Frequently Asked Questions
The following are questions that are frequently asked before, during and after a Home Inspection. Please feel free to contact us and ask questions and comment on our services. We appreciate the questions and comments because our quality of service improves from our customer’s feedback.
What is a Home Inspection?
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
Can my house fail inspection?
What do we look at douring the inspection?
What do we not look at?
Can I follow along at the Home Inspection?
How long does a Home Inspection take?
Why does the inspection take so long?
Do you follow ASHI guidelines?
Do new homes need to be inspected?
Do you have insurance?
Do you do repairs or recommend contractors?
Do you provide a written report?
What if the Home Inspection report reveals problems?
When do I get the Radon test results?
I’m selling my house, how can I prepare my house for inspection?
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is often confused with a home appraisal. An appraisal determines the value of a property. A home inspection evaluates the physical condition of the structural and mechanical components of a property, lists items that are in need of repair, and places an emphasis on items which may be of safety concern. A report on these conditions is generated by the inspector and given to the home buyer and his or her real estate agent for their benefit.
Why do I need a Home Inspection?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. As such, you should learn as much as you can about the home before you buy, so that you aren’t hit with any unexpected repairs or difficulty after the home is yours. In addition, the home inspection will note positive aspects of the home, as well as maintenance required to keep your home in good shape. The inspection also helps you to get a much better understanding of the property than you could get on your own.
Can my house fail inspection?
No. Sometimes people worry that there house, or the house they hope to buy, might FAIL inspection. Inspectors do not fail a house. Inspectors cannot and do not write tickets or fines or anything like that. Our job is to find items that are in need of repair or that are possible safety hazards and point them out to you, the client, so that you are aware of the issues and so that you can deal with those issues as you choose. Some people fix everything that an inspector writes up while others do not fix anything. That is a decision that is up to you.
What do we look at during the inspection?
Believe it or not, an inspector may look at over 500 details of a house in an inspection! The major components of inspection are as follows: Foundation, Grading and Drainage, Interior and Exterior walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Fireplace and Chimney, Roof covering, Roof Structure, Flashings, Attic, Porches and Decks, Appliances (built-in) such as Dishwasher, Disposer, Microwave, Oven, Water Heater, Heating System, Air Conditioning System, Electrical Systems, Plumbing and Fixtures, Garage Door and much more!
What do we not look at?
We do not inspect any items that we cannot see in a normal inspection. For example, we do not move furniture, rugs, paintings, or other furnishings. We do not uncover buried pipes or items. We cannot see items covered by wallpaper, flooring or plants. Repair or remodeling may hide evidence of prior damage or defects. We do not dismantle equipment to inspect component parts. We do suggest that you ask the seller about repairs, covered up items, or previous problems. We do not inspect for building codes, soil analysis, adequacy of design, capacity, efficiency, size, value, flood plain location, pollution or habitability. We do not hold ourselves to be engineers or specialists for any particular item. We are a general real estate improvement inspection business. If we report that an item is not performing its intended function, or needs repair, or shows evidence of prior damage, we urge you to have that item examined by a specialist before purchasing the house. We do not give estimates of the cost to repair any item.
Can I follow along at the Home Inspection?
If they don’t allow you to go to the inspection or follow along, don’t use them. At All In One Home Inspection LLC we encourage you to attend. This is a valuable learning experience for most home buyers. It is a perfect opportunity to ask specific questions about the condition of the home. Also, where defects are identified, the inspector can discuss these so that you understand what repairs are required.
How long does the home inspection take?
Single Family about 2.5 to 3 hours, Townhouse 2 to 2.5 hours and Condo 1.5 to 2 hours.
Why does the inspection take so long?
The state laws of New Jersey guided by the Department of Consumer Affairs dictates that the Home Inspections be done thoroughly by means of a written standard. We find that the time it takes to meet and/or exceed the standard is appropriate for what is required of us as Home Inspectors. A careful and complete Home Inspection will result in a conclusive and informative report on the home you are purchasing.
Do you follow the ASHI guidelines?
The American Society of Home Inspectors Standards of Practice has set the minimum scope of a professional home inspection. These standards are your assurance of completeness of coverage of the substantive physical components that make up your home. All In One Home Inspection LLC inspectors are governed by these guidelines and held to a strict code of ethics that prohibits potential conflicts of interest.
Do new homes need to be inspected?
A professional inspection of a new home can spot potential problems while they are still visible and easily corrected. There are times during the construction process at which inspections are invaluable. The two most common times are just before concrete is poured and just before interior walls are covered with drywall. A third, final inspection will check the finished product and operation of the installed systems
Do you have insurance?
We carry appropriate Errors and Omissions, General Liability and Workman’s Compensation Insurance. Ask the inspection company to provide you with a copy of their current binder. We’d be happy to.
Do you do repairs or recommend contractors?
No. We are a consulting firm specializing in building inspections. We consider it a conflict of interest for a home inspector to recommend or refer a contractor to perform repairs. We offer an unbiased opinion on the condition of the home. We accept no referral fees from anyone.
Do you provide a written report?
Yes. Our computerized report is prepared for you within 48 hours of the inspection. We deliver a comprehensive report that includes photos of deficient items, summary pages, ASHI standards and Mr. Fix It’s "How to Operate Your Home" guide.
What if the Inspection reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If there are problems, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy the house. However, if there are major problems, you may want to go back to the seller to either get the problems corrected or to negotiate the contract price to reflect the inspector’s findings.
When do I get the Radon Test results?
The Radon Test starts at the Home Inspection and is picked up within 2 to 4 days after the Home Inspection. The Radon Test canister is mailed to the Radon Test Lab the day of the pick up. About 2 to 4 days after the Radon Test pick up the results are mailed to you.
I’m selling my house, how can I prepare my house for inspection?
If an inspector is coming to inspect your house, here is what you need to do. Make sure all the utilities are on!!! This includes the gas, electric, and water. Secure all pets. Replace any burned out light bulbs. Put a clean air filter in your furnace and/or AC unit. Make sure important inspection areas (such as the electrical breaker box and water heaters) are accessible to the inspector. Items such as boxes or furniture should not be blocking these areas.