Mahwah NJ Home Inspection Service

Can A Hot Summer Cause Problems In Your Home? NJ Home Inspections

Can A Hot Summer Cause Problems In Your Home?


New Jersey home inspections
Your Home Inspector LLC, your choice for home inspections in New Jersey & New York

The simple answer is yes. But the question is what kind of problems? Your NJ home inspector can be a valuable resource for arming you with knowledge about your home. As a result, the more prepared your home is for summer the better equipped you will be to avoid issues that are prone to arise. Your Home Inspector LLC is the top choice for Bergen County home inspections.

Effects of Summer Heat On Your Home

The effects of summer heat are varied. Plumbing and air conditioning issues are at the top of the list. Air conditioning systems are overworked in extreme heat which makes it important to have the system inspected. Air ducts need to be cleaned and routine maintenance needs to be performed. Problems with AC are common and whether you hire an HVAC specialist or an NJ home inspector to examine your system you want to make sure the AC works when you need it most!

Plumbing is, of course, the other big issue. Most people think of winter as the time of year when plumbing issues arise. After all, frozen pipes bursting on the coldest days of the year are not uncommon in New Jersey. The types of issues that arise with plumbing during a hot summer include clogged drains and leaks resulting from high use. Plumbing issues can be avoided with inspections of plumbing, sewer lines, and drains.

Electrical Systems Get Overloaded In Hot Weather

Electrical systems are another part of a home to keep an eye on. Air conditioning and fans may be running non-stop, placing stress on your breakers. Make sure your fuse box and breaker system are up to code and sufficient for your needs. Extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can do a number on a home. A New Jersey home inspector can ensure that your home is in good condition, but proactive maintenance is essential to surviving seasonal issues.

 

Learn more about Mahwah NJ home inspections

Contact the team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ home inspection company. We welcome the opportunity to help you with all of your home inspections needs. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide, helping you understand the answers to the question: can a hot summer cause problems in your home?

termite inspections mahwah nj

How To Know If You Have Termites: 5 Signs You Have Wood-Destroying Insects

5 Signs You Have Wood-Destroying Insects | Your Home Inspector, LLC


Signs You Have Wood-Destroying Insects - Termites | Your Home Inspector
Your Home Inspector LLC, NJ home inspections

No homeowner wants termites. Yet all homes are built with wood and wooden materials and as a result, termites pose a very real threat. It is important to keep an eye out for the signs that may appear in the event that your home has wood destroying insects. Your NJ home inspector will be critical in helping you determine the extent of your termite problem whether the signs are visible, or not.

Do You Have Termites or Other Wood Destroying Insects? Here are some of the signs:

  1. Termite Wings

    Termites live in colonies similar to ants. These colonies are often VERY large, ranging from thousands to even millions of bugs. Since they live together, you have a better chance of finding the spot where their wings are discarded. These wings can be an inch to 2 inches long and will often be found in piles.

  2. Mud Tubes

    Mud tubes are built by termites to keep moisture present throughout their travels. These mud tubes are noticeable where the ground meets a structure, whether your home or garage.
  3. Termite Droppings

    Termite droppings, also referred to as frass, looks like sawdust. There may be mounds of frass below the holes where termites have burrowed into the wood.
  4. Blisters

    Blisters in your paint or on your floors could very well be the result of termites. When termites are inside your wood trim or in your flooring these blisters can appear on the surface.
  5. Damaged Wood

    If your wood is visibly damaged you should be wondering why. While termites chew away at wood from the inside, there can be clear signs. If the wood appears hollow that can be a sign. You may also notice the exterior looking uneven.

Termites can create massive damage to a home. Unfortunately, the damage has often already occurred by the time they are discovered. Keep your eyes out for the signs! If you do see signs of wood destroying insects,  it is important to take photos of the evidence and reach out to an NJ home inspector to confirm. Understanding the extent of a termite problem is essential, as is exterminating them when discovered. Your Home Inspector, LLC can help you determine whether you have an infestation of Wood Destroying Insects such as Termites.

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our New Jersey home inspection company. We welcome the opportunity to help you learn more about termites and how we test for termite damage. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Bergen County NJ home inspections. We will help you get to understand why you should hire an NJ home inspector when purchasing a home.

Click here to read “HOME CLINIC; Dealing With Termite Infestation” from The New York Times.

radon inspection bergen county nj

What Is Radon? Why Should You Have Your Home Checked For It?

What Is Radon? Should You Have Your Home Checked For It? | Bergen County Home Inspector


What Is Radon? Why Should You Have Your Home Checked For It? | Bergen County Home Inspector
Your Home Inspector LLC, NJ Home Inspections and Radon Testing Services

What is Radon? This very important question to find the answer to if you’ve just bought, or are looking to buy a home. Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that can be found in homes around the world. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it could be a problem plaguing where you reside. It is estimated that 1 in every 15 homes in the United States has Radon, and results in 21,000 lung-cancer deaths every year. Unfortunately, Radon is prevalent in New Jersey along with most of the northern states.

The EPA has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you’re at abnormally high risk for developing lung cancer. Radon is present all over New Jersey which means that homeowners all over the state are at risk of exposure. NJ Radon testing services provided by Your Home Inspector LLC is a recommended measure to ensure your home is safe and healthy for your family.

Should you have your home tested for Radon?

The answer is “Yes”. Most home buyers will include radon on the NJ home inspection list, but some first-time buyers may be unaware. If your home is not tested for radon you may not notice the gas until it is too late. Since, as stated above, Radon is odorless, colorless and tasteless, you will not be able to notice the gas without a professional’s assistance. An experienced Bergen County home inspector will make sure your home is safe by testing for the Radon gas in every corner of your home.

A Radon test performed by the licensed professionals at Your Home Inspector LLC will deliver an accurate reading of its presence. If results are positive our team will explain what the existence of Radon means. We will also be happy to recommend a reputable mitigation company. The good news is that the gas can be easily mitigated!

Learn more about Mahwah NJ Radon testing

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ Radon testing services. We welcome the opportunity to help you understand what to expect from the home inspection process as well as more about Radon. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to New Jersey home inspections. We will help you get answers to your questions: What is Radon? and Why should you have your home checked for it?

Mahwah NJ Home Inspection Service

Why You Should Hire A NJ Home Inspector When Purchasing A Home

Why You Should Hire A NJ Home Inspector When Purchasing A Home | Your Home Inspector LLC


Why You Should Hire A NJ Home Inspector | Your Home Inspector LLC
Your Home Inspector LLC, your choice for home inspections in New Jersey & New York

You should hire a certified NJ home inspector when purchasing a home, and it is extremely important to understand why! A home inspection is a critical component in a real estate transaction and the home’s inspection can reveal the overall condition and health of a home. This offers the buyer an opportunity to get repairs made, negotiate the contract further, or perhaps walk away from the transaction altogether. Your Bergen County home inspector from Your Home Inspector, LLC will deliver a thorough report to ensure you are making a sound investment with your real estate purchase.

 

What you should expect from a home inspection.

Your New Jersey home inspector will cover the basics while inspecting the home in question. This will include the foundation, structure, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, doors, attic, and basement, among the items on the checklist. When something is discovered that requires an expert, your inspector will recommend a plan of action. Most of these actions may require a specialist include mold, lead paint, asbestos, radon, and cracks in the foundation.

A home purchase is a big investment and no one likes a surprise when moving in. As such scheduling, an NJ home inspection company is a necessity. Take the time to conduct your due diligence up front to ensure that you understand the condition of the home you are purchasing!

Who should you contact?

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ home inspection company. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to New Jersey home inspections. We will help give you an understanding as to why you should hire an NJ home inspector when purchasing a home.

Mahwah NJ Commercial Property Inspections

Why Commercial Properties Need Inspections

Why Commercial Properties Need Inspections


Why Commercial Properties Need Inspections | Your Home Inspector, LLC
Your Home Inspector LLC, specializing in NJ residential & commercial inspections

The reason commercial properties need inspections is the very same reasoning behind Mahwah NJ residential inspections. Real estate buyers (And sellers!) need to know the condition of a property prior to its purchase. A sound investment requires a great deal of due diligence and investing in commercial real estate is no exception. Your New Jersey home inspector at Your Home Inspector, LLC ensures that the commercial property you are interested in purchasing or selling receives a thorough examination.

While a commercial property inspection is similar to a New Jersey home inspection there are also several differences. Like a home inspection, your inspector will examine the structure, foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. What deviates from the residential home inspection?  Looking at ADA compliance, and fire and life safety issues for starters. Of course, signs of mold, asbestos, and lead paint may require further testing by a specialist.

We Are Qualified In Commercial Property Inspections

Not all residential home inspectors are qualified for commercial property inspections. It is important for your business to understand the condition of an investment property and its’ compliance with codes. Also essential is the hiring of an inspector who will call upon specialists if needed. Commercial Property Inspectors can help you avoid investing in a money pit, or facing a lawsuit when selling.

 

Learn more about why commercial properties need inspections

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector, LLC today to learn more about Bergen County commercial property inspections. We welcome the opportunity to fill you on what to expect from the process. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to the inspection process, helping you understand why commercial properties need inspections.

 

5 Questions You Should Ask Your NJ Home Inspector

5 Questions You Should Ask Your NJ Home Inspector


There are 5 questions you should ask your NJ home inspector prior to a home inspection. Home buyers and sellers should understand the home inspection process as well as what to expect during the inspection. Here are 5 questions to ask your home inspector:

  • How long have you been in the home inspection business and are you licensed?

    Make sure that the home inspection company you choose to work with is experienced and licensed accordingly. Although rare, you may find home inspectors who lack the proper credentials to properly examine your home. So always ask whether they are licensed prior to hiring them!

  • Should I be present for the home inspection?

    The New Jersey home inspector you choose should absolutely allow you to be present during the inspection. This enables you to ask questions, take photos, and have a visual to accompany your written report. Many inspectors encourage tag-a-longs as it gives them an opportunity to no only tell you about your home, but show you any concerning issues.

     

  • What should I expect from a home inspection?

    This question will help you see what the home inspector plans to do in order to examine your home. Make sure the answer includes an inspection of the structural, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances in the inspection. In addition, make sure a thorough checklist and written report are included.

  • Will you let me know how big each issue is that is uncovered?

    You want to make sure that you know how big (and how little) issues that arise actually are. Most inspections reveal some sort of an issue within a home. In order to properly prioritize, you will need to know how problematic these issues may be or may become.

  • Do you stand by your inspections?

    A New Jersey home inspection company should stand by their work. While everyone makes mistakes, a company that does not stand by its work is not worth hiring. Always check reviews, and speak with people you know before hiring a home inspector.

Learn more about NJ home inspections

Asking the right questions from the team at Your Home Inspector, LLC can help you choose the best Bergen County home inspector to work with. Contact us today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ home inspectors and what you can expect from the process. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to the inspection process and help you get the answers to the 5 questions you should ask your NJ home inspector prior to a home inspection.

NJhome inspection

Most Expensive Repairs

5 Most Expensive Home Repairs to Look Out For | NJ Home Inspectors


NJhome inspections
Your Home Inspector LLC, New Jersey home inspections

NJ home inspectors have seen it all and as a result, know what the 5 most expensive home repairs to look out for are. Of course, when it comes to a home there are far more than five expensive repairs that can occur. But, some issues are more common than others. A Bergen County home inspection can save a home buyer tens of thousands of dollars through a thorough exam of a home.

Five of The Most Expensive Home Repairs Include:

  • Foundation

    The average price to repair a home’s foundation can range anywhere $500 to $15,000 depending on the damage. Foundations imperfections can cause serious structural issues. Simple cracks from settling or weather can be filled and repaired for a small amount. However if the cracking is due to a sinking foundation, you’re in for a more expensive fix. Issues with a home’s foundation can dramatically decrease the value of your home regardless of the cost to fix

  • Roof replacement

    The cost of roof damage depends on the severity. In most cases, simple roof repairs may be needed. These range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to nearly $5,000. If the damage to a home’s roof is severe enough, a new roof installation may be needed. A new roof can cost you up to almost $30,000!

  • Fixing a broken water or sewer line

    A broken water or sewer line can be more than just frustrating. It can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. Because most of the water lines & sewer lines are underground, any repair requires excavating. Cost for water or sewer line repair ultimately depends on where the damage lies. If the damaged part of the line is deep below your driveway you’re looking at a $3,000 bill.

  • Siding replacement

    As a home age, so does the siding. Luckily, most homes are now covered in vinyl siding which is much more durable than the cedar siding that was used in the past. However, regardless of the material – over time, you’ll need to replace or repair your siding. Repair can cost a few hundred dollars to $2,000 while a full replacement can cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.

  • HVAC replacement

    Heating and cooling systems are often overlooked when purchasing a house. However, these can be one of the most expensive pieces of your home to replace or repair. An A/C unit can cost anywhere between $2,000 & $5,000 not including labor cost. Repairs to the system can cost you up to $2,000

One of the biggest culprits for damage to a home can be water. Water damage over time can attack a foundation, siding, and the roof among other things. In addition, a damaged foundation, settling of a home, or overgrown tree roots can affect the integrity of water and sewer lines for a home. Sometimes, however, time is the culprit, especially with HVAC systems. Regardless of the catalyst for the damage the fact is that any of the aforementioned issues can cost a lot.

A New Jersey Home Inspector Knows What To Look For

A New Jersey home inspector knows what to look for when examining a home. Sometimes the signs are glaring and other times they are more subtle. The important thing is that the signs of damage are caught before purchasing a home. This is where experience and knowledge come into play. When the signs are present, a Bergen County home inspector will suggest a further investigation by a specialist to ensure that a buyer and/or a seller understand the gravity of the issue at hand.

Understanding the health and condition of a home is an essential part of home ownership and having the expertise of an experienced and knowledgeable NJ home inspector is critical. While these are the top 5 expensive home repairs that come to mind they are certainly not the only expensive repairs that may be needed. Purchasing a home is a huge investment and avoiding expensive repairs is at the top of most home buyers’ minds.

Learn More About How An NJ Home Inspection Can Save You Thousands!

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ home inspection company. We welcome the opportunity to fill you in on the home inspection process while sharing our checklist with you. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to the home inspection process, answering all of your questions including what the 5 most expensive home repairs to look out for are.

Mahwah NJ Home Inspection Service

When Should You Hire A New Jersey Home Inspector?

When Should You Hire A New Jersey Home Inspector?


New Jersey home inspector | Your Home Inspector, LLC
Your Home Inspector LLC, your choice for home inspections in New Jersey & New York

Are you pondering the question: When should I hire a New Jersey home inspector? Most commonly, a home inspector is hired as part of a contract to purchase a home. The home inspection contingency is in the majority of contracts. This contingency allows home buyers to understand the exact condition of a home and negotiate further if a home requires repairs. As a result, home buyers are protected by having a clear understanding of what they are buying.

Are Home Inspections Only For Buying a Home?

Home inspections aren’t just for buying homes. Some homeowners like to hire a home inspector every year, or every few years, to check on the condition of their home. These annual home inspections allow homeowners to have peace of mind that their home is still in good condition. It also helps to make sure that the homeowners catch any issues with the home before they become a major problem!

What are Pre-Sale Home Inspections?

Another type of home inspection is a Pre-Sale Home Inspection. A Mahwah NJ pre-sale home inspection can help a seller prepare his home for the market. In this case, any inspection issues that arise can be taken care of prior to listing to ensure you get the best price for your home. Or an issue can be revealed to a prospective buyer with cash offered at closing for the buyer to take care of repairs. Regardless, a pre-sale home inspection can be a wise move for any would-be seller!

Schedule your NJ home inspection today

Contact Your Home Inspector LLC today to schedule your NJ home inspection. We welcome the opportunity to share a home inspection checklist while helping you learn more about the process. Let our experienced inspectors help you gain a better understanding of the health of your home.

Mahwah NJ Commercial Property Inspections

Who Is Responsible For NJ Home Inspections? Buyers or Sellers?

Who Is Responsible For NJ Home Inspections? Buyers or Sellers?


 

NJ home inspector

Who is responsible for NJ home inspections? Buyers or sellers? Good question. First of all, there is no requirement for a home inspection. Some homeowners like to have routine NJ home inspections to keep their homes in good condition. Likewise, some sellers like to have a pre-listing inspection to take care of issues prior to listing. Buyers, on the other hand, will have a home inspection as a contingency in a home purchase contract.

A buyer should always have a home inspection as part of a contract to purchase real estate. This contingency protects buyers, ensuring that they know the condition of a home. The cost may be negotiated and shared between the buyer and seller. However, it is the buyer’s responsibility to put the home inspection contingency in the contract.

A seller does not have to have a home inspection. In fact, many sellers list a home in as-is condition. The reality is, however, that a home inspection can save a seller from unexpected issues during the selling process. A pre-purchase NJ home inspection can reveal issues with a home, including large and small issues.

Every NJ Home Inspection Will Reveal Issues

The important thing to remember is that every home inspection will reveal issues. However, not all issues are big issues. If you have faulty plumbing, a crack in your foundation, or a leaky roof you will want to know so that repairs can be made prior to listing. Furthermore, if you are not making repairs you want to be aware of big issues so that you can credit a buyer if you choose. Big issues could result in a real estate transaction falling apart costing both the seller and buyer time and money.

Learn more about New Jersey home inspections

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ home inspection company. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions while sharing our checklist with you. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to the New Jersey home inspection process, helping you understand who is responsible for NJ home inspections and so much more.

Mahwah NJ Commercial Property Inspections

Home Inspections Over Time

How Often Should Your Home be Inspected by an NJ Home Inspector?


 

NJ home inspector

When you think of a home inspection, you think of either buying or selling a home. Since Home Inspections are typically contingencies on closing documents, your only run-in with a home inspector was probably when buying your home. A home is similar to a car in the sense that, over time, parts will fail. Unlike a car, you cannot drive your home down to the mechanic to take a look at what’s wrong. Hiring a contractor for home repairs can set you back thousands of dollars easily. However, unlike a car, issues with homes are typically predictable and preventable if noticed in time. That’s when home inspectors come in!

Home Inspections Reveal The Condition of A Home

Simply put, a home inspector examines the condition of your home inside and out. This includes vital parts such as the HVAC system and water heater to the foundation and roof. Since these parts are the most likely to fail due to age and natural wear and tear, it is important to inspect on a regular basis rather than just during the purchasing process. You can read more about what home inspectors look for in our recent blog post: “What Home Inspectors Look For”

Why You Should Consider Annual or Bi-Annual Home Inspections

According to BusinessWire, 32% of American homeowners have less than $1,000 set aside in the event of a home repair emergency. Something as simple as a water heater can set you back up to $3,000! Unlike other home repairs, parts such as a water heater are vital to your home and your wellbeing.  Hiring a home inspector can not only help you avoid potential catastrophic issues with your home but also prepare you to deal with them. Each home inspection includes a detailed checklist grading the condition of almost all aspects of your home. This allows the homeowner to begin planning for repairs long before they’re necessary!

Learn More About NJ Home Inspections Today

Your Home Inspector LLC is a Mahwah NJ home inspection company dedicated to providing thorough home inspections in New York and New Jersey. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions while sharing our checklist with you. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to the NJ home inspection process.