MOST-ASKED QUESTIONS
How Long Have you been a Home Inspector?
I have been inspecting homes as a New Jersey licensed home inspector since 2025. The experience I bring to the trade of home inspections comes from rehabbing houses. Back in 2018 I started buying and selling “fixer uppers.” I noticed then the importance of an unbiased evaluation of the home from "a neutral set of eyes". Technical building knowledge like electrical, structural, and plumbing is needed during a rehab project, but more so in identifying possible issues with such components before a home buyer decides to make that purchase. The Home inspections trade is often described as a specialized trade because it does require practical, hands-on skills that develop through experience, but it also requires certain certifications through continuous education and specific licensing.
What Is Inspected?
There are similarities in every home. However, no two homes are alike, therefore every inspection is unique. We inspect structural components such as: support beams, foundations, trusses, rafters, and basement walls. Porches, decks, and hand railings. Basement and crawlspaces. Electrical panels and GFCI outlets. HVAC Systems and condensing units. Built-in appliances such as stoves, and dishwashers. Interior ceilings, floors, windows, and doors. Driveways, attached garages, Bathrooms. We inspect the chimney as well as roof shingles for defects and deterioration with a high-definition camera onboard a drone to avoid walking on the roof which may cause damage. Attics are inspected for ventilation and proper insulation. Gutters and down spouts for proper installation. Interior fireplaces are checked for cracks; the exterior cladding of the home is checked for broken and missing sections. The Plumbing System is inspected throughout the interior of the home. The sewer lateral (the pipe from the house to the sewer main) can also be inspected with a fiber optic camera for an additional cost. These components that make up a house are listed in the N.J. Admin. Code § 13:40-15.16 - Standards of practice found in the New Jersey State web page. The limitations to a home inspection are articulated under the same code set forth by the state of New Jersey, which limits the inspection to a visual, non-invasive, method of accessible systems. In other words, a home inspector is limited to not alter or deconstruct any component of a home. The New Jersey standards of practice also limit A Home Inspector from determining such things like market value of a property, or the life expectancy of a component.
Are You Insured?
Yes, we do carry insurance, provided by All Pro Coverage Insurance, with offices located in Oakhurst N.J. A policy of $500,000 in Errors & Omissions (E&O) is the minimum amount of Insurance Required to maintain a license in the state of New Jersey. General Liability insurance isn't mandated in New Jersey, but having it brings peace of mind to the buyer as well as the seller knowing the home is protected during the inspection. Prior to obtaining a home inspectors license, Inspectors are required to file proof of their insurance policy with the NJ Home Inspection Advisory Committee. “Mandatory E&O New Jersey law (NJAC 13:40-15.8).”
What is in your Report?
Home inspection Reports are made up of pictures and descriptions detailing the condition, the implications and active recommendations of that particular component based on the findings. Reports are e-mailed to the client within 48 hours. While a report can often be completed within a shorter amount of time, the extra time is needed to look over and evaluate any other photos taken during the inspection. Any other relevant photos and explanations of the findings are usually added to the final report during this time. Reports are written in “real time” as the walk through is taking place. Although photos can capture complex details, extensive text is often needed to better explain significant findings.
Pool Inspection Reports are conducted separately from a home inspection but also written and produced with pictures and detailed explanations of the inspected components. The pool inspection performed entails a visual noninvasive examination of the pool systems, components, structures, barriers, and gates. Reports also include findings on accessible equipment such as, lights, pumps, heaters, filters, and covers. Troubleshooting and repairs are not performed during a pool inspection.
Tank sweep reports contain pictures of any evidence of a tank alongside written text describing the perimeter inspected. Reports are e-mailed with an explanation whether a tank was found, or no tank found.
Radon test reports and mold test reports come from their respective labs with simple to read results, and are forwarded to the client the same day we receive them. Radon testing lab, R.A. Data, is located in Flanders, NJ and Mold testing lab, EMSL Analytical Inc., is located in Cinnaminson, N.J.
Evidence of wood destroying insects is pictured and documented on the home inspection report. Termite reports are not mandated for real estate transactions, however, a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report (termite report) may be required by the mortgage lender. We often recommend the client to consult with a qualified professional pest control company to remediate termite issues discovered. A Pest Control company will also provide official documentation, such as a NPMA-33 form, (National Pest Management Association form 33) to ensure the property is sound before closing.
A sewer scope is also a separate written report accompanied with pictures, e-mailed with in 48 hours. The report is created from a video taken with a fiber optic camera inside the sewer lateral. It is intended to identify possible defects and performance issues that may affect functionality of the sewer line. The video captured in a USB-C flash drive is for the client to keep.
Are Clients Expected to Attend a Home Inspection?
Every client is welcome to attend and ask questions regarding any issues detected during the inspection. Learning about your future home’s specific condition during a home inspection equips you with invaluable information. Answers to possible concerns can be discussed and knowing firsthand how the home's systems work creates familiarity for future home maintenance. Attending your home inspection sheds new light on your investment and is highly recommended. Real estate agents are also welcome to attend.