumps.
INTERIOR: Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Stairs, Doors, Windows, and Fireplaces.
KITCHENS: Countertops, Cabinets, Sinks, Faucets, Drain Pipes, Outlets, Dishwashers, Garbage Disposals, Exhaust Fans, and Floors.
BATHROOMS: Showers, Tubs, Cabinets, Countertops, Sinks, Toilets, Windows, Fans, and Floors.
HEATING AND COOLING: Furnaces, Boilers, Heater Combustion Pattern, Vent Piping, Radiators, Baseboards, Air Conditioning, Ducts, Registers, and Heat Pumps.
PLUMBING: Main Valve, Supply Pipes, Plumbing Stacks, Waste Pipes, Traps, Fixtures, Gas Meter, and Gas Pipes.
WATER HEATERS: Age, Pressure-Relief Valves, Combustion Pattern, and Vent Pipes.
ELECTRICAL: Service, Main Panel, Subpanels, Wiring, Outlets, GFI Outlets Switches, and Light Fixtures.
LAUNDRY: Plumbing, Dryer Vents, Outlets, and Sinks.
ATTIC: Framing, Ventilation, and Insulation.
GARAGES: Vehicle Doors, Openers, Door Springs, Doors, Floors, and Framing.
* A Home Inspection is limited to the visible and accessible areas (described in our NJ's Standards of Practice) of the home. The inspection can only find problems that exist at the time of the inspection. These conditions can change as soon as we leave the property. Your final walk through is your last opportunity to review the property and look for problems.
What Does NJ Require a Home Inspector Report On?
For more information on this topic please refer to the "NJ's Standards of Practice"How Long Will The Inspection Take?
The average home inspection takes two to three hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. If ancillary inspections are being preformed the inspection may take a little longer.Do I Need To Attend the Inspection?
No, but that is highly recommended. By attending you will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions about the condition of the home. As part of the inspection we will go over the homes systems and some basics on how to maintain them. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand.Can a Home Fail Inspection?
No, a professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition at the time of inspection and indicate what may need repair or replacement.What If the Inspection Report Reveals Problems?
The fact is that all homes have problems! To date, I have yet to inspect a house that has not had multiple problems. If problems are found while inspecting the prospective home, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price, repair the problems, or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important. Just remember that all homes have problems and all homes will need minor and major repairs at some point.How Do I Get Ready For An Inspection?
The number one problem all home inspectors have is being able to access everything that needs to be inspected. The best way to avoid this is by having your Realtor contact the home owner and make sure they leave keys to every area to be inspected. They should also make sure all electrical panels, utility rooms, access hatches, crawl spaces, and garages are unlocked, accessible, and not hidden behind furniture. Clutter and storage are also a problem with most houses. The more clutter and storage a home has the harder it is for your Home Inspector to see everything that needs to be inspected.Not being able to access all areas of the house, the existence of storage, and clutter will limit your inspector's ability to thoroughly evaluate the property and may require further evaluation prior to closing. Remember, your final walk through is your last opportunity to review the property and look for problems.
My Promise
Choosing the right Inspector can be difficult. It is unlikely that we will meet until after you have engaged our services.Different inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and yes, different pricing. Property inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately, a thorough inspection depends heavily on the individual inspector's knowledge and effort.
If you honor me by hiring me to inspect your property, I guarantee that I will give you the best inspection money can buy.
To learn more, contact 411 Inspections Services today
at 201-530-1553
