Make sure to use a NJ Licensed Home Inspector.
All individuals performing home inspections in New Jersey are required by state law to be licensed. The licensing law sets education, training and experience requirements, prescribes a standard of practice for home inspections, and mandates that home inspectors refrain from unethical behavior.
Additionally, it requires that home inspectors carry a minimum of $500,000 in E&O insurance, have specific tools and equipment, and include their name, street address, and license number in all print and on-line advertising and promotion, and vehicle signage.
Despite the full implementation of the licensing law, many individuals are still performing home inspections without the mandatory state license. Some are flagrantly violating the law by packaging “free” home inspections with other services, while others are simply unaware that they need to be licensed.
As a home buyer, you need to be sure that the person you have chosen to perform your home inspection service is state-licensed. This is for your protection.
Besides being assured that the home inspector is looking after your best interests, it provides protection in the event that you have a claim against the inspector at a later date.
Many unlicensed inspectors do not have errors and omissions insurance, and those that do, will be likely disclaimed by their insurance company once it’s discovered they’re practicing in violation of state law.
To find out if the home inspector you want to use is licensed in the State of New Jersey – Click Here. This will take you to the New Jersey State Consumer’s Affairs site that handles all licensees in the State of New Jersey.
Information provided by Zack Lilienfeld of AtlantiCape Inspections, LLC.
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WHAT TO EXPECT, AND NOT EXPECT, FROM A HOME INSPECTION
(Note: This article pertains to home inspections in New Jersey, but is nonetheless applicable to other jurisdictions.)
Home buyers have a lot to think about when shopping for a new home. Questions like, “Is this the best deal?”, or, “Can I afford it?”, or, “Will I be happy owning this home?” are common.
Once an agreement of sale is signed, hopefully these questions have been answered, but then there are likely a new set of questions, like “Will my mortgage be approved?” Or, “Is the home I am buying in good condition?” A professional home inspection is intended to be the means by which a home buyer can gain a measure of additional comfort in answering this last question.
While most buyers know that a home inspection is part of the “due diligence” process of a home purchase, many buyers don´t fully understand what a home inspection involves. The assumption may be, incorrectly, that a home inspection will uncover any and all issues that would make a home less-than-perfect. This assumption can provide buyers a false sense of security, and provide unrealistic expectations as to conditions.
The intent of this article is to provide some answers, help guide your expectations and educate you in what you should expect from a home inspection.