Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I need an Ameri-Search Home Inspection?
The very idea that agents are the primary source of New Jersey home inspector referrals is a clear and obvious conflict of interest. Yet most home buyers never seem to give this a thought. Sometimes buyers simply hire the agent’s favorite inspector, without asking if this is the best one available. When temptation prevails, the lesser inspector becomes the agent’s choice, while the thorough inspector is written off as a “deal killer.” In the gallery displayed above there is loose siding, an air conditoning compressor that is leaning or askew and aoverhead garage door that is cracked and damaged.
The largest single investment you will ever make will be the purchase of a home. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs. A comprehensive inspection of the property is detailed in a narrative style report. You can minimize costly repair bills or any unpleasant surprises after moving in. You will receive your report the same day as the inspection.
Even the most knowledgeable home owner will need the expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected thousands of homes in his career. Our inspectors are highly trained professionals that check all elements of the home. For example, questions concerning signs of wear and roof life expectancy, structural wood frame cracks, wet stains/or efflorescence on basement walls, the condition and life expectancy of the heating system are answered. You will have a better understanding of the home before leaving the property. Our impartial third-party opinion will help you organize all the important facts concerning the house and grounds.
What if the inspector finds problems?
No house is perfect. No matter how large or small or expensive a house, every plumbing fixture has at least one valve, gasket or hose that can dry out if the item in question is not in use. That causes gaps that can result in leaks or even floods when a new home owner moves in. If problems are found with the house, you will know what to expect. The seller may be flexible with the contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is very tight, this information will be extremely important to you.
As professional home inspectors in New Jersey, there should be no other financial interests in the property as defined by the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) “Code of Ethics”. We generally do not offer repair contracts if work needs to be done to the house. During the home inspection, the inspector objectively records all pertinent data that will be of use to you and your attorney before closing in the property. The report is confidential.
Does a Home Inspector need to be an Engineer?
You do not have to be an engineer to be a good home inspector. As a matter of fact, being an engineer, by itself, will not ensure a good home inspection. Engineering is a different type of investigation, involving scientific measurements and mathematical calculations. Performing a home inspection is a discipline of it’s own, unlike any other field of endeavor.
A home inspector’s role, as being a generalist, can reveal to you any major problems or deficiencies throughout the home that may cost a lot to correct. Also any problems that pose a potential health, safety, or fire hazard will be mentioned in the report.
Why would I need a BUYER home inspection?
When a family purchases a home, it is usually an exciting period filled with hopeful dreams, but may sometimes become disappointing after moving in and finding many hidden defects. For first time home buyers our Somerset county home inspections provide an excellent education on home maintenance. For the more experienced buyer, we’ll focus more on major issues and building science. Most people are not to be considered house experts. A prospective home buyer will know of any problems and related issues before closing on the property.
Why would I need a SELLER home inspection?
A homeowner needs to know how to put their property in shape to efficiently market and sell to potential buyers. Again most home sellers are not home experts. Most people and a lot of contractors do not know how to identify termite damage. Of course, most people have to squeeze in time to maintain their homes. This is where the home inspector comes in. A home inspector will find things the average person would never think of. A home inspection can help you identify maintenance concerns , organize an agenda for repair, and save you a lot of time!
This information is helpful in several ways. A presale inspection will eliminate last minute surprises, which can cause the deal to fall apart. By accurately disclosing the properties condition to potential buyers you will more likely receive realistic offers and the deal will close with fewer problems. Properties with fewer unanswered questions will often sell faster. Surprises which arise after the buyer makes an offer often leads to delays and price renegotiations.
Should I Attend the home inspection?
Almost all homes have defects, which buyers will want the sellers to correct prior to the close of escrow. When you know those defects in advance you can get repair estimates from contractors and provide that information to the buyers. You may wish to have some of the items repaired prior to listing the property for sale. A defect disclosure, which is accompanied by a cost to correct can provided by a reputable contractor. This can defuse a potential problem before it occurs. The unknown possible cost always appears more threatening and risky than a known expense.
We encourage you to be present throughout the entire inspection. A typical inspection will take between 2 to 4 hours to conduct, depending on the size and condition of the home, and how many question our clients have. You will learn first hand about any strengths and weaknesses of your new home. We encourage our clients to ask questions during the inspection. Maintenance items will be discussed. You will find the written report easier to understand after seeing the property through the inspectors eyes. If for some reason you cannot be present during the home inspection, your inspector will be glad to review it with you later that day.
What kind of insurance is carried?
Ameri-Search Inc has an Errors and Omissions insurance with (GREIA) Organization of Real Estate Inspectors of America. GREIA is one of the oldest and most reliable carriers in the industry. They protect both home buyers and realtors alike. E&O Insurance is N.J. State mandated and used in case an inspector did not disclose a major defect.
What Ameri-Search Inspection Covers ?
Structure
Exterior
Kitchen area
Interior Conditions
Utility Rooms
Electrical
Grounds
What if Contractor repairs are needed ?
In the event that problems are found in the home that need further evaluation/or repair, Ameri-Search wil be happy to refer competent tradespeople with just one call from you. This can prove to be a true time saver during the home purchase process when competent tradespeople are so hard to find. We will be with you every step of the way.
If you want “Peace of Mind” for your next
Home purchase, then call Ameri-Search Home Inspection
Today to schedule your inspection
Please call : 800-300-0816
