by Paul Howard

       South Jersey Homes front page

Paul Howard, Broker, NJHomeBuyer.com Realty
856-488-8444

Home Inspection Information

 What does the FHA have to say about home inspections?
I encourage all buyers to have a professional home inspector evaluate the house they are buying. The inspector should make a detailed inspection of the house and make a detailed written report.. The report may lead you to request additional repairs prior to the purchase and the sales contract should make provision for action based on the inspection results. For information about other inspections that may be required or recommended see the table below.   You Realtor should be with you and your inspector for the home inspection.  The inspection will normally last 2 to 4 hours.

I don't recommend any particular company but, rather, list them for your information. You can find other companies that perform these services at the American Society of Home Inspectors web site.
Find a contractor.
The American Society of Home Inspectors

 		 MBC Inspections/ Lukoff Engineering
(Rich Lukoff) ASHI member
856-424-5206 Located in Cherry Hill serving Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties. 		 Preferred Property Inspections and Engineering
ASHI member
Tel 800-388-8242
Tom Mitchell

 Twin Oaks Inspections
Pete Wildon
  (ASHI member)		 . 

Inspection type Remarks estimated cost/ 
who (normally) pays		 Usually........
Appraiser To ensure the property has enough value to secure the mortgage. 400-550 paid by buyer required for mortgage
Survey . 375-550  (more for larger lots) paid by buyer required for mortgage
Town C/O
(certificate of occupancy)		 Requirements vary by town. Some have no c/o requirement on resale homes (except as reqired by the state)- most do. Some inspect outside only - others inspect in and out.  normally paid by seller Normally required for mortgage lender  and by title co
Smoke Detector, C/O detector and fire extinguisher
ordered and paid by seller required by state
Pest Inspection
Informational site 		 This is commonly called a termite inspection but it is really a pest inspection. About $85. paid by either (buyer should  select inspector) normally required by mortgage lender if not you should get it anyway.
Home inspection Review contract terms. About $475-600
depending on  inspection company and size of home. 
paid by buyer at time of inspection		 Recommended -even if you are buying a home 'as is'. You want to know what 'as is' is.
 Radon Gas

NJ Radon
.Many home inspectors are licensed to perform radon tests but not all.
 $135-175 depending on type of test and company 
paid by buyer 		 .
If house was constructed before 1978 read literature about Lead Based paint Buyer pays 
.
Mold
Informational

Underground Oil Tank-NJDEP
 Environmental issue Tip
Especially if there has been a conversion from oil to gas in the house check for evidence of an old underground tank.		 About  $400.  May be required but should be done anyway if not. May affect the ability to obtain and cost of home owners insurance.
Water test For Private well Seller should pay Required by state law
Sewer test For Private septic system paid by buyer Buyer should always require it, town may require.