Mountainside, New Jersey
I take the time to look carefully, explain what I find in plain language, and help you understand what deserves attention now—and what can wait.
Based in Maplewood. Serving Mountainside and Union County.
Mountainside properties often combine sloped or wooded sites with postwar homes, later additions, decks, and updated systems. I take a careful look at accessible drainage, retaining features, exterior structures, rooflines, and the systems inside the home so the findings make sense together.
Clear findings that may affect safety, function, or your next steps.
Items that may need budgeting, monitoring, or a conversation with a qualified contractor.
Practical questions that help you make a more informed decision.
I’m Erik Rooney, a licensed New Jersey home inspector and former set electrician. I bring a practical, hands-on perspective to the homes I inspect—and I make time for a real conversation about the report after the inspection.
You should leave an inspection with a better understanding of the house, not a pile of unanswered questions. If something in the report is unclear, call me. I’ll walk through it with you.
FEATURED ON THE DREAM IS REAL
Hear Erik Rooney discuss practical home-inspection insights on The Dream Is Real podcast.
I inspect the home’s readily accessible, visible systems and components at the time of the inspection. Your report explains what I observed, why it matters, and what may need attention.
Foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, roof structure, and accessible crawlspaces and attics.
Exterior surfaces, doors, windows, decks, steps, railings, garage doors, site drainage, walkways, patios, and driveways.
Roof covering, drainage, flashing, skylights, and visible chimney exterior—observed using a safe, practical method.
Visible supply and drain piping, fixtures and faucets, functional water flow and drainage, water heating, fuel lines, vents, and sump equipment.
Service equipment, panels, grounding, visible wiring, overcurrent protection, representative lights, switches and receptacles, and GFCIs.
Installed heating and cooling equipment, visible accessible components, distribution type, energy source, and combustion venting.
Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, cabinets, representative doors and windows, plus the kitchen range, oven, dishwasher, and disposer.
Insulation visible in unfinished spaces, attic and crawlspace ventilation, and mechanical ventilation systems.
Fireplaces and solid-fuel appliances, along with visible chimneys and combustion vents, when present.
Helpful to know: A standard inspection is visual and non-invasive. It is not a municipal code inspection or a prediction of future performance. Radon testing, WDI inspections, sewer scopes, mold sampling, pool/spa inspections, and oil-tank sweeps are separate services that can be added when appropriate.
I keep the inspection process straightforward, practical, and centered on the questions that matter to you.
1. Schedule
Choose a time online or call me directly. I’ll make the process clear before the inspection begins.
2. Inspect
I inspect carefully, explain what I find in plain language, and make time for your questions.
3. Understand your report
You receive a clear report with photos and can call me afterward to talk through the findings.
Every home is different. When it makes sense for the property, I can help coordinate the right additional testing so you have a fuller picture.
Yes. I inspect postwar, expanded, renovated, and newer Mountainside homes, with careful attention to accessible slope, drainage, retaining, and addition details.
Absolutely. The report is meant to support your decision, not end the conversation. You can call me if you want to talk through a finding or a recommendation.
Use the scheduling link above to choose a time, or call me directly. I’ll make the process straightforward from the first conversation through the report.
I inspect the readily accessible systems and components covered by the New Jersey standards of practice—such as the exterior, roof where safely observable, structure, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, interior, and insulation and ventilation. The report explains what I observed and what may need attention.
It depends on the size, age, condition, and number of systems in the home. I don’t rush the inspection; I’ll give you a realistic time expectation when you schedule.
You’re welcome to attend. Many clients find it helpful to join me toward the end so I can point out the findings that matter most and answer questions in person.
A home doesn’t pass or fail. The inspection gives you a clearer picture of its condition, including items that may need attention now, budgeting, or further evaluation.
Those are separate services, not part of a standard home inspection. I can help you decide which add-ons make sense for the property and your plans.
Historic & older homes
Terrain and exterior water movement can be just as important to understanding a property as the systems inside the house.
I observe accessible grading, roof runoff, foundation areas, retaining features, and visible indicators of how water moves around the site.
Visible supports, connections, walking surfaces, stairs, guards, and surrounding conditions are reviewed for function and deterioration.
Accessible roof transitions, framing, finishes, and mechanical changes are considered where additions meet the original structure.
A few words from people I’ve had the chance to help.
If you’re buying, selling, or simply want a clearer picture of a Mountainside home, I’m here to help.
You’re not just a client; you’re part of the community.
