Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the home inspections take?
Depending on the size and complexity of the structure, our inspections usually take anywhere for 2 to 3 hours. Please allow a minimum of 2 hours to be at the home with our inspector. Our inspectors perform a thorough home inspection that enables you to receive a very informative report.
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Should I attend the inspection?
We advise all prospective homeowners to try to attend the inspection if possible. Conversations with the inspector can then address any concerns and answer any questions you might have. Our inspectors also give advice on standard maintenance for elements throughout the home.
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What will be inspected in the home?
A standard inspection in the State of New Jersey includes the non-invasive visual and functional inspection of readily accessible elements of a residential building. This includes structural components, electrical systems, plumbing systems, roofing systems, exterior components, heating systems, cooling systems, interior components, insulation, ventilation systems, fireplaces and/or fuel burning appliances and any other related residential housing component as determined by the Board but does exclude recreational facilities and outbuildings other than garages or carports. As governed by rules in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15. Any comments that exceed the State standards are meant for the Client’s information and are not part of the N. J. home inspection guidelines.
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What other testing do you provide?
RADON & TERMITE: All State Home Inspectors are licensed to perform radon testing as well as termite certifications. The radon test canister will be placed in the home at the time of the inspection and picked up within 2-6 days. It is then sent to a certified NJ radon lab for scientific testing and the results are returned to us usually within a few days. The termite certificate is accepted by any mortgage provider & given to you at the inspection. OIL TANK: search is also available using an electromagnetic non-invasive instrument. This can tell us if there is a buried fuel tank on the premises. MOLD/WATER TESTING: All State also provides mold testing and water testing.
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Will the inspector move or touch personal property in the home?
No. The inspector will not move personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, debris, carpeting or area rugs, packed boxes, or any other obstructions left inside or outside the home by the Seller that might impede the inspector from viewing the element or system of the home. If such conditions exist, the Seller should be informed to remove them before the inspection.
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What is considered a defect?
Your report may contain the words “Material Defect”. This is defined as a condition or functional aspect of a structural component that is readily ascertainable during the home inspection and that substantially affects the value, habitability, or safety of the dwelling. It does not include any decorative, stylistic, cosmetic or aesthetic aspects of the structure, system or component in the home.
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Are City or Town Codes taken into consideration?
No, the New Jersey home inspection is not a code inspection and we do not pass or fail a home or structure.
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What type of reporting system does All State use?
All State Home Inspections uses a computer generated report that is emailed to you usually the same day of the inspection and in some cases we can upload the report on-site using a laptop computer and send it to the Clients email address as well as the attorney and agent”s email address with the permission of the Client
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Will you take any pictures to include in the report?
Yes, we take many pictures in the home and we include those photos that can depict a defect or a problem we might find or we may also include photos of the home that depict a positive item or room of the home. We use our best judgment of which pictures to include and we do not include every item or room of the home.
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Will the inspector climb up onto the roof?
Yes, if it is a safe accessible roof the inspector can climb onto using a standard 11 foot ladder. If the roof is covered by snow or ice or is damaged or appears to have rotted sections or pitched too steeply, the inspector will refrain from climbing onto the roof. However, our inspectors also carry binoculars with them so they can view the roof as a close up visual to make a judgment about it’s condition.
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If it snows or if we have bad weather, will you go back to look at the roof?
If this should be the case on the day of your inspection, we make every attempt to inspect the roof when we pick up your radon test or we will return at least one time at your request to inspect the roof.
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Do you have a list of contractors I can use if you find a problem?
No, we cannot recommend contractors or repair people or engineers according to the governing laws of New Jersey Home Inspectors. This is a direct conflict of interest.
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What systems do you operate during the inspection?
Air Conditioning system will be turned on if temperature is above 65 degrees otherwise we can view the air conditioner system unit visually but can not operate it during low temperatures. In cold weather the heat is turned up and tested at venting. The dishwasher is turned on and tested if it is a built in unit, as well as the microwave unit and oven if it is built in.
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What if I need a septic or pool or other type inspection?
All State Home Inspection can order any other type of inspection for you and we will try to arrange to have these inspections performed at the same time as the home inspection for your convenience.
Other inspections might be septic, pool, spa, lead paint, well, etc. These inspections will be billed separately to you and paid to the inspector that performs the testing according to their business practices.
All State can perform Oil Tank Searches, Water Testing and Mold Testing.
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Can I call you if I have questions after the report is received by me?
Yes, we are available to answer your questions at any time before, during or after our inspection. Allow All State to be considered your Home Inspection Professional for the rest of your life.
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How can I schedule an inspection?
You can phone All State at 973-997-1767 OR you can fill out our form on this website and we will contact you.
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We look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon.
Thank you for choosing All State Home Inspection.