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FAQ'S
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Why
Do I Need a Home Inspection?
The purchase of real estate is among the
largest investments you will make. Careful
assessment of the property by a trained
professional will enable you to become aware
of existing conditions, immediate and/or
future necessary repairs and maintenance.
A good
inspector will also detect clues that may
result in determining problem areas that
have been camouflaged, i.e., a new coat of
paint to cover a water-stained area. This
sort of clue could possibly be deciphered in
discovering a recurring area of water
leakage.
“Learning the house,” prior to its purchase
is smart consumerism. The education and
advice from a home inspector are not only
valuable at the time of purchase, but will
be useful in the future when repairs,
renovations and maintenance are performed.
A good portion of Thorough Check customers
often contact our office for ongoing advice
concerning their home, often several years
after the purchase.
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What is a “Qualified” Inspector?
The accuracy of the
comprehensive and detailed results obtained
from a home inspector are dependent upon the
training and experience of that individual.
Only a state-licensed inspector should be
hired for this important job.
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The
State of New Jersey reviews the following
criteria in consideration of the issuance
of a Home Inspector’s License:
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Competence and quantity of professional
experience
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Past
and on-going educational certifications
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Proper
insurance coverage
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Reputation
When one
considers the magnitude of a real estate
purchase, only the most qualified inspector
should be retained to perform this valuable
service. It is not recommended that a
friend or relative be asked to look over the
prospective purchase, even if the individual
has construction trade experience. Home
inspectors are trained to be able to assess
all of the components of a structure. A
report generated by a licensed inspector is
of great value if negotiations are necessary
following the inspection.
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Should I Price-Shop When I Need a Home
Inspector?
As with all goods and services, fees vary
for a home inspection. While the cost of
the property is substantial for most home
buyers, the home inspection is relatively
inexpensive. Shopping for quality should be
the most important consideration. The
decision to hire a home inspector could save
you thousands of dollars and the potential
for years of regret.
A home
inspector’s vast knowledge, extensive
experience, fine reputation and a high level
of customer service are what a smart buyer
should shop.
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Does a Seller Ever Hire a Home Inspector?
Sellers of homes often have home
inspections prior to placing the property on
the market. A home inspector can apprise
the seller of good maintenance practices
that should be accomplished. Home
inspections are a good way to identify
problems that may hinder an easy sale. Any
knowledge of a potential problem occurring
after the sale of the property could
alleviate future legal problems.
What are Disclosure Obligations?
The State of New
Jersey requires that all sellers must
disclose all pertinent facts about a
property prior to its sale. By presenting a
seller’s inspection report, the seller may
be able to provide a buyer with additional
information he was not privy to prior to the
inspection.
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When Should the Inspector be Hired?
It is a good idea to consult an inspector
after a purchase contract has been
accepted. All contracts should contain a
clause stating that the sale will be
contingent upon the inspection results. The
appointment for the inspection should be
scheduled after the attorney review
process. Most contracts stipulate that the
inspection be performed within a set number
of days.
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How Long Does a
Home Inspection Take?
Depending upon the size, age and condition
of a home, an inspection will take from two
to upwards of five hours for a home with
numerous problems.
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Who
Attends an Inspection?
Buyers are strongly urged to attend this
very important appointment. For them it is
another chance to look things over
themselves. They may ask questions.
Following the inspection, they are given a
complete verbal evaluation of the home.
Real estate agents often accompany the buyer
to an inspection.
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What Inspections Should Be Performed?
A structural and wood-destroying insect
inspection should be performed on all homes.
Well and septic system testing are
recommended at many locations.
Environmental testing is also suggested at
many properties. These include inspections
for the existence of asbestos, mold and
lead-based paint; all of which are potential
health hazards that should be identified
prior to a purchase.
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Does
the Report Pass or Fail the House?
No. Unlike inspections that
are performed for a Certificate of
Occupancy, there is no pass or fail
criteria. The conditions, whether good or
unsatisfactory will be identified.
If
repair work is needed, the report will offer
appropriate suggestions. By reporting
problems, the buyer and seller are educated
as to what improvements are necessary. The
buyer may be willing to purchase the
property “as is” or arrangements for the
seller to perform repairs may be made.
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Do
I Need a Home Inspection If the House if
New?
No home is devoid of defects. There are
thousands of components to the structure for
which mistakes are made. Many builders
erect structures that simply satisfy
building codes and do not necessarily meet
the high standards of a home inspector. A
builder is only required to meet minimal
standards at best. Municipal inspectors do
not spend the time to thoroughly examine a
structure.
Structural defects that are identified by a
home inspector when the home is new can be
rectified before drastic deterioration of a
condition occurs. The home may be new
enough to still be covered under the State
Warranty program.
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Are
All Recommended Repairs Necessary?
Sellers are under no obligation to perform
repair work that is suggested in a home
inspection report. It is legal to refuse to
perform repairs unless where they must
satisfy requirements mandated by state or
local standards or are stipulated in the
purchase contract.
Home
inspection reports from Thorough Check
distinguish between recommended and needed
repairs. Issues involving safety hazards
are identified and are strongly recommended
for repair. It is up to the discretion of
the buyer to make decisions as to what is
personally necessary when deciding upon
improvements to be made to the property.
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