Frequently Asked Questions On Home Inspection
If you have any questions you'd like to have answered please send us an email including any comments you may
have about our company, our services or this website.
Of course if you need an answer right away, just pick up the phone and we'll be more than happy to talk with you.
Please select one of the following topics:
Q. What is a home inspection?
A. A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation by a qualified specialist for a remedy, making your home inspection cost well worth the investment.
Back to top
Q. What does a home inspection include?
A. Our standard home inspection includes a written report of the findings from the visual inspection, which is preformed in order to inform the purchaser about the condition of the property. Details of the written report will cover the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation, basement, and the visible structures of the home and more. Because every home is unique each one will be inspected accordingly.
Back to top
Q. How long does the home inspection take?
A. Typically the home inspection times will vary due to the age, size and degree of the conditions found at the property. A colonial style home with three bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms will usually take about two and a half to three hours for a complete inspection; however times may vary depending upon the size of the house, its particular features and its age. We never rush through Your home inspection.
Back to top
Q. Do I have to be at the inspection?
A. Technically no, however we strongly encourage you to attend. Be an active participant, this will allow you to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of your new home. After you have seen the property with our inspector, you will find the written report a lot easier to understand.
Our home inspector will conduct a thorough non-invasive visual inspection of the visible and readily accessible systems and components of the property. Our standard inspection also comes with a free carbon monoxide test. We use a digital Bacharach carbon monoxide detector to check the combustion gases coming from the hot water heater and heating system, moisture meters to determine if any visible moisture stains have active (wet) leaks, GFCI testers to test the electrical outlets and their ground fault safety systems, digital thermometers to check the HVAC or hydronic heating system along with a verity of other non invasive tools. At the conclusion of the inspection you will receive a verbal explanation from the inspector on what conditions were found, along with custom written report with digital pictures describing the conditions that were found during the inspection. Depending on the size, age and the degree of detail that may be needed written reports can be made available usually within 24 to 48 hours by e-mail, fax or regular postal service.
We strongly encourage you to TAKE ADVANTAGE of your home inspection by attending the full inspection. While onsite you may ask questions, or point out any special concerns you may have to the inspector.
Back to top
Q. Why do I need a home inspection?
A. The home inspection is a summary of the condition of a property, and weather there is a need for any major repairs. Buyers and sellers depend on a complete and accurate home inspection to help them know as much as possible about the property so that they can make intelligent decisions before making a commitment that will affect their lives for years to come. A thorough property inspection also makes home maintenance easier by catching minor problems before they can become big expensive projects. Many homebuyers have literally saved thousands of dollars because of information provided to them by an Advantage1 home inspection.
Inspections may also be used by home owners to identify problems are in the making, and be able to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home an inspection of it prior to placing it on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and cause a deal to fall through, because unanticipated repair costs were too high.
Back to top
Q. Why bother? I've already had a good look at the house.
A. Our inspections are like individual home seminars. We spend approximately two and a half to three hours with you in an interactive process, during which you will learn the status of the mechanical, structural and finished components of your future home, all from an experienced home inspector.
We examine hundreds of houses every year, which gives us the acquired ability to recognize signs and symptoms which you may have overlooked. Our comprehensive report will distinguish between systems or parts that need to be repaired or replaced, parts that may need routine maintenance and components that may be suspect at the time of the inspection. Our custom written reports are highly regarded as one of New Jersey's best. Every report is custom written in a narrative style and will also include color photographs, which makes our report clear, focused and easy to read. For your convince all finished reports are available for delivery by E-mail, fax or regular postal mail at your request. For Sample reports
Back to top
Q. Do I need to have a newer home inspected?
A. "Need" is a relative term. Every home and everyone's needs are different. The most important thing to remember is, even if finding a major flaw in a newer home is far less likely, the inspection can still serve you well. It's an opportunity to learn as much as you can about your future home from by having an objective professional look it before you buy it. The inspector can point out known problem areas and make suggestions for maintenance practices or repairs that can reduce or eliminate most problems before they can start. Think of a home inspection as a "seminar" on home ownership. It can be a value-added, informative experience, giving you a better understanding of your new home, and help you to feel more secure about decision to buy.
Back to top
Q. Do you inspect wells?
A. No. We perform a visual inspection of the plumbing and plumbing fixtures inside of the home, but we do not perform water potability, quality or well recovery testing. This work is best performed by a specialist in pump and well systems, or sometimes by well-drillers. For more information please contact our office at (908) 806-6364.
Q. Do you inspect septic systems?
A. We perform a visual inspection of the readily accessible drainage systems, and plumbing fixtures inside of the home, but we do not perform physical inspections of installed septic systems.
There are no conclusive methods for septic performance testing. Some home inspection companies offer septic testing by using the "dye & flood" method, but these results may not be readily discernable and are often not accurate. Any form of septic testing should be conducted by specialists, typically by engineering technicians or a qualified contractor who is a specialist in this field.
For more information please contact our office at (908) 806-6364.
Back to top
Q. How do I set up a home inspection?
A. Call me at (908) 806-6364 or contact me by email at jonadvantage1@yahoo.com. I will be happy to confirm an inspection appointment for you or answer any questions you may have. Please ensure that the date and time are acceptable to the other parties involved in the purchase & sale.
Back to top
Q. How much notice do you require?
A. Unless we're fully booked, there's always an inspector ready to go. But, it's best to call at few days ahead if possible, so you can be better assured of the appointment time you prefer and to ensure full access to the property.
See: The Buyers Pre-inspection Check List, preplanning for your home inspection can help make the most of your time and money.
Back to top
Q. What will it cost?
A. Our standard inspection rates start at $175.00 and vary accordingly to the size, type, and age of the home. Additionally due to N.J. State regulations, additional inspection services such as termite inspections, radon testing and septic system inspections are considered separate services apart from the home inspection, and are required to be separately contacted and separately priced. For an exact quote please contact our office at (908) 806-6364.
Back to top
Q. Can I do it myself?
A. Each year Advantage 1 examines hundreds of homes, and chances are that even if you are very familiar with home construction, you still don't have the knowledge, training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. Our NJ State licensed inspectors are not only familiar with all the systems of a home and how they work, they can also advise you on how they need to be maintained. With all the constant changes in residential construction practices, we are also committed to on-going upgrades with the latest testing equipment and continuing education which helps to keep our inspectors well informed about the latest building developments. Another thing to consider is this, you are buying or selling a house, it may be impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about it, and this could cloud your judgment. That's why you need an objective, unbiased view of the property. Also keep in mind, a third party report provided by state certified home inspector has more leverage at the bargaining table.
Back to top
Q. Can you fix the problems you find during the inspection?
A. No. The New Jersey State code of ethics N.J.A.C. 13:40-15 prohibits Licensed Home Inspectors from soliciting
any repair work or offering any repair cost figures on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of
interest on the part of the inspector. Our only purpose is to provide an unbiased and objective report on the condition of the home.
Back to top
Q. What areas do you serve?
A. Advantage 1 offers full home inspection services seven days a week for the following counties of New Jersey:
Bergen, Passaic, Hunterdon, Essex, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties. All of our real-estate inspections are performed in accordance with New Jersey State and ASHI national standards and code of ethics.
Back to top
Q. Can a house fail a home inspection?
A. No. The Advantage 1 home inspection is the result of a detailed examination of the current condition of your future home. It is not meant to be used as an appraisal to determine the properties market value, nor is it a municipal inspection, to verify any compliance with the local codes and standards. The home inspector does not pass or fail any house. The home inspection is produced for you, in order to describe the physical condition of the property and to point out the need for any repairs or replacement of parts that might be needed. In short "We bring confidence to your home buying experience," by providing you with information on what will probably be the single largest investment you will ever make.
Back to top
Q. When should I call in the home inspector?
A. First we suggest that you consult your attorney. They can advise you before the contract or purchase agreement is signed on how to make your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Contact your attorney and confirm that the "attorney review" process has been completed. Because of the time constraints involved in purchase agreements, we recommend that you schedule an appointment date as soon as possible after the "attorney review" process has been completed. We also recommend that you attend the full inspection so that you can not only see any problem areas first hand, you'll also have a better understanding of these conditions when you see them in the written inspection report. After you've had a chance to review the results you'll be able to make informed requests for any needed repairs according to the terms of you contract.
Back to top
Q. What if the report reveals problems?
A. No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don't want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
Back to top
Q. If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
A. Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You'll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will have that information for future reference.
Back to top
Asbestos Buried Oil Tanks Carbon Monoxide Chimneys EIFS Formaldehyde Garage Doors Lead Mold Radon Septic Inspections Spa's and Pools Termite & Wood Destroying Insects Water Testing
Air Conditioning, Attic, Carport, Crawl Spaces, Cabinets, Ceilings, Chimney, Counters, Disposal, Doors, Downspouts, Drainage, Drywall, Eaves, Electrical, Fences, Fireplaces, Flashings, Floors, Foundations, Furnace, Garage, Grounds, Gutters, Insulation, Light Fixtures, Patio, Plumbing, Rafters, Retaining Walls, Roof, Sewer, Sidewalks, Sinks, Staircases, Stucco, Thermostat, Vents, Walls, Water Heater, Water Pressure, Windows, Driveway, Structure, Mold, Radon, Asbestos and Lead
New Jersey Licensed Home Inspector Serving
ASHI HOME INSPECTOR NEW JERSEY NJ Home Inspection FOR BERGEN COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE ADVANTAGE 1 HOME INSPECTION DIRECTORY-IN BERGEN COUNTY NEW JERSEY - ALPINE 07620 BERGENFIELD 07621 BOGOTA 07603 CARLSTADT 07072 CLIFFSIDE PARK 07010 CRESSKILL 07626 DEMAREST 07627 DUMONT 07628 - EAST RUTHERFORD 07073 EDGEWATER 07020 ELMWOOD PARK 07407 ENGLEWOOD 07631 ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS 07632 FAIRLAWN 07410 FORT LEE 07024 GARFIELD 07026 GLEN ROCK 07452 HACKENSACK HASBROUCK HEIGHTS 07604 - HAWORTH 07506 LEONIA 07605 LITTLE FERRY 07643 LODI 07644 LYNDHURST 07071 MAYWOOD 07607 - MOONACHIE 07074 NEW MELFORD 07646 NORTH ARLINGTON 07031 ORADELL 07649 PALLISADES PARK 07650 PARAMUS 07652 RIDGEFIELD 07657 - RIDGEFIELD PARK 07660 RIVER EDGE 07661 ROCHELLE PARK 07662 RUTHERFORD 07070 SOUTH HACKENSACK 07606 TEANECK 07666 TENAFLY 07670 TETERBORO 07608 WALLINGTON 07057 WOOD RIDGE 07075 HOME INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED BY A NEW JERSEY STATE LICENSED HOME INSPECTOR.
HOME INSPECTOR NJ Home Inspection FOR ESSEX COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN ESSEX COUNTY NEW JERSEY - BELLEVILLE 07109 BLOOMFIELD 07003 CALDWELL CEDAR GROVE 07009 ESSEX FELLS 07021 HOME INSPECTOR NJ FAIRFIELD 07004 GLEN RIDGE 07028 IRVINGTON 07111 LIVINGSTON 07039 NJ MAPLEWOOD 07040 MILLBURN 07041 MONTCLAIR 07042 NORTH CALDWELL 07006 NUTLEY 07110 ORANGE 07050 ROSELAND 07068 SOUTH ORANGE 07079 VERONA 07044 WEST CALDWELL 07006 WEST ORANGE 07052 NJ HOME INSPECTOR
CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTOR NJ Home Inspection FOR HUNTERDON COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN HUNTERDON COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ ALEXANDRIA 08848 BETHLEHEM 08802 BLOOMSBURY 08804 CALIFON 07830 CLINTON 08809 CLINTON TWP 08801 FLEMINGTON 08822 FRANKLIN TWP 08868 FRENCHTOWN 08825 GLEN GARDNER 08826 HOME HAMPTON 08827 HIGH BRIDGE 08829 HOME INSPECTOR NJ HOLLAND 08848 KINGWOOD 08559 LAMBERTVILLE 08530 LEBANON BORO 08833 LEBANON TWP 08826 MILFORD 08848 RARITAN TWP 08822 READINGTON 08801 08870 08889 STOCKTON 08559 TEWKSBURY 08858 UNION TWP 08860 HOME INSPECTOR NJ WEST AMWELL 08530
ASHI HOME INSPECTOR NEW JERSEY NJ Home Inspection FOR MIDDLESEX COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ- AVENEL 07001 BONHAMTOWN 08837 CARTERET 07008 CLIFFWOOD 07721 COLONIA 07067 CRANBURY 08512 DAYTON 08810 HOME INSPECTOR NJ DUNELLEN 08812 EAST BRUNSWICK 08816 EDISON 08817 08837 08820 ENGLISHTOWN 07726 FORDS 08863 HELMETTA 08828 HIGHLAND PARK 08904 HOME HIGHTSTOWN 08520 ISELIN 08830 HOME INSPECTOR NJ JAMESBURG 08831 KEASBEY 08832 KENDALL PARK 08824 KINGSTON 08828 HOME INSPECTOR NJ MATAWAN 07747 MENLO PARK 08837 METUCHEN 08840 MIDDLESEX 08846 MILLTOWN 08850 MONMOUTH JUNCTION 08852 MONROE 08831 NJ NEW BRUNSWICK 08901 NORTH BRUNSWICK 08902 HOME INSPECTOR NJ OLD BRIDGE 08857 PARLIN 08859 PERTH AMBOY 08861 PISCATAWAY PISCATAWAYTOWN 08817 PLAINSBORO 08536 PORT READING 07064 PRINCETON 08540 SAYREVILLE 08871 08872 SEWAREN 07077 SOUTH AMBOY 08878 08879 SOUTH BRUNSWICK 08852 HOME SOUTH PLAINFIELD 07080 SOUTH RIVER 08882 HOME INSPECTOR NJ SPOTSWOOD 08884 WOODBRIDGE 07095 NJ
NJ HOME INSPECTOR HOME INSPECTOR NJ Home Inspection FOR MERCER COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN MERCER COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ - EAST WINDSOR 08520 EWING 08628 HAMILTON 08650 HIGHTSTOWN 08520 HOPEWELL 08525 LAWRENCE 08648 HOME INSPECTOR NJ PENNINGTON 08534 PRINCETON 08542 08540 NEW JERSEY WASHINGTON 08691 HOME INSPECTOR NJ WEST WINDSOR 08550
NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR NJ Home Inspection NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR FOR MONMOUTH COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN MONMOUTH COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ - ABERDEEN 07747 ALLENHURST 07711 ALLENTOWN 08501 ASBURY PARK 07712 HOME INSPECTOR NJ ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS 07716 HOME INSPECTOR NJ AVON 07717 BELMAR 07719 BRADLEY BEACH 07720 BRIELLE 08730 COLTS NECK 07720 DEAL 07723 EATONTOWN 07724 ENGLISHTOWN 07726 FAIR HAVEN 07704 HOME INSPECTOR NJ FARMINGDALE 07727 FREEHOLD BORO 07728 FREEHOLD TWP 07728 HIGHLANDS 07748 HOLMDEL 07733 HOWELL 07731 INTERLAKEN 07712 KEANSBURG 07734 KEYPORT 07735 LITTLE SILVER 07739 07701 HOME INSPECTOR NJ LONG BRANCH 07740 MANASQUAN 08736 MARLBORO 07746 MATAWAN 07747 NEW JERSEY MIDDLETOWN 07748 MILLSTONE 07726 HOME INSPECTOR NJ MONMOUTH BEACH 07750 NEPTUNE CITY 07753 NEPTUNE TWP 07753 OCEAN 07755 OCEANPORT 07757 RED BANK 07701 ROOSEVELT 08555 RUMSON 07760 SEA BRIGHT 07760 SEA GIRT 08750 SHEWSBURY BORO 07702 SHREWSBURY TWP 07702 SOUTH BELMAR 07719 SPRING LAKE 07762 SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS 07762 TINTON FALLS 07724 CERTIFIED UNION BEACH 07735 UPPER FREEHOLD TWP 08514 WALL TWP 07719 WEST LONG BRANCH 07764
CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTOR NJ Home Inspection FOR MORRIS COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN MORRIS COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ - BOONTON TOWN 07005 BOONTON TWP 07005 BUTLER 07405 CHATHAM BORO 07928 CHATHAM TWP 07928 CHESTER BORO 07930 CHESTER TWP 07930 DENVILLE 07834 DOVER 07801 EAST HANOVER 07936 FLORHAM PARK 07932 HOME INSPECTOR NJ HANOVER TWP 07936 HARDING 07940 JEFFERSON 07438 KINNELON 07405 LINCOLN PARK 07035 LONG HILL 07928 MADISON 07940 MENDHAM 07945 MINE HILL 07803 HOME INSPECTION MONTVILLE 07045 MORRIS PLAINS 07950 MORRIS TWP 07960 MORRISTOWN 07960 MOUNT ARLINGTON 07856 MOUNT OLIVE 07828 PARSIPPANY 07054 TROY HILLS 07054 HOME INSPECTOR NJ PEQUANNOCK 07444 RANDOLPH 07869 RIVERDALE 07457 ROCKAWAY BORO 07866 ROCKAWAY TWP 07866 ROXBURY 07876 VICTORY GARDENS BORO 07801 WASHINGTON TWP 07853 WHARTON BORO 07885
NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR NJ Home Inspection HOME INSPECTOR FOR PASSIAC COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN PASSIAC COUNTY NEW JERSEY- BLOOMINGDALE 07403 CLIFTON 07001 HALEDON 07508 HAWTHORNE 07506 ASHI CERTIFED HOME INSPECTOR LITTLE FALLS 07424 HOME INSPECTOR NORTH HALEDON 07508 PASSIAC 07055 PATERSON 07005 POMPTON LAKES 07442 PROSPECT PARK 07508 RINGWOOD 07456 ASHI HOME INSPECTOR TOTOWA 07512 WANAQUE 07465 WAYNE 07470 WEST MILFORD 07480 WEST PATERSON 07424
ASHI HOME INSPECTOR NEW JERSEY NJ Home Inspection FOR SOMERSET COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN SOMERSET COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ - BEDMINSTER 07921 BERNARDS 07920 BERNARDSVILLE 07924 BOUND BROOK 08805 BRANCHBURG 08876 BRIDGEWATER 08807 FAR HILLS 07931 FRANKLIN TWP 08873 ASHI HOME INSPECTOR NJ GREEN BROOK 08812 HILLSBOROUGH 08844 MANVILLE 08835 MILLSTONE 08849 MONTGOMERY 08844 NORTH PLAINFIELD 07060 PEAPACK/GLADSTONE BORO 07977 RARITAN 08869 ROCKY HILL 08553 SOMERVILLE 08876 SOUTH BOUND NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR BROOK 08880 WARREN 07059 WATCHUNG 07069
NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTIONS FOR UNION COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN UNION COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ - BERKELEY HEIGHTS 07922 CLARK 07066 CRANFORD 07016 ELIZABETH 07201 FANWOOD 07023 GARWOOD 07027 HILLSIDE 07205 KENILWORTH 07033 LINDEN 07036 MOUNTAINSIDE 07092 NEW PROVIDENCE 07974 PLAINFIELD 07061 RAHWAY 07065 CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTOR NJ ROSELLE 07203 ROSELLE PARK 07204 HOME INSPECTOR SCOTCH PLAINS 07076 SPRINGFIELD 07081 SUMMIT 07901 UNION 07083 WESTFIELD 07090 WINFIELD 07036
ASHI HOME INSPECTOR NEW JERSEY NJ Home Inspection FOR WARREN COUNTY WITH THE ZIP CODE IN WARREN COUNTY NEW JERSEY NJ - ALLAMUCHY TWP 07820 ALPHA 08865 ASBURY 08802 BELVIVIDERE TWP 07823 BLAIRSTOWN 07825 BROADWAY 08808 BUTTZVILLE 07829 COLUMBIA 07832 DELAWARE 07833 GREAT MEADOWS 07838 GREENWICH TWP 08323 HACKEETSTOWN 07840 HOPE 07844 JOHNSONBURG 07846 MOUTAIN LAKE 07046 OXFORD 07863 PHILIPSBURG 08865 PORT MURRAY 07865 STEWARTSVILLE 08886 VIENNA 07880
|
