Take a walk on a New Jersey home inspection:

My New Jersey home inspection reports are very thorough and provide a great opportunity for you to learn about the systems and structure of the home that you want to buy. You also will learn how to operate various systems in the home. At the end of the home inspection, you will know in honest terms what is wrong with the home. However, I can only comment on the components and systems that are readily accessible and visible at the time of the home inspection.

I will inspect the:

Exterior:
I will inspect the exterior walls, exterior foundation walls, windows, porches, patios, decks, walkways, windows, driveway, front walkway, grading, and vegetation. Two very important areas on the exterior are the condition of decks and the grading. I find many problems and unsafe conditions with improperly constructed decks and landings. Grading is very important. If the property is not properly graded, with the ground sloping downward away from the house, there is a good chance that water infiltration will become a problem inside the home.

Roof systems:
I will try to walk the roof, if possible. Many times walking on the roof is not feasible because of poor weather conditions, steep pitch, type of roof material and condition. If I can't get on the roof I will inspect it with binoculars from the grade level. When inspecting a roof, I look at the flashings, roof covering condition, layers, type of materials, and suitability of materials. While inspecting the roof I will also inspect the visible exterior of the chimney, chimney flashing, and roof penetrations such as plumbing vents and attic vent systems. I will tell you if the roof system is sound, if the proper materials have been used, and the overall condition of the roof covering.

Basement:
The basement inspection is a vital part of the New Jersey home inspection. I will inspect the visible components and systems in the basement. This may include the interior foundation walls and visible wall and floor framing. Defects I will look for include foundation wall cracking or wall movement. Not all cracking is structural in nature, but sometimes it is necessary to have further evaluation by a structural engineer or architect. I will look for evidence of water infiltration and water damage. Many basements that I inspect are finished or partially finished. If the basement is finished I can only check what is visible and accessible.

Heating:
I will operate the heating equipment and heat pumps during the home inspection, provided they turn on using standard controls. I will test the equipment for normal operation and function. If it's warm enough, I will test the air conditioner and check for the required temperature differential between the room air and the conditioned air exiting the air conditioning registers.

Plumbing:
I will inspect the visible supply and waste plumbing pipes and connections. I will inspect the water heater and connections during the New Jersey home inspection.

Electrical:
If it is safe to do so, and if the panel is accessible, I will remove the electrical panel box cover. I will inspect the interior of the panel box, wiring, breakers, connections, and grounding. I will inspect any accessible sub-panels. I will test a representative number of electrical receptacles in the home and provide details about their condition and wiring. I will test the GFCI-protected electrical receptacles in the home, to help ease the chance of electric shock should a ground fault occur. I will look for visible unsafe wiring and fire and shock hazards. I often find non-professional wiring installed by homeowners, and these installations are usually done poorly and are usually unsafe.

Kitchen:
In the kitchen, I will inspect the sink plumbing and connections. I will run hot and cold water at all of the fixtures. I will test the electrical receptacles and operate the dishwasher, range and any other built-in appliances, except trash compactors. I will inspect the counter, walls, doors, fixtures, and ceiling.

Interior rooms:
I will work room to room inspecting the walls, floors, ceilings, light fixtures, electrical receptacles, windows, and existing conditions. Some of the problems I will look for are water damage and structural abnormalities. During the New Jersey home inspection, I will operate a representative sample of windows and report on window condition.

Bathrooms:
In the bathrooms, I will run hot and cold water at the sink faucet, tub, and shower. I will inspect the plumbing and waste connections. I will look for the required cut-off valves, and test the electrical receptacles. I will inspect the tub tiles and surround and operate the shower door, if equipped. If the home is equipped with a jetted tub I will fill and operate the tub and inspect the motor and wiring, if accessible.

Attic:
If the attic space is accessible at the time of the home inspection, I will inspect all visible areas for structural defects and problems. I will inspect for water damage as well as comment on the existing attic ventilation.

That's really the basics but rest assured I will be looking at just about everything that is visible and accessible.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your home inspector. You will not be disappointed.

LookSmart Home Inspections performs New Jersey home inspections by a licensed  New Jersey home inspector. John Martinois a NJ home inspector who provides NJ home inspections in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic,Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties in New Jersey. New Jersey Association of Professional Home Inspectors, LookSmart Home Inspections is a New Jersey Member of the Independent Home Inspectors of North America, an organization of home inspectors who are committed to providing honest and unbiased home inspections.