There are several answers to this question. You're probably reading this because you're in the market for an inspector to evaluate a home on which you have made an offer. There are, however, frequently overlooked times an inspector will be an important resource, such as:
(1) To the seller of a home prior to listing. Even though the owner may have lived in their home for many years, few do more than replace or repairs items that fail and therefore don't really understand the real condition of their home. The home inspection contracted by a prospective buyer can be a stressful time if the seller isn't fully aware of their home's condition.
(2) To the owner of a new home approaching its one-year warranty point. Many new home contracts provide the buyer with an opportunity to have the builder correct specific items the owner has found after living in the home. A home inspection will help uncover items that should be repaired under the new-home contract, but aren't apparent to the average home-owner.
(3) To the home-owner who has been in their home for several years. Many of the systems that make up the home have a limited life-expectancy and will require repair or replacement at some point. The Home Inspector can provide the home-owner with an evaluation of the system's current condition and whether or not repairs are needed immediately or if there would be an economic advantage to performing upgrades to home systems. This inspection can provide the owner with information that will help them budget for future maintenance items.
(4) To the buyer of a home under construction or newly completed. There are several opportunities for contract-defined inspections by the buyer of a home under construction. The participation of a Home Inspector can be most helpful in identifying potential problems while they are still easily fixed and will provide independent documentation. Similarly, the buyer of a new home who did not participate in the construction phase can have the Home Inspector ensure that all systems were installed properly and are fully operational.
Home Inspectors come from a very wide variety of backgrounds and experience levels. Because of the nature of the profession, Home Inspectors are termed "professional generalists" which means they have a very broad understanding of the systems comprising the home and are trained to recognize and evaluate the severity of problems with any of those systems. When selecting your inspector, look carefully at their background, formal training, written standards of practice that are followed to ensure a complete inspection, adherence to a written code of ethics and membership in a professional association that requires continuing education as a prerequisite for annual membership renewal. The home inspector should be someone you can communicate with easily and feel comfortable with his or her explanations.
New Jersey Licensure enacted in 1998. New Jersey's "Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act," sets specific educational and experience requirements in order to become a licensed home inspector. All home inspectors are required to: 1) complete high school or its equivalent; 2) serve as a licensed associate inspector for at least one year; 3) perform at least 250 inspections; 4) carry $500,000 in insurance; and 5) pass the National Home Inspector Examination. Inspectors do not have to be a member or candidate of ASHI in order to take the exam. In order to become a licensed associate home inspector under the law, an inspector must: 1) perform at least 50 inspections in the presence of a licensed inspector; and 2) pass the National Home Inspector Examination. Also, the law provides that, if home inspectors fail to disclose problems or accept payment from another party in the transaction, they can lose their license. Home inspectors are regulated by a five-member Home Inspection Advisory Committee, housed under the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
The pre-purchase home inspection provides the prospective buyer with a non-destructive/non-invasive visual and operational assessment of the condition of the systems that make up the home on the day of inspection. These are:
(1) Structure -The foundation, floors, framework, chimney. This will include the inspector entering the crawlspace, basement and attic as applicable and accessible
(2) Electrical - Service line, capacities (volts/amps), main breaker, fuse/breaker box (location and internal condition), sub-panels (location and internal condition), wiring installation, electrical distribution, operate GFCI/AFCI's, switches and outlets, light fixtures.
(3) Plumbing - The condition of the water supply and waste removal systems including evidence of leaks, proper venting. All water fixtures and drains will be operated and inspected.
(4) Heating - Operational check and visual inspection of the primary heating system.
(5) Air Conditioning - Operational check and visual inspection of the central AC system (weather permitting - the outside temperature must be above 65 degrees F)
(6) Exterior - Porches, decks, grounds, sidewalks, driveway, windows, doors.
(7) Roof - Covering material, gutters, downspouts, flashings.
(8) Interior - Cracks, water stains, fit of windows and doors, level and solid floors. It is important to note that furnishings, rugs, personal property will not be moved by the Inspector. If any of these block access to an item required to be inspected, the fact that the item was inaccessible will be noted in the Inspection Report.
For a more detailed explanation of the components of the Home Inspection, please follow this link to our Pre-Inspection Agreement and Standards of Practice
The home inspection is not a "code check". Building codes are locally adopted standards that are verified by representatives of the locality during and following new construction and renovations. Most codes merely ask if a system or component is installed properly or exists. The Home Inspector is verifying the proper operation of the system and that any changes or modifications made subsequent to the code inspection do not create a safety hazard or impede the proper operation of the component. Also, codes pertain to the building at the time of construction or renovation and change frequently. What was "to code" in 1980 may not pass a code inspection today, but that does not mean the structure is unsafe or requires correction. Your Home Inspector can answer any questions you may have on this subject.
The short answer is - none. Home Inspectors do not represent themselves as experts in any specific field though their background may include licensure or certification as a contractor. The Home Inspector is a neutral party whose task it is to spend 2 to 4 (or more) hours, typically, in a home and identify items in need of repair or replacement and safety concerns. These items will come with a recommendation to seek the assistance of a duly qualified professional in the area of concern. The Standards of Ethics of the major Home Inspector associations do not allow inspectors to offer their services to repair any of the defects they may find. Interspec, LLC does not recommend specific contractors to their clients, rather, we will refer you to your Real Estate Agent.
Interspec, LLC strongly recommends that the prospective home buyer/s and their Real Estate Professional be present for the inspection. The seller and their Realtor are also welcome to participate in the inspection. The inspection should be viewed as an opportunity to learn about the home in detail from the Home Inspector.
Yes - Before the inspection begins, you will be asked to sign an Inspection Agreement which will clearly document what will and will not be inspected as well as the legal obligations and limitations of both parties to the inspection. We provide our Pre-Inspection Agreement online for you to conveniently download and encourage you to review it with your Realtor or attorney. Your Inspector will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the contract and its provisions. You Inspector will be authorized to sign the contract for Interspec, LLC.
We provide a 20 to 30 page professional computer generated narrative report ( with photos if necessary), that is printed, professionally bound and mailed the day after the inspection and a electronic version e-mailed to you the evening of the inspection Sample Inspection Report. Please don’t be misled by companies that offer reports on site. This is for the inspectors convenience, not yours. A well written narrative report may require research or collaboration with other professionals in the building industry. A home Inspector is only as good as his report, that's why we typically spend as much time preparing our reports as we do inspecting the property,on our time, not yours!
Our Inspection Fees are listed on our Information and Fees page.
Our inspections generally last between two to three hours. We find that this is the minimum time required to perform a professional home inspection to our exacting standards. Larger buildings ( multiple condominiums, apartment buildings etc.) will often require the use of multiple inspectors to finish the inspection in a timely fashion.
The Inspection Agreement will document the cost of the inspection. Payment in full is expected upon completion of the Inspection and will be accepted by your Inspector via cash, check or money order.