SCOPE & PURPOSE OF A HOME INSPECTION

Inspection Guidelines

A home inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the inspection date. The results of this home inspection are not intended to represent the presence or absence of latent or concealed defects that are not reasonably ascertainable in a competently performed home inspection.

A home inspection is not an insurance policy or warranty

The report is not intended to be a warranty or guarantee of the present or future adequacy or performance of the structure, its systems, or their component parts. Home warranties can be purchased separately from insuring firms that provide this service. No warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied. This report does not constitute any express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for use regarding the condition of the property and it should not be relied upon as such. Any opinions expressed regarding adequacy, capacity, or expected life of components are general estimates based on information about similar components and occasional wide variations are to be expected between such estimates and actual experience.

A home inspection is visual and not destructive

The descriptions and observations in this report are based on a visual inspection of the structure. We inspect the aspects of the structure that can be viewed without dismantling, damaging, or disfiguring the structure and without moving furniture and interior furnishings. Areas that are concealed, hidden or inaccessible to view are not covered by this inspection. Some systems cannot be tested during this inspection as testing risks damaging the building. For example, overflow drains on bathtubs are generally not tested because if they were found to be leaking, they could damage the finishes below. Our procedures involve non-invasive investigation and non-destructive testing which will limit the scope of the inspection.

This is not an inspection for code compliance

The inspection report should not be construed as a compliance inspection of any governmental or non-governmental codes or regulations. During the construction process structures are inspected for code compliance by municipal inspectors. Framing is open at this time and conditions can be fully viewed. Framing is NOT open during inspections of finished homes, and this limits the inspection. All houses fall out of code compliance shortly after they are built, as the codes continually change. National codes are augmented at least every three years for all the varying disciplines. Municipalities can choose to adopt and phase in sections of the codes on their own timetables. There are generally no requirements to bring older homes into compliance unless substantial renovation is being done. Confirmation of compliance with any building code or identification of any building code violation is not the goal of this Inspection Report and lies beyond the scope of the General Home Inspection. If you wish to ascertain the degree to which the home complies with any applicable building codes, you should schedule a code-compliance inspection with your municipality.

This is just our opinion

Construction techniques and standards vary. There is no one way to build a house or install a system in a house. The observations in this report are the opinions of the home inspector. Other inspectors and contractors are likely to have some differing opinions. You are welcome to seek opinions from other professionals.

The scope of this inspection

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home. The inspection is limited to the readily accessible and visible systems, equipment, and components of the home. The inspector will not dismantle and/or move equipment, systems, furniture, appliances, floor coverings, finished or fastened surfaces or components, personal property or other items to conduct inspections or otherwise to expose concealed or inaccessible conditions. Any areas not accessible at the time of inspection will not be inspected. See N.J.Admin. Code § 13:40-15.16. A copy of the New Jersey Standards of Practice is noted below.

Houses built prior to 1978 have the potential of containing lead paint. The actual content of the paint on this structure can NOT be evaluated without special lead paint testing. If the house or any portion of the house was constructed prior to 1978 it is recommended to have the home tested for lead paint by a licensed lead paint specialist PRIOR to closing. Concerns regarding lead paint should be addressed with the local health department or the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Any suggestions in this report for evaluation, repair or replacement should always be performed by a qualified professional or specialty tradesman dealing with that item or system. Items not found in this report are beyond the scope of this inspection and should not be considered inspected at this time. Please read the entire report for important details.

CONDO/TOWNHOUSE DISCLAIMER

In the event that this is a Condominium or Town House inspection it is a partial inspection and is performed on only those components that the buyer or homeowner is responsible for. It does not include the exterior components of the property, crawlspace or attic and all of the components contained therein as this is usually owned by the association and is not owned by the buyer or homeowner. It is up to the buyer to determine if any of these excluded areas are in fact the buyer’s responsibility and if so, to notify the inspector so these areas can be inspected. Please note a different charge will apply should the buyer want these areas inspected. It also is not possible in some cases to inspect attic areas where a duplex unit exist and the buyer is purchasing the lower unit, or vice versa. Our company makes no representation as to the condition of these areas that were not inspected and are disclaimed. Any areas that are not the buyer or homeowners’ responsibility and is inspected is for informational purposes only and we assume no liability.

HOME ORIENTATION

All references to orientation throughout the report are as if viewing the home from the front, street side.

This report is intended only as a general guide to help the client make his own evaluation of the overall condition of the home and is not intended to reflect the value of the premises, nor make any representation as to the advisability of purchase. The report expresses the personal opinions of the inspector, based upon his visual impressions of the conditions that existed at the time of the inspection only. The inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive, or to imply that every component was inspected, or that every possible defect was discovered. No disassembly of equipment, opening of walls, moving of furniture, appliances or stored items, or excavation was performed. All components and conditions which by the nature of their location are concealed, camouflaged or difficult to inspect are excluded from the report. The inspection is performed in compliance with generally accepted standard of practice, a copy of which is included below.

This Home inspection does not include confirmation of the presence of allergens of any type. Many types of allergens exist to which different people show widely varying levels of sensitivity. Testing for allergens requires a specialist inspection. The Inspector recommends that you have specialist testing performed if allergens are a concern to you. You should consider having tests performed if you expect those suffering from allergies, asthma, lung disease or who have compromised immune systems to be resent in the home.

Systems and conditions which are not within the scope of the inspection include, but are not limited to: formaldehyde, lead paint, asbestos, toxic or flammable materials, and other environmental hazards; pest infestation, playground equipment, efficiency measurement of insulation or heating and cooling equipment, internal or underground drainage or plumbing, any systems which are shut down or otherwise secured; water wells (water quality and quantity) zoning ordinances; intercoms; security systems; heat sensors; cosmetics or building code conformity. Any general comments about these systems and conditions are informational only and do not represent an inspection.

Security systems are NOT evaluated as part of a home inspection. Obtain all information from owner on use and specific codes for operation. Communication, entertainment, and other low voltage wiring is NOT evaluated as part of a home inspection. Review operation of all such wiring with the owner PRIOR to closing.

We certify that our inspectors have no interest, present or contemplated, in this property or its improvement and no involvement with trades people or benefits derived from any sales or improvements. To the best of our knowledge and belief, all statements and information in this report are true and correct.

Should any disagreement or dispute arise because of this inspection or report, it shall be decided by arbitration and shall be submitted for binding, non-appealable arbitration to the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Construction Industry Arbitration Rules then obtaining, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise. In the event of a claim, the Client will allow the Inspection Company to inspect the claim prior to any repairs or waive the right to make the claim. Client agrees not to disturb or repair or have repaired anything which may constitute evidence relating to the complaint, except in the case of an emergency.

The functionality of power source for and placement of smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors is not part of this inspection. Upon taking occupancy, proper operating and placement of smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors should be verified and batteries should be changed. These devices have a limited life span and should be replaced at a minimum every 10 years. If no smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors are installed, you should consider installation of battery operated or hardwired smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors in all recommended locations.

THE CLIENT MUST NOT EXPECT THE INSPECTOR TO SEE AND REPORT ON ITEMS THAT WERE NOT VISIBLE TO THE INSPECTOR AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION.

It should also be mentioned that inspectors do not enter any areas which in the Inspectors opinion posed a personal safety hazard. Conditions which may limit or prevent access include but are not limited to any of the following:

• Less than 36 inches of headroom.
• Unimpeded access.
• Construction debris, trash, and stored items.
• Unsafe structural conditions.
• Suspected biological contamination of the crawlspace.
• Suspected chemical contamination of the crawlspace.
• Presence of pests (insects, reptiles, mammals, etc.).
• Hazardous electrical conditions.
• All entrance hatches must have at least 24 inches of unobstructed vertical clearance and 30 inches of unobstructed horizontal clearance The point at which conditions represent a safety hazard is decided upon solely by the Inspector, entry or refusal of entry being completely at the Inspectors discretion.