Top 10 NJ Real Estate Home Inspection Issues
The most common things NJ real estate home inspectors recommend be checked
NJ real estate law states that it is a buyer’s responsibility to obtain a home inspection for the home they are purchasing while the seller is only liable to offer disclosures stating he or she is unaware of any latent defects with the property. The purpose of a home inspection is to advise purchasers of the property’s condition. While researching a qualified home inspector it is important to remember that, for the most part, you will get what you pay for. It is foolish to choose an inspector merely on their cost requirements, as hiring a licensed, skilled professional will provide a thorough examination of the home occasionally including photos for further detail. The following information lists typical home inspection issues and is helpful for anyone in preparation for a home inspection:
A Leaky Roof
Damaged or old shingles, or improper flashing can be the cause of water damage in a roof. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to repair shingles and small amounts of flashing, but if the roof is old, you may need to replace the entire thing which can be costly.
Poor Drainage
Drainage issues are the most common problem found by NJ real estate home inspectors. To improve drainage, a new system of roof gutters and downspouts may need to be installed or the lot may need to be re-graded to better channel water away from the home.
Plumbing Problems
The most common plumbing defects include old or incompatible piping materials and faulty fixtures or waste lines. These may call for only simple repairs, such as replacing a fixture, or more expensive ones such as replacing the plumbing itself.
Minor Structural Damage
Minor structural damage does not mean that the NJ real estate home will collapse, but it does mean that you should deal with the problem before it becomes more serious. This type of damage is typically caused by water seepage into the foundation, floor joists, rafters or window and door headers. First the cause of the problem needs to be repaired followed by any damaged pieces. The more extensive the damage, the more expensive it will be to repair.
Defective Wiring
An inadequate or outdated electrical system is a common problem found in older homes especially. This is a potentially hazardous issue and should be taken very seriously. The entire electrical system may need to be replaced, or at least part of it, to bring the home up to NJ real estate code or to make it safe.
Environmental Hazards
Environmental problems are a new area of home defects gaining popularity in NJ real estate home inspections. They include asbestos, radon, lead-based paint (common in homes built prior to 1978), formaldehyde, contaminated drinking water, and leaking underground oil tanks. Such issues usually require a special inspection in order to determine environmental problems, and these can consist of costly remediation such as approximately $5,000-$6,000 to remove a leaking oil tank.
Unsafe Heating System
An older heating system or one that has been poorly maintained can be a serious health and safety hazard. In the case that it needs to be repaired, be prepared for a major expense but keep in mind that new units are more cost efficient in the long run.
Poor Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation can result in too much moisture that damages interior walls and structural elements as well as make allergies worse. Install ventilation fans in every bathroom if there are no windows, and regularly open all the windows in your home. Repair damage caused by poor ventilation may only require the replacement of drywall and other cheap pieces.
Poor Maintenance
Examples of bad maintenance include broken fixtures, cracked or peeling paint, crumbling masonry, or poor plumbing or wiring. You can easily repaint a wall, replace a fixture or repair a brick wall, but do-it-yourself electrical or plumbing situations are serious and potentially dangerous issues. A professional should be called in to do this work.
Leaky Exterior
If an NJ real estate home’s exterior lets in water and air around windows and doors, this usually does not indicate a structural problem. Remedies are moderately easy and inexpensive such as weather stripping and re-caulking around windows and doors.
The real estate market is changing rapidly and expanding into new avenues almost daily. Sometimes it can be very difficult to find the answers you need on a specific topic or issue. In times like these, you need a real estate professional who will provide valuable information and trustworthy advice. For more information on NJ real estate, call us today or click here to be connected with one of our top real estate specialists.
