Home inspectors are not guaranteed, or even required, to uncover every potential defect in your next NJ real estate home
After you find a home that you like, the next step is to ensure the house is in top condition with an NJ real estate home inspection. When both buyer and seller have agreed on terms such as price and closing date, the home inspection is performed to ensure the home is in fact worth the price being paid. However, this inspection is never a guarantee that your new home is going to be in perfect working order. In the event a problem is discovered during inspection, it is the new buyer’s responsibility to hire a specialist to investigate the problem. Although this may cost you a bit initially, it is well worth the investment to ensure peace of mind and repair defects in the home that could potentially get worse over the years and cost much more in the long run.
Below you will find 5 of the most common elements missed during a home inspection:
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) are one of the top problems that home inspectors can miss. Technicians may be reluctant to test the air conditioning in severe cold or to check the furnace in very hot temperatures due to fear of damaging units. When an NJ real estate home inspection report is prepared, it usually contains a disclaimer that holds the inspector harmless in the case of damage to the unit. To cover any glitches with your heating and cooling systems down the road, you should have your system checked by a licensed specialist separate from the home inspection.
Roof Leaks
The most common problem overlook in a home inspection is a leaky roof because a home inspector usually will not go onto the roof to fully inspect it. Instead, an inspector will examine the roof from below with binoculars or looks out higher windows to get a view of roofing below. They will note missing or damaged shingles and nail pops that may or may not indicate a bigger issue. To guarantee that you are buying a house with a durable roof, NJ real estate agents suggest hiring a licensed roofing contractor to provide a full evaluation.
Damaged Windows or Siding
NJ real estate contracts are structured so that major systems, such as electrical and plumbing, are checked and obligate the seller to fix any deficiencies to complete the sale. However, other imperfections that fall outside of the terms of the contract may go unrepaired. An example of this situation can occur in damaged siding or windows that a seller is not required to fix but that could potentially develop into a more significant issue in the future.
Beneath the Carpet
NJ real estate home inspectors look for evidence of significant wear just by sight, however not all problems in a home can be seen. NJ real estate agents recommend staying nearby an inspector to address the concerns you have about the house and check out what could be under moldy carpeting or behind wood paneling. Many times buyers can request sellers’ permission to remove surface coverings for the inspector to take a more in depth look.
Defective Appliances
A portion of the home inspection involves checking major appliances to ensure proper functioning, another factor that is often overlooked in a home inspection. To confirm that all appliances are in working order, a technician will run them through a few cycles to make sure there are no issues, such as a leaking dishwasher or a smoking dryer. It is also important to remember that this check is only a neutral source confirming that the appliances work, not an internal or technical diagnostic of the appliance. This means an appliance could work well the day it is tested and not operate properly on move-in day when the seller has already been relieved of any liability.
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.