When Is A Good Time To Hire A Home Inspector?

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When Should You Hire A Home Inspector? | Your Home Inspector Bergen County NJ

 

home inspector mahwah nj

Home Inspections are necessary for a number of reasons. Your Home Inspector LLC is always ready to inspect homes and inform the owners of problems, necessary repairs, or if everything is in good shape. The following are a few reasons why you might need an examination
of your house.  Right now is a good time to hire a home inspector.

Inspection Before Buying


Home Inspections are necessary when you are considering the purchase of a house. An inspection is usually part of the contract. It is a contingency that allows
you to know the condition of the house, inside and out, and therefore make
a more informed decsion. The inspection gives you the information needed to negotiate
the best price for the house.

 

Inspection Before Selling

 

Having your home inspected before selling is known as a Pre-Sale Home Inspection. This can allow you to prepare your home prior to putting it on the market for sale. A
full examination of the condition of your house gives you the necessary preparatory
tools to put it in the best state possible. This in turn will help you realize the
best price for your house when selling. If you are not in a position to make needed repairs, knowing about the issues can be a negotiating point.

 

Home Inspections Are Not Just For Buying or Selling


Some home owners like to hire a home inspector to check on the condition of their house. This gives the homeowner a heads-up regarding any problems that might become major issues in the upkeep of their house. These inspections allow for peace of mind of the homeowner.

 

 

Any Time Is A Good Time to Hire a Home Inspector


In answer to the question of when is a good time to hire a home inspector – ANY time is a good time. Get in touch with Your Home Inspector LLC today to schedule a Bergen County NJ Home Inspection. We welcome the opportunity to share our checklist with you to help you learn about the process involved. Our experienced inspectors will help you gain better knowledge of the condition of your home. We also offer radon testing, termite inspections, pool and spa inspections, mold inspections, and indoor air quality testing (IAQ).

Call us at (201) 320-9092, we are open 7 days a week, 8:00am until 10:00 pm.

Termites and the Damage They Do

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What are Termites?

Mahwah NJ Home InspectorTermites are small whitish colored insects with long wings. They look a little like ants, but are a much more serious problem. Termites thrive by munching on
wood. Most homes are constructed with a great deal of wood, making termites a very destructive adversary. There are three different types of termite – dry wood termites, damp wood termites, and subterranean termites. Here in North America the most common ones are the Eastern Subterranean Termites. These termites eat wood, but they also like paper, books and cotton.

Where Do Termites Come From?

Subterranean termites are usually found in yards and houses where soil, dampness
and wood are in full supply. They construct mud tunnels that lead into your home.
The damage termites can do to a house is devastating! At worst they damage a
foundation, but they eat anywhere and everywhere, and constantly. They get into
floors, ceilings, roofs, support beams, siding and the eaves.

What Can You Do About Termites?

First and foremost, taking care of your home is essential. Try not to provide
access by maintaining your home and replace missing or broken roof tiles or
siding. Of course, always keep an eye out for signs of an infestation. These
signs can include piles of insect wings, mud tunnels around the foundation,
hollow wood, sagging floorboards. If signs appear, take photos to show to a
home inspector. A competent inspector will help you understand the extent of the
damage and advise you on eliminating the termites.

Get Rid of Those Wood Destroying Insects!

You need a professional and knowledgeable expert in detecting the presence of
termites in and around your house. Your Home Inspector LLC has years of experience
in the field, and can lead you to a solution for getting rid of these pests. We
welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge of the termite problem. Contact
our team for a full and thorough inspection of your premises, and advice on how
to eliminate the damaging termites. Call us today at (201)320-9092.

HOME INSPECTION FAILURE and WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

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Home Inspection Failure and What To Do About It | Your Home Inspector Bergen County NJ

home inspector mahwah njWhat should you do if your home inspection turns up negative results? A full inspection of a house is necessary whether you are buying or selling. This will help you decide whether buying the house is worth the price, or as a seller, if you need to make repairs. You don’t want to learn that the house you wish to sell has major problems. A thorough inspection by Your Home Inspector, LLC can save you from spending thousands of dollars on unexpected repairs, just as you’re about to close the sale. Likewise, an inspection can save a buyer money on the price of a house.

 

Home Inspection Failure – Buyer

 

When you are considering the purchase of a house, your contract usually calls for a home inspection. The loan officer usually mandates this inspection. If the inspector turns in negative results, you have a few options.

1. Try to negotiate the price

Talk to the seller, they may be amenable to a price reduction to cover the cost of repairs.

2. Ask the seller to make repairs before closing

Instead of calling off the sale or allowing yourself to get upset, ask the seller to make necessary
repairs. Preferably this work would be done by a reputable contractor that you both agree on.

3. Call off the sale!

There are some reasons that may make the decision to terminate a sale contract possible.  If an inspection turns up needed repairs, and those repairs were not mentioned in the original contract, it shouldn’t be a problem to “tear up” the contract.

4. Talk to your Realtor

If you have your heart set on buying this house, talking with your realtor can help you to decide how to
proceed. Realtors have dealt with this problem before and can best advise you on a course of action.

 

Home Inspection Failure – Seller

 

1. Make repairs before selling

If your home inspector turns in a bad report, you should consider investing in needed repairs before
putting your house on the market. The house doesn’t have to be in perfect order, but some repairs are
so glaring that they can’t be overlooked. This investment will make your house more saleable. Such
issues have to be declared to the buyer anyway and dealing with them prior to selling may result in a
higher asking price.

2. If you don’t want to, or can’t afford to make some repairs before selling, be sure to declare these
issues with a prospective buyer. This transparency will make them more willing to work with you, and
you will both end up happier.

Whether you are selling or buying a house, a thorough and professional home inspection is necessary. Sellers should have an inspection to find major repair issues that they can alleviate before listing. Buyers should have a house they want to buy inspected to ensure that the price is realistic relative to the condition of the house.

 

Your Home Inspector, LLC offers the top Bergen County NJ Home Inspection Services

 

We welcome the opportunity to explain the home inspection process and share a copy of our checklist with all prospective home buyers and sellers. Allow our knowledge and qualifications to guide you through the proceedings of a home inspection and answer any questions, even those regarding a negative review. We also offer radon testing, termite inspections, pool and spa inspections, mold inspections, and indoor air quality testing (IAQ).

Contact Your Home Inspector, LLC at (201) 320-9092 today, to learn more about our Bergen County NJ home inspections.

Mahwah NJ Home Inspection Service

Should You Get A Pre- Sale Home Inspection On A Home You’re Selling?

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Should You Get A Pre-Sale Home Inspection On A Home You’re Selling? | YHI Bergen County NJ

home inspector mahwah nj

We’ve all heard about the importance of having an inspection done prior to BUYING a home. But what if you are SELLING your home? A NJ home inspection will be a contingency in most contracts to purchase a home; therefore, you may wonder if a pre-sale home inspection is necessary. After all, it could be seen as redundant.

However, a pre-sale inspection can work to the owner’s advantage. Preparing a home for sale is an important part of the selling process and getting necessary repairs made in advance can be a part of this process. The Home Inspection will not only determine what is necessary, but what to expect from buyers, their agents and their inspectors.  

What Is A Pre-Sale Home Inspection?

A pre-sale home inspection is the same as a home inspection conducted during the buying process. This means your NJ pre-sale home inspection will examine your home’s foundation, structure, roof, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, and the HVAC system among other checklist items. A typical NJ home inspection will reveal issues, most of them minor. This allows an opportunity to make repairs or announce major issues in the marketing materials. For example, you might say a home is for sale as-is to avoid having to cover expenses such as a new roof.

Do Sellers Benefit From Conducting A New Jersey Home Inspection?

Sellers can benefit greatly from conducting a pre-sale home inspection. The biggest reason to hold a pre-sale inspection would be to avoid any unforeseen surprises as you approach the closing table. A buyer will have an inspection as part of a contract to purchase your home. If you have the inspection done prior to listing you know if you have structural issues, plumbing issues, or another costly issue. The opportunity to address an issue ahead of time means a home sale can stay on track.

A New Jersey home inspection offers options for a seller. While the pre-listing inspection report can be shared with prospective buyers it will not preclude a home inspection occurring as part of the due diligence process. Conducting a home inspection reveals issues, big and small, allowing for repairs and updates to be made.

Schedule A Bergen County NJ Home Inspection Today

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ home inspection company. We welcome the opportunity to explain the home inspection process while sharing our checklist with you. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide, helping you understand what you should look for when choosing an NJ home inspector. We also offer radon testing, termite inspections, pool and spa inspections, mold inspections, and indoor air quality testing (IAQ).

THE MOST EXPENSIVE REPAIRS TO YOUR HOME

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What Are The Most Expensive Repairs To Your Home?

 

As Home Inspectors, we have been exposed to the problems that adversely affect a house. Some of these issues are very expensive to fix. We’d like to make you aware of the worst of these home repairs. Your Home Inspector can save you thousands of dollars through a comprehensive examination of your home. Although there are numerous expensive repairs that may need attention, the following are among the worst.

 

5 Most Expensive Home Repairs

 

1. FOUNDATION

 

Problems with the foundation of your home can cost from $500 to $15,000 or more. This of course depends on the extent of the damage. Cracks caused be settling or extreme weather can be filled and repaired fairly inexpensively. If the foundation is sinking, you’re looking at a much more costly repair. This kind of issue will also decrease the value of your home.

 

2. ROOF REPLACEMENT

 

A simple roof repair is relatively easy to remedy and usually not too expensive. A total replacement is a different story altogether. Depending upon the type of roof you have, the cost can exceed $30,000. Keep your eye on that roof, and call an inspector if trouble should appear. A Bergen County Home Inspector may be able to save you money by recommending a repair before the situation becomes too extreme.

 

3. WATER AND SEWER LINE REPAIRS

 

Besides causing major problems with sinks, showers and bathtubs a broken water line can be very costly. Most water and sewer lines are underground and repairs require digging and excavating. The cost for this kind of repair depends on where the damage is located. Deep underground location of damage can cost thousands of dollars. Again, a Home Inspector can find these problems and recommend a solution.

 

4. REPLACING SIDING

 

If your home is covered with siding of any type it ages along with the house. Regardless of the material your house is covered with – over time it will need repair or replacement. While repairs can be inexpensive, a total replacement can exceed $15,000.

 

5. REPLACING HEATING OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

 

Very often heating or air conditioning systems are overlooked when you are buying a house. Although getting a new and more efficient heating or air conditioning system may save you money in the long run, the replacement costs can be staggering.

 

So, being aware that these are among the large problems that can occur, keep in mind that vigilance is a good defense. Water is among the worst culprits as far as undermining your home. Water and weather can attack a foundation and siding. Overgrown trees and shrubs can cause damage, and the roots can affect water and sewer lines. Water pipes can freeze in winter and burst causing floods. The age of the house is of course an overriding issue. Whatever the problem, repairs and replacement can be very costly.

 

A NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR CAN HELP

 

Your Home Inspector LLC knows what to look for when inspecting a house. The signs may be obvious and sometimes much more hidden. The important thing is to catch the signs before they become a major expensive issue. When purchasing a home, the experience and knowledge of a Bergen County Home Inspector are important. A home inspector may recommend further inspection by an expert, or they might recommend a repair specialist. Home Inspectors don’t make the repairs themselves, they only inspect. That eliminates any conflict of interest between inspection and repair.

 

CALL YOUR HOME INSPECTOR TODAY!

 

Contact Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn what our Mahwah NJ inspection team can do to save you money on repairs or replacement. Allow our experience be your guide to the home inspection process by answering your questions. We use up-to-date methods and technology to inspect every Bergen County home.  Purchasing a home should not be a daunting experience, and we can help set your mind at ease during the process.  Call us today to schedule a complete inspection of your premises at (201) 320-9092.

TIPS FOR WINTERIZING YOUR HOME

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SOME TIPS FOR WINTERIZING YOUR HOME

A HOME INSPECTION CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR HOUSE IN WINTER

 

Winterize Your Home - NJ Home Inspection - Your Home INpsector, LLCWinter seems to happen earlier every year, regardless of what the calendar says. You can be caught off guard as far as protecting your house against cold weather. Although you don’t need to have an inspection, it will allow you to know the condition of your house before winter sets in. Your Home Inspector offers some tips for winterizing your home.

 

 

SOME WINTER HOME TIPS

 

The most damaging weather related problem you might face is frozen pipes. Long periods of consistent freezing temperature can lead to frozen pipes. If those pipes burst, you have a devastating and expensive situation to deal with. While the heat in your home protects faucets and showerheads, there are some pipes that are more exposed to the cold than you might be aware of. The good news is that these exposed pipes can be insulated. This protection would help to prevent frozen pipes.

Another frozen pipe related problem is outdoor spigots. These outside water lines may be the most susceptible to damage caused by freezing temperatures. Outside spigots are often run through the foundation of your house. One of these outdoor pipes could freeze and damage your foundation, resulting in a very costly repair. Many homes have interior shutoff valves for these outdoor faucets. Some don’t and need a cover over them to prevent freezing. Remember to see to these outdoor water lines before winter sets in.

If your heating system goes off due to a power outage, your pipes are vulnerable. A New Jersey home inspector will take a look at your heating equipment and make sure that it is in good working order.

Your roof gutters are also a place for freezing water to collect. This causes ice dams and prevents water from flowing down the spouts. It can also become heavy and make the gutters detach. Check your gutters before the onset of severe winter weather.

Chimneys should be cleaned prior to winter. Creosote can build up and create a fire hazard if you decide to burn wood in the fireplace. Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected.

Obviously, these preventative steps should be undertaken before it is really cold. The earlier in the season, the better. It is unpleasant to have to work on outdoor problems when the thermometer drops.

 

A HOME INSPECTION CAN SAVE YOU MONEY THIS WINTER

 

Calling Your Home Inspector LLC now to learn about our Bergen County home inspection process is a good idea. We will discuss the inspection procedure and go over a checklist with you. If we find a potential problem, we can recommend repairs or specialized inspections. With our knowledge and experience working for you, we can help protect your home against the worst that winter brings. Call Your Home Inspector at (201) 320-9092 today.

Whose Responsibility Are Repairs?

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Whose Responsibility Are Repairs to Problems Found During a Home Inspection?

 

Bergen County NJ home inspection company

The question of who pays for repairing damages that are found during a home inspection is a common one. If you are wondering whose responsibility paying for those repairs is, it depends on the initial reason for the inspection. If the house is inspected before purchase, repairs are often part of a negotiation in the price of the house. When the house is newly built and hasn’t been occupied the repairs are up to the builder. Sometimes Your Home Inspector is called upon because the homeowner wants to feel comfortable about the condition of their home. In this case the homeowner herself is responsible for paying for repairs.

 

Who Pays For the Inspection?

 

In fact, the question of who pays for the inspection itself is often asked. When you are preparing to sell a house, you want to know what needs repair so that you can present the property in an honest and open way. If you are buying a house, you want to know what needs repair or replacement. In other words both seller and buyer should hire a home inspector, and consequently each would pay for their own report.

 

Some Sellers Won’t Pay For Repair or Replacement

 

There are times when the seller of a house refuses to pay for repairs, citing the fact that their price already reflects these needs. The buyer has the option of walking away from a purchase or, if they really want to buy the house, the cost of repairs can be a negotiation strategy in determining the price of the house. In either case, the important thing is to call Your Home Inspector LLC so that the buyer knows the condition of the property.

Buying a home without an inspection can be an expensive mistake!

 

Call Your Home Inspector LLC for Bergen County House Inspections

 

Learn all about our professional team of licensed inspectors at Your Home Inspector. Our experience allows us to explain the inspection process by sharing our checklist with you. We can help guide you toward an intelligent and informed decision in the purchase of a home. Call Your Home Inspector at (201) 320-9092 for an evaluation today.

I Found A Crack In My Foundation, Should I Be Worried?

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I Found A Crack In My Foundation, Should I Be Worried?

NJ home inspections
Your Home Inspector LLC, specializing in NJ home inspections

Finding a crack in your foundation can certainly induce a panic attack. Thoughts of sinkholes, settling, and water seeping in are but a few of the first thoughts that might pass through a homeowner’s mind. From there you might envision further issues like doors not shutting properly and windows no longer working well. Before you panic, however, the first crack you see might be completely insignificant. Take the time to hire an NJ home inspector and get some peace of mind.

When a New Jersey home inspection occurs you will either be assured that your home is fine or be made aware of issues that need to be addressed. In some cases, a specialist will be invited to examine the damage, such as a structural engineer.

Cracks Should Always Be Inspected

The important thing to remember is that if you find a crack in your foundation you should call a Bergen County Home Inspection company. Of course, if all you are seeing is a surface scar or imperfection that is another story. A crack should appear to have depth and width for you to be concerned. However, remember that concern does not equate to panic!

Schedule An NJ Home Inspection

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector, LLC today to schedule a Mahwah NJ home inspection today. We welcome the opportunity to answer all of your questions while sharing a typical checklist with you. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide to the NJ home inspection process and help you understand more about a crack in your home’s foundation or the general condition of your home.

 

termite inspections mahwah nj

What Are Termites? How Can They Damage Your Home?

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What Are Termites? How Can They Damage Your Home?

New Jersey Termite Inspector | Your Home Inspector, LLC
Your Home Inspector LLC, NJ home inspections

Termites are small insects that thrive on eating wood. In addition, these nasty little bugs can wreak havoc on a home. The question is where do termites come from?  Where do they live? And how do you know if you have them at your house? Furthermore, if they are at your house what kind of damage will occur? Your NJ home inspector will be a great resource for helping you answer all of these questions!

What Are Termites And Where Do They Live?

Termites are small little insects that look similar to ants but are white or clear in color. Termites are sometimes even referred to as white ants. However, they are not ants and they should be taken quite seriously. There are three different types of termites: dry wood termites, damp wood termites, and subterranean termites. Dry wood termites are not as common as the wet wood or subterranean varieties. Here in New Jersey, the most common termite is the Eastern Subterranean Termite.

How Can Termites Damage A Home?

When termites infest a home there is a great deal of damage that can be done. This includes exterior and interior damage. A worst-case scenario sees termites damaging the foundation of a home. Of course, these little insects can get just about anywhere, including floors, ceilings, the roof, support beams, siding, and eave. If there is wood then there is food for termites!

Can You Avoid Termites?

You can certainly bait termites. However, the best form of prevention is taking care of your home. Avoid enabling easy access through areas like broken or missing roof tiles or siding. More importantly, however, is to keep an eye out for signs of termites around your home. These signs could include piles of insect wings, hollow wood, and sagging floorboards. Your Bergen County home inspector will be able to provide you with a thorough inspection and discover whether termites are present in and around your home.

Contact our team at Your Home Inspector LLC today to learn more about our Mahwah NJ home inspection company. We welcome the opportunity to update you on the home inspection process while sharing our termite knowledge with you. Let our knowledge and experience serve as your guide, helping you understand what kind of damage termites can cause in your home.

Bergen County Pool Inspections

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Do I Need A Pool Inspection? | NJ Pool Inspections

Do I Need A Pool Inspection? | Bergen County | Your Home Inspector, LLC
Your Home Inspector LLC, your Mahwah Home Inspection company

Buying a home In New Jersey with a pool can be an exciting moment. You may think of all the beautiful summer days and sitting poolside with the family. A pool is often a great addition to a home because of this. However, pools are notoriously expensive to maintain, and often times home buyers don’t know if they should have a pool inspection done. If there is a swimming pool in a house you plan to purchase, you want to make sure that it is in good working condition. A typical home inspector is not obligated to inspect a pool. However, in some cases a home inspector will include a very limited inspection of the pool, in others, a specialist will be recommended. Your Home Inspector LLC is your Mahwah Home Inspection company of choice to ensure that your swimming pool gets inspected correctly & thoroughly!

What Is A Pool Inspection?

A pool inspection covers a lot of ground. It is much more than checking pump equipment, lining, and water condition. One of the most dangerous issues a pool can have is a slow leak. You may not see the signs, but leaking pool water can seriously damage core structural parts of the pool, as well as the ground around it. A leaking inground pool can shift the ground below the concrete, eventually causing cracks, dips and may need a full replacement. A leaking above-ground pool can potentially rust the frame of the pool, rot the surrounding decking and even wash away the foundation of the pool.  Since pools are typically not easy to maintain or install, home buyers need to know the complete condition of the pool on their property.  A certified pool inspector will thoroughly check every aspect of your pool and surrounding property to ensure you will not run into future costs or liabilities.

What Does A Pool Inspector Check?

  • Gates & Fencing
  • Pool signage
  • Ladders, Diving Boards, Deck or Surrounding concrete
  • Pool Pump, Piping, Access to Pool Components
  • Chemical Management
  • Component condition; Lining, Structural Parts, Foundation
  • Water Condition
  • & More

While there may not be a law in place that demands a pool inspection, it’s likely that your lender will request a pool inspection for your new home. Do your homework and make sure that you know the condition of a pool prior to closing. The last thing you’d want is a disruption to your enjoyment of the swimming pool this summer! Your Bergen County pool inspector at Your Home Inspector LLC will ensure that you received the swimming pool inspection you want and deserve.

Schedule an NJ Pool Inspection Today

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