Ask the right questions before and after the inspection
You do not need to know every system in a house to ask useful questions. Start with the inspection’s scope, the inspector’s qualifications, and how the findings will be explained. I’m Erik Rooney, a New Jersey licensed home inspector serving Maplewood, South Orange, Essex County, and nearby communities. These ten questions can help you compare services and get more from your inspection.
1. What Is Covered In Your Inspection?
Ask for the written scope and exclusions before booking. My residential inspection overview explains the visible, readily accessible systems and components I inspect. Radon testing, WDI inspections, sewer scopes, and other add-on services have separate scopes and fees.
2. How Long Will The Inspection Take?
Ask for a realistic estimate based on the property’s size, age, condition, access, and selected services. Duration alone does not prove how thorough an inspection will be. I make time to inspect carefully and discuss the findings.
3. May I Be Present During the Inspection?
Ask when it makes sense to attend and how questions will be handled. You’re welcome to attend my inspections; many clients find it helpful to join me toward the end for a walkthrough of the main findings. If you cannot be there, we can still discuss the report afterward.
4. Qualifications and Experience
Ask for the inspector’s New Jersey license number and experience with the type of property you are considering. My home inspector license is #24GI00222600. You can use the New Jersey Home Inspection Advisory Committee’s license-verification page to check licensing. Professional memberships are separate from the state license.
5. May I See a Sample Report and Recent Reviews?
A sample report shows how the inspector documents conditions, photos, limitations, and recommendations. Recent public reviews can help you understand clients’ experiences, especially how questions are handled after the visit.
6. What Do You Find Most Often?
Ask the inspector about the most common issues they uncover during inspections. This may give you a sense of what might be specific to the area or the type of home you are contemplating purchasing.
7. Do You Provide Repair Estimates?
Ask what the inspector can explain about a finding and who should evaluate it further. Obtain property-specific repair quotes from qualified contractors before relying on a cost figure. I explain observed conditions and recommended next steps; the inspection report is not a contractor’s repair estimate.
8. What Issues Should I Especially Focus On?
A good inspector will make you aware of key findings and help you understand those issues that are most critical. Knowing what the inspector considers the most important findings can help prioritize repairs or the negotiations with the seller.
9. Will You Provide Follow-Up Inspections?
Ask whether a return visit is available, what it covers, and what it costs. A follow-up review is limited to the agreed scope and what can be observed or tested at that visit. It does not guarantee concealed workmanship or future performance.
10. How Do You Stay Up-To-Date With Industry Standards?
The home inspection industry constantly evolves with new technologies, techniques and standards. It is essential to hire an inspector who is current with best practices. You want to know how they stay up-to-date with skills and knowledge, giving you assurance that you will receive an up-to-date inspection.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask The Right Questions
Posing the right questions during a home inspection can make a big difference in understanding the condition of the property. These questions can help you gauge the inspector’s experience, thoroughness and attention to detail, thus giving you the most accurate inspection. Being informed will better equip you to make more confident decisions and negotiate more effectively.
If something in your report is unclear, call me and I’ll explain what I observed. Your agent and attorney can help with negotiation and contract questions. For inspection details or a property-specific quote, use my scheduling page or call 973-996-8257.