What is a home inspection?

The inspection is a reasonable effort to disclose the conditions existing on the day of the inspection.  It is a look at the property and buildings with an experienced eye. Most people purchasing a home will hire a home inspector to check the roof, exterior, foundation and basement structures, plumbing, electrical, heating, fireplaces, air conditioning, insulation, and interior. The inspection does not reveal information on the areas or items not open to view; such as, insulation in the visible areas of the attic does not imply that there is insulation under the attic floor.

Who is a home inspector?
A home inspector is a specialist with a vast knowledge of construction, facilities, and structural materials.  A home inspector is well versed in all fields of residential and commercial construction and can clearly communicate his observations to the prospective buyers giving a general overview of the property.  He will disclose any and all major defects.
 
Are their limitations to the inspection?
Your home inspector will do the best job possible that they can, but sometimes there are physical and environmental obstructions such as weather conditions, etc. that will prevent your home inspector from completing the inspection, for example a snow covered roof or concealed areas.  Your inspector cannot make representation about what was not seen.  It is acknowledged that the majority of a home is concealed from view buy such things as earth, walls, floors, etc.

What should the prospective buyer do if the report reveals problems?
A home may have some problems but that does not mean it isn't a good investment.  The home inspection report will help the prospective buyer and guide the prospective buyer to better understand what will be involved with the future maintenance.  The report will also help the prospective buyer negotiate with the seller on the price of the home or getting the repairs completed before a closing on the property.  Your home inspector will also furnish you with an estimated cost for repairs or replacement of items to be completed but you should secure firm bid prices from reputable trade’s people before starting with any repair work.  Remember that the final decision is always the buyers. 

Even new homes should be inspected?
All homes, whether they are of new construction or an existing home may have
some type of defect.  An inspector will use his expertise and experience when inspecting a new home or an older home to anticipate any future or existing problem in the construction of the home and see that it is up to code.

Will an inspector fail a home?
The home inspector will not pass or fail a home.  The home inspection is simply an objective report on the current condition of the structure and the surrounding property and then the decisions regarding the purchase is made by the prospective buyer or buyers.

Is an inspection an insurance policy or warranty against future repairs?
No!  The home inspector will never be able to predict every maintenance item or every
repair while you own the home.  All home purchases bring some risk and your home inspection will not be able to eliminate that
risk.  Your inspection will not constitute an insurance policy.  The inspection will give you an over-view of the condition of the home and will disclose immediate major repairs.

Should the prospective buyer be present at the home inspection?
No, it isn't necessary for you to be present at the inspection, but your presence is important.  While you are there, you will learn all there is to learn about the home you are purchasing.  The home inspection will be able to give you tips on the maintenance and the upkeep of the home.

Why should the prospective buyer call a home inspector?
It is wise to protect the largest single investment the average buyers are likely to make in their lives.  They need to avoid unpleasant and costly repairs.  It is as important to protect this investment with an inspection, as it is to periodically inspect their automobile.

When should the prospective buyer call a home inspector?
After you have made an offer to purchase the home and the attorney review period is over this is a good time to call in a home inspector before you have the final closing on the property.  The prospective buyer should have their Attorney or Realtor include an "inspection clause" in the Real Estate contract thus making your purchase contingent upon the findings of the professional home inspection.

What happens after the home inspection is completed?
After the completion of the home inspection, the inspector will sit down with you the client; your Realtor if present and go over all aspects of the inspection that was just conducted on your behalf.  This is also an excellent time for you to ask questions and get them answered so that no surprises are announced when the report is written in its final form.

What is included in the report you will receive?
You will receive a complete detailed written explanation about every phase of the home that was just inspected.  Also included in the report is a comprehensive appendix that will give you an estimated improvement costs and repairs guideline on the home you are now purchasing.  There are also some suggestions about energy conservation, maintenance suggestions and finally warning signs for potential problems that may occur in the future years on the home that you are now purchasing.

After the home inspection is completed and a return visit is necessary will you follow up?
Yes a return visit can be conducted on the home you are purchasing to determine if the repairs were made in the proper manner.  We will also attend your walk through to determine if any damages has occurred with the home during the sellers move.  We do charge a small service charge for this return type of service.

Paul C. Storr
ASHI Member No. 212235
NJ State Licensed Home Inspector
Lic. No. 24G100046000

OUR MOTTO: As long as you own the current home we are always available for you as a consultant at no additional cost with any problems that may occur with the construction of the home.

We follow ASHI Standards and ASHI Code of Ethics for all home inspections conducted.