One of the things I get asked a lot as a NJ home inspector is, “Do you check to see if everything is up to code?” It is a fair question. Most buyers want to know the home is safe and properly built. But the answer is not as simple as yes or no. So let me walk you through what I actually do during a NJ home inspection, and where code issues come into play.
A Home Inspection Is Not a Code Inspection
The first thing to understand is that a home inspection is not the same as a code inspection. As a licensed home inspector, I am not there to enforce building codes or quote code books. That is the job of the municipal building department. They perform inspections during new construction or renovations to make sure the work complies with the current code. That process involves permits, progress checks, and final approvals.
What I do is evaluate the condition of the home as it stands today. I look at the roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, drainage, grading, attic, basement, and more. I report on what I see, what is working, what is not, what may be unsafe, and what may cost you money down the line.
But I do not carry a code book, and I do not write up “violations.” I give you real-world information about the house and explain things in a way that makes sense.
That Said, I Know When Something Is Not Right
Even though I am not a code official, I know when something does not meet modern safety expectations. I have been in this business for over 25 years. I have seen what works, what fails, what causes problems, and what gets overlooked.
So when I see things like missing handrails, open electrical splices, improper venting, back drafting water heaters, unprotected wires, or ungrounded outlets, I call them out. I may not use the code section, but I will tell you clearly that it is not safe or not correct.
In fact, many of the things I report on during a NJ home inspection are items that would fail a code inspection if one were done today.
Building Codes Are Always Changing
Another important point is that codes are constantly being updated. A home built in 1980 or 1955 was built to the codes of that time. Just because it does not meet today’s standards does not automatically mean it is wrong or unsafe. That is why context matters.
I do not expect older homes to meet every current code. I look at them in terms of how well they have held up, whether the systems are functioning, and whether anything poses a safety concern. If something looks like it was added later, like a finished basement or a deck, I look even closer.
When I Look Closer at Code-Like Issues
I start paying more attention to code-related issues when I see signs of recent renovations or additions. If it looks like the work was done without permits or done by someone who did not follow standard practices, I will let you know. In those cases, I might recommend an OPRA request to the town so you can check whether permits were pulled and inspections completed.
Here are a few examples of situations where you might want to dig deeper:
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A finished basement with bedrooms and no egress windows
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A panel upgrade that looks like it was done by a non professional
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A new water heater installed without proper venting
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A bathroom added in a basement with no signs of permits
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New framing or structural work that is not supported correctly
These are the kinds of things that matter. They can affect safety, insurance, and resale.
Why Buyers Get Confused
I think a lot of confusion comes from people expecting the certificate of occupancy (CO) or continued CO to mean everything is in great shape. But those documents are limited in scope. They do not guarantee that all systems are functional or that everything is done to current code. That is why a thorough, independent inspection is so important.
My Job Is to Protect You
My job is to give you as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision. I am not trying to torpedo real estate transactions, but I am not here to sugarcoat problems either. I work for the buyer, not the seller.
If I see something that is unsafe, improper, or just does not look right, I am going to tell you. I am not going to say “further evaluation is recommended” unless it is actually needed. I will explain the concern in plain English, with photos, so you understand what you are looking at.
I also try to help you think ahead. If the furnace is 25 years old, I am going to mention it. If the roof looks worn or the insulation is missing, I will point that out. These are not code violations, but they are real concerns that impact comfort, cost, and safety.
Final Thought
So, do I check for code violations? Not officially. But do I look for improper, unsafe, or questionable work and explain it clearly? Absolutely.
If you want to know if a home is up to code, especially if major work was done, you should contact the town or look into the permit history. But if you want to know what you are getting into, what works, what does not, and what to keep an eye on, that is what I do.