Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you can make. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises everyone buying a home should get a home inspection. Why, because most homes, even newly build ones, have at least one flaw. Therefore to minimize your risk, it pays to have a home inspection done.
What is a home inspection?
A visual inspection of the homes heating and central air conditioning systems, interior plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures, windows, foundations, basements, drainage, walkways and pools or spas. In addition, some homebuyers will have inspections for radon, pests, and hazardous materials. After the examination, the home inspector will provide you with a written report. Some inspectors will include photos as well.
What are their qualifications? What can’t I do it myself?
Even the savviest homebuyer doesn’t have the training and experience of the average home inspector. In New Jersey, home inspectors must1:
- Complete high school or its equivalent
- Serve as a licensed associate inspector for at least one year
- Perform at least 250 inspections
- Carry $500,000 in insurance
- Pass the National Home Inspector Examination
A licensed associate home inspector must1:
- Successfully complete an approved course of at least 180 hours
- Program will include no less than 40 hours of unpaid field inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed inspector
- Perform at least 250 fee paid inspections in the presence of and direct supervision of a licensed inspector
- Pass the National Home Inspector Examination
The licensed home inspector who oversees these inspections must take full responsibility for the inspection and any report produced. In addition, the law stipulates that as a condition for home inspector biennial license renewal, an individual shall complete 40 credit hours of continuing education1.
According to the New Jersey Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act, if home inspectors fail to disclose problems or accept payment from another party in the transaction, they can lose their license1.
What to look for in a home inspector:
Obviously you want them to have an active licensed and current errors and omissions insurance. They should also be experienced in residential inspections. It helps if they are a member of a professional organization such as the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI), National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Each organization has standards as well as a code of ethics that its members must adhere to.
Before your inspection, ask to see the inspector’s State of New Jersey Inspector License as well as a New Jersey issued photo identification card. Remember, regardless of affiliation, ALL Home Inspectors working in New Jersey need an active New Jersey license and insurance.
To determine if your inspector is licensed call (973) 273-8090. If you’re inspector cannot produced the required documentation or you have other complaints, call (973) 504-6460.
In addition, a home inspector and their company should never offer to make the repairs for you and should encourage the buyer to attend the inspection.
Sources:
- State Licensing, ASHI Website http://www.homeinspector.org/stateregulations/default.aspx Retrieved 08/09/2012
