FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a home inspection involve?
There are four basic steps to the home inspection: The inspector explains what is going to take place and asks about any special questions or requests. While the inspection agreement is being reviewed, the inspector will make a quick assessment of the property to get a general estimate of the scope of the inspection. There will be an in-depth walk-through inspection with the client. This involves inspecting all visible areas and reviewing all accessible items and areas. This includes the interior plumbing systems, electrical systems, heating system, central air conditioning system, the roof, attic space (where applicable), walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, basement, and the foundation and all structural components. All questions or items of special interest regarding a particular system or structural component would usually be addressed at this time. A final check of the entire property is made for verification that the condition of the property remained the same since the beginning of the inspection. With the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will prepare a hard copy of the inspection report. All of the deficiencies are entered onto the summary sheet for the client.
How long do inspections take?
An average home inspection by our New Jersey Home Inspectors and Home Inspectors NY will take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the house. Larger and more complex houses usually take longer for inspectors to completely and accurately evaluate. Also, the condition of the components at the property may affect inspection time because if they have not been properly maintained, it will take additional time for the inspector to explain to the buyer what options they have to either maintain or replace the items.
Why do I need a home inspection?
The purchase of a home is the largest investment for most people throughout their lifetime. Being informed and educated as much as possible when making this investment can save a lot of money, time and headaches. A home inspection provides this education. Also, most mortgage lenders highly recommend that home inspection be performed before the purchase and sale of a home.
A home inspection lets a buyer know the exact condition of a property. Any repairs or modifications needed will be assessed before you buy, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision. After the inspection, you will have a much better understanding of the property you intend to purchase.
A home inspection is also valuable for homeowners (sellers) for identifying any potential problems that may need tending to. If you intend to put your house on the market, a home inspection will identify items that would be called out on a buyer’s inspection, which allows to you to make prior repairs and modifications, putting your house in a more sellable position.
Can I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and years of expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction and remains completely objective and unemotional about the home.
Why do I need a home inspection on a house that I'm building?
An inspection on a new home is very important for the buyer to level the playing field so that builders and contractors do not take advantage. This is because, as in any job, there are shortcuts and tricks of the trade that are easy to miss for someone who is unfamiliar with them. A home inspector is trained to see these nuances and will offset the builder’s and contractor’s interest.
There is usually an inspection of the house before the drywall is installed, known as a “pre close-in" inspection. It provides a level of quality assurance for the buyer that many builders don’t usually provide for their contractors. This inspection gives you a great chance of identifying and correcting problems when they are much easier and less expensive to fix.
What is the cost of a home inspection?
The cost of a NY home inspection and home inspection NJ for a single family home varies due to the geographical location, as well as its size and age. The cost also varies when additional inspection services are requested, such as mold, asbestos or radon testing and inspections. However, you shouldn’t let cost be a factor in determining whether or not to have a home inspection performed. You should consider the money spent as an educational investment if nothing is found, and if something is found the inspection covers its fee many times over in money, time and headaches.
Do I need to attend the inspection?
It is not necessary that you attend the inspection. However, Superior Home Inspection Services strongly recommends that you or a representative for you attends the inspection so that you are properly informed of the investment that you are considering. It’s recommended that you attend because you will be able to follow the inspector around and visually learn about the condition of your house, how the various systems operate and how to properly maintain them. You will also have the opportunity to ask the inspector about the contents on the report. Who should have better knowledge of a home than its next owner?
Is the inspector licensed and/or certified?
All of our inspectors have gone through training and are fully licensed and insured!
Do you carry Errors & Omissions insurance?
Yes, we do!
How hard is it to upgrade the electric service in my house?
Upgrading the electric service is a procedure that may include one or all of the following:
- Replacement of the service entrance cable
- Upgrade & possibly replacement of the main disconnect panel
- Installation of an additional branch circuit over fuses & circuit breakers
- Re-wiring the branch circuit connections at the main disconnect panel
Any time a repair is performed within an electrical system and its components, a licensed electrician will be contacted to make these repairs.
What are the estimated life spans of all the systems in my house?
Due to factors including the geographic area, the physical location of the units and the climate and weather it is very hard to determine an accurate estimation.
On the other hand, there is an estimated design life when a property or component is built. The following is a list of different components with their respective estimated design life span.
System
Component
Estimated Design Life
Roofing
Asphalt Composition Shingle
18 - 22 Years
Asphalt Composition Rolled Roofing
10 - 15 Years
Built-Up Roofing
10 - 15 Years
Elastomeric / Rubber Roofing
10 - 15 Years
Wood Shakes / Shingles
15 - 25 Years
Clay / Terra Cotta Tiles
25 Plus Years
Concrete / Asbestos Cement Tiles
25 Plus Years
Slate Roofing
50 Plus Years
Metal Roofing (flat, standing-seam, corrugated)
Indefinite
Plastic / Fiberglass corrugated panels
15 Plus Years
Glass Panels (sun rooms, etc.)
15 Plus Years
Gutters and Downspouts
15 - 20 Years
Heating
Boiler (Steam / Hydronic)
25 - 40 Years
Forced Air Furnace - Gas / Oil
15 - 35 Years
Forced Air Furnace - Electric
15 - 25 Years
Electric Resistance, Baseboard
15 - 25 Years
Cooling
Heat Pump
10 - 15 Years
Central Split System
10 - 15 Years
A/C Compressor
10 - 15 Years
Window A/C Unit
10 - 15 Years
Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler
10 - 20 Years
Plumbing
Water Heater - Electric
12 - 18 Years
Water Heater - Gas / Oil
10 - 15 Years
Solid Waste Pump
5 - 10 Years
Sump Pump
5 - 8 Years
Submersible Well Pump
10 - 15 Years
Shallow or Deep Well Jet Pump
10 - 15 Years
Kitchen / Appliances
Dishwasher
5 - 10 Years
Garbage Disposal
5 - 10 Years
Cook Top - (Electric / Gas)
15 - 20 Years
Range / Oven
15 - 20 Years
Refrigerator
5 - 25 Years
Trash Compactor
5 - 10 Years
Ventilator / Draft Hood
8 - 12 Years
Washing Machine / Clothes Dryer
8 - 12 Years
Miscellaneous
Chemical Termite Treatment (subterranean)
5 Years
Fumigation for Drywood Termites
2 Years
Radon Mitigation System
Life of the fan
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