Home Inspections

A home inspection is a vital part of any real estate transaction. In most cases the home inspector is hired by the buyer to provide a detailed description of the problems that are found in the home. In essence the home inspector is the advocate for the home buyer and should work to provide an accurate and unbiased assessment of the conditions that exist in the home at the time of the home inspection.

A home inspection is not required but strongly recommended by most real estate attorneys, and lenders. A well done and thorough home inspection will provide the information that the purchaser needs to make decisions about the home they are buying. The buyer may receive the peace of mind in knowing that the home is in good condition with few defects. Or they may be exposed to many defects that they did not know existed. Only the trained eye of a professional home inspector can detect and locate many of these defects. Home inspectors know how to look for defects and where to look for them.

A home inspection is an unbiased, visual inspection of the structure, systems and mechanical systems in the home. The home inspector is required to inspect visible and accessible systems. These systems will include Exterior, roofing systems, electrical systems, plumbing system, heating and air conditioners, interior systems, structure, insulation and ventilation. The home inspector is required to use normal operating controls such as on off switches and thermostats in order to engage the systems in the home for testing. The home inspector can not do anything that will cause damage to any components or systems.

Here in New Jersey, home inspectors are required to be licensed and are governed by the Home Inspection Advisory committee which is a body that oversees the licensing and requirements of professional home inspectors in New Jersey.

There is no perfect home and problems will be uncovered by a thorough home inspector. When problems are found that does not mean that the home is not a good value or should not be purchased. The inspection and report will describe the problems that exist. Then it is up to you and your real estate attorney to either decide to purchase the home, ask the seller to make corrective actions, ask for a credit toward repairs and corrections, or walk away from the transaction. The home inspector is going to supply the information that you need and can not make these decisions directly for you. A home can not officially pass or fail a home inspection.

It is my firm conviction that home inspectors should operate independently of external influences. Most states have independent home inspectors who obtain their business from word of mouth advertising from satisfied home inspection clients, real estate attorneys and other independent means of marketing. These independent home inspectors may be a little more expensive but may provide you with a superior inspection and inspection report.

As you consider what is likely going to be the largest financial investment of you life you owe it to yourself to obtain the services of a professional home inspector. The cost of the home inspection will more then pay for itself in added peace of mind and information about the home you are purchasing.