How many inspections do you schedule a day?
I only perform one single-family or larger home inspection per day. I take my time with your home, using specialized equipment to ensure a thorough assessment. Typically, I spend about three hours on a house. Apartment condos are quicker because items such as the roof, exterior, structure, and common areas are not included in a condominium inspection. It then takes another two to three hours to document the items in the report. Add in driving time to and from the inspection; there is your 8-hour day. It is common for other inspectors/inspection companies to do 2 to 3 inspections a day. That usually means they will spend 1 to 2 hours at your property. They need to move fast so they can get to the next job. The sad thing is that the quicker they go through your home, the more things are overlooked. You will end up dealing with those items in the long run.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate you should not buy the home. His findings educate you about the property's condition before making a purchase. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered during an inspection. If your budget is tight or if you do not want to be involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely valuable.
Does the inspector use a thermal imaging camera?
While inspecting your home, I have an FLIR thermal imaging camera available for every inspection. Our cameras have MSX technology and side-by-side (or picture-in-picture) photos. We scan the home's exterior shell, under bathrooms and kitchens when the water is running, and the electrical panel. If water is entering the building at the time of the inspection, our tools help us find it. We verify every area that appears to have water entry with a moisture meter.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Yes. Now, you can complete your home purchase with confidence about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. From the inspection, you will have learned many things about your new home and will want to keep that information for future reference.
Does the inspector use a gas detector on all inspections?
Most home inspectors only use the gas detector when they smell gas. I will use a gas detector on every inspection to test the joints out in the open. We cannot check for pipes behind drywall, but we will at least check the pipes out in the open.
Do I have to be there?
While you don't need to be present, it is highly recommended that you join the inspector for their visit. Being at the inspection allows you to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the home's condition, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. In addition, after you have seen the property with the inspector, you will find the written report easier to understand.
With the onset of COVID-19, we understand that being present at the inspection is not always possible; we will work with you to get the best experience with your home inspection. We have had Facetime meetings, phone call meetings, and even web meetings since the inspection.
When do I call in the home inspector?
Before you sign the contract or purchase agreement, make your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which the buyer and seller are obligated. Contact a home inspector immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Home inspectors are aware of the time constraints involved in purchase agreements, and most are available to conduct the required inspection within a few days.
Does the inspector use a moisture meter?
When anomalies are observed, we scan exterior walls, exterior ceilings, ceilings under bathrooms, and ceilings under kitchens. I will place the moisture meter in those locations if I find cold spots. The readings will be in our report. Our goal is to give you a definitive knowledge of any problems. An example would be if the roof leaked and we saw stains on the drywall. If it rained recently and the area is dry, we can safely say we did not observe any moisture. However, if moisture is present, it is a red flag that a qualified contractor should investigate further.
How many windows does the inspector test?
The New Jersey Standard of Practice requires just one window per room to be operated. Many inspectors only do a minimum of one per room. This is not acceptable for us. Windows are too expensive, and each one needs to be tested and documented if it doesn’t work correctly. Naturally, there are limitations. If a china cabinet is in front of the window, we will not move the cabinet. If we can reach it, we will operate it.
How many outlets does the inspector test?
The New Jersey Standard of Practice requires that one outlet per room be operated. Many inspectors only do a minimum of one per room, which is unacceptable to me. Therefore, each outlet will be tested and documented. Improperly wired outlets can be dangerous, and our report will indicate which are wired incorrectly. Again, there are limitations. If furniture is in front of the outlet, it will not be tested. However, if we can reach it, we will test it.
Does the inspector guarantee his work?
If you feel I did not meet or exceed your expectations at the end of your inspection, you can say, "I don’t want to pay for this. " We will apologize for whatever caused the issue and simply part ways. You won’t owe us a penny.
