In most cases, purchasing real estate is the largest investment that you will ever make. Gaining insight into the general condition of the building, material defects in any of the components, the age of its systems and corresponding life expectancies, the need for repairs and the positive attributes of the property (i.e.: new roof, low maintenance exteriors and upgrades) gives you the necessary facts to make an informed buying decision.

The simple axiom is that the more you know about the property - the less your exposure to the risks inherent in purchasing the property.

To schedule your South Jersey home inspection, call 856-429-4188.

Starting at the exterior of the property, the inspector will visually inspect the roof, flashing, chimneys, gutters, and downspouts. The home inspector will then inspect the siding, trim, windows, doors, decks, walkways and driveways. Drainage issues, retaining walls and patios will be inspected as to any negative impact that they may pose on the building.

After the home inspector has completed his survey of the exterior he will inspect the visible framing members in the attic and basement for signs of structural defects and prior repairs.

The inspector will also visually inspect the electrical system, the heating and cooling systems, the plumbing, insulation, and major appliances. While these areas are being observed the inspector will note any material defects in the interior components of the home.

In addition to noting any visible material defects, throughout the inspection, the home inspector will explain how the various systems of the home operate and give you information on how to maintain the home. It is a good idea to bring a pad of paper and any questions that you may have to the inspection so the inspector can address your concerns during the on-site walk-through.

After the inspection is complete, the inspector will produce a written report that describes the systems and components of the home and reports the major concerns, safety issues, repairs, improvement items and areas to monitor that were noted during the inspection.  The inspection report will also include important maintenance advice.

Call us at 856-429-4188 to schedule your South Jersey home inspection.

YES, if at all possible, we encourage you to attend the home inspection. Valuable information regarding the condition of the home and its systems can be gained from spending just a few hours with one of our home inspectors. Our inspectors welcome your questions throughout the inspection process.  Information on the proper operation and maintenance of the building and its systems is also given at the time of the physical inspection.

At ValueGuard we feel very strongly that you are our client, and we want you to have the most accurate and thorough understanding about the condition of your new home. If you cannot attend the inspection, your ValueGuard home inspector will complete the inspection, produce the written report and call you to discuss the home and the items contained in the report.

To schedule your South Jersey home inspection, call us at 856-429-4188.

Plan on 2½ to 3 hours, but the time can vary depending on the size, age and general condition of the home being inspected. Smaller properties may take less time, while large and complex properties may take longer.

Our inspectors are quite thorough and never rush, so please feel free to ask lots of questions during the inspection!

And we won't keep you waiting at the end of your inspection for your inspector to write up the report. We will email your ValueGuard Home Inspection Report the next business day.

And, if you have questions after the report is delivered, our inspectors will be happy to answer them.

To schedule your South Jersey home inspection, please call our office at 856-429-4188 or toll free 800-965-8520.

Absolutely.  Contrary to what many people think, brand new homes should be inspected regardless of whether they will be conveyed with a builder's warranty. Our inspectors routinely observe structural, heating, cooling, roofing, exterior, plumbing and interior defects in new homes that may go unnoticed by both the builder and purchaser until they become a substantial problem.
 
When the building is completed, the inspector will inspect the exterior, roof, gutters, chimneys, flashings, siding, trim, doors and site. He will also inspect the finished heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, and interior systems. After the comprehensive inspection and prior to settlement, the ValueGuard inspector will produce a full written report with color photographs.

Eleventh Month New Construction Inspection

ValueGuard also offers an Eleven Month New Home Inspection.  We recommend a full inspection of the property for any issues that should be brought to the builder's attention prior to the lapse of the builder's warranty. A comprehensive written report is supplied to the client.

To schedule your South Jersey home inspection, please call us at 856-429-4188.

ValueGuard NJ Home Inspections Start @ $299

Compare our professionalism, experience and competitive prices with any other inspection company.  We offer superior home inspection services by experienced, certified and licensed home inspectors at competitive prices, guaranteed!

Many experts recommend against choosing a home inspector based on price.  A "low price inspector" may charge less because he's less experienced or takes less time per inspection, and can therefore do more inspections per day.  Our inspectors average over 6 years experience and never rush through an inspection!

VALUEGUARD NJ HOME INSPECTION PRICES

We proudly inspect homes in Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Cape May County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Ocean County and Salem County, New Jersey.

House inspection prices are applicable to single-family houses including colonial, cape cod, cottage, ranch, row homes, split-level, twin home, townhouses and Victorian homes. Condominium inspection prices are lower because the exterior, roof and common areas are typically the responsibility of the condominium - homeowners association and therefore not included in the inspection. It is recommended that you review the Association Bylaws or consult with the property manager to determine the scope of responsibility regarding these areas.

Note: Detached garages, outbuildings, age of home or other special inspection conditions, including distance, travel time and "Shore properties" may be extra. Other advertised discounts may not be combined with the discounted prices shown above.  Other discounts, where applicable will be applied to regular, non-discounted inspection prices.

Low Price Guarantee: ValueGuard NJ Home Inspections will meet any competitor's price on a comparable inspection!*

ADDITIONAL NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTION SERVICES arranged by ValueGuard

Radon Testing Services

• Radon Test Fee with home inspection: $129

Wood Destroying Insect - Termite Inspection Services

• Wood Destroying Insect Inspection (Termite) Fee: $70

ValueGuard Multi-family Building Inspections

• Multi-unit (duplex, triplex, quad) Building Inspection Fee: starting @$375

ValueGuard COMMERCIAL PROPERTY/BUILDING INSPECTIONS

• Commercial Inspections: Pricing based on size and complexity of property.

*Competitor's written quote must be for a specific property address. Competitor inspector should be ASHI® certified, licensed and insured. Competitor radon testing must utilize tamper-resistant electronic radon monitor.  Special inspection conditions are excluded from comparison.

We offer convenient payment methods, including Visa, Master Card, Discover, Personal Check, Money Order, or Cash.

For more information, click on your community below.

Atlantic County Home Inspection •Burlington County Home Inspection •Camden County Home Inspection •Cape May County Home Inspection •Cumberland County Home Inspection •Gloucester County Home Inspection •Ocean County Home Inspection •Salem County Home Inspection

ValueGuard Home Inspection Reports are Clearly Superior!

ValueGuard home inspectors prepare a comprehensive narrative-style inspection report that is custom tailored to the home that is being inspected.  Each major system of the property has a separate section, including:

Structural Components • Roofing • Exterior Components • Electrical • Heating • Cooling/Heat Pumps • Insulation/Ventilation • Plumbing • Interior Components

that explains the system, visually observable major defects, its positive attributes and system observations, including:

Major Concerns • Safety Issues • Repair Items • Improvement Items • Items to Monitor

The report also includes an Overview section that discusses the more significant issues, the inspector's recommendations and a section on Maintenance Advice. If requested, we will provide Cost Estimates at no additional charge. Simply stated, while nearly all home inspection companies tout their reports as the best, all too often they are designed to be easy for the inspection company to produce and deliver. ValueGuard specifically designed its report to be easy for the consumer to understand. If you would like to view a sample inspection report, click on the link below.

If you would like us to email you a free copy of our Sample Home Inspection Report, please call us at 215-860-3150 or email us at info@valueguardusa.com.

Yes.  ValueGuard is a "BBB Accredited Business".  Our Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is A+.

For more information, visit BBB.org.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the nation's largest home inspector trade association. To become a member, an inspector has to pass a national home inspection test, have performed at least 250 inspections and pass another test that covers standards of practice and the code of ethics. Members are required to take 20 hours of continuing education annually to keep abreast of new materials, building standards, technologies and inspection techniques.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has been approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as a recognized accrediting association for its profession-leading Certified Inspector Program.  ASHI is now the only accredited home inspection association whose full members have completed a recognized third-party certification process. All current, full ASHI members have met the requirements for this new certification.

Both an appraisal and an inspection are vital, however they are different and neither should serve as a substitution for the other.

An appraisal assesses the market value of a home.  Typically, a bank requires an appraisal when approving a loan for either the purchase of a home or the refinancing of an existing loan.  This process is often mistaken by the homeowner as a home inspection. While an appraisal confirms the home's market value to ensure the lender is not over-insuring the property, it is not intended to provide a thorough assessment of the overall condition and safety of the home.

According to The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the lender conducts an appraisal to estimate the value of a house, to make certain the house meets FHA minimum property standards and is marketable. However, during a home inspection a qualified home inspector takes a detailed look at the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The average time taken to conduct an appraisal is merely a fraction of the time it takes a certified home inspector to perform an inspection of the same house.

Unlike an appraisal, a ValueGuard ASHI Certified home inspector will examine the condition of the home's:

• Heating system
• Central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
• Interior plumbing and electrical systems
• Roof, attic and visible insulation
• Walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors
• Foundation, basement and structural components

To schedule a home inspection in Southern New Jersey,  please call us at 856-429-4188.

Note:  above information was provided by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). (May,2010)

Secrets of a solid home inspection

(ARA) - Selling, buying or just putting a house on the market may raise many questions. Can I get a good price? Are there any problems I should fix prior to listing my house? If I buy this house, will I encounter problems that may make me regret my decision?
The sale price of a house depends on many factors, including the market, location, size of the property, age of the house, condition of the structure, what appliances might be included in the sale and even how nicely the property and building were landscaped and decorated - just to name a few.
Having a qualified professional inspect your house prior to putting it on the market - or for prospective buyers, before closing on a sale - can help guide your decision. But many homeowners and prospective buyers are unsure what's included in a standard home inspection, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). A qualified home inspector will review these aspects of a property:

* Roof, attic and visible insulation
* Foundation, basement and structural components
* Walls, ceilings and floors
* Heating and central air conditioning systems
* Windows and doors
* Water fixtures and faucets
* Decks

Nearly two out of three homeowners recently surveyed by ASHI reported they saved a lot of money as a result of having a home inspection during the selling/buying of a house. Sellers use inspections to help determine potential problems that can be repaired or replaced prior to listing - potentially getting them a higher sale price. And buyers use the inspections to determine if they want to invest in the property, or help negotiate for a better price that would include the repair and replacement of potential problems.

Not all home inspectors are certified and licensed. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided.

"It's important for homeowners to do their homework before hiring an inspector," says Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. "Look for a home inspector certified through the ASHI Certified Inspector Program, which is the only home inspection association program approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies."

The following elements are not included in a standard home inspection:
* Septic system
* Electrical wiring and plumbing that is not readily accessible (for example, behind drywall or plaster)
* Water conditioning or softening system
* Swimming pool
* Backyard fences
* Lawn irrigation system
* Household appliances
* Compliance with local codes
* Appraisal to determine market value

Before hiring a home inspector, inquire about what is covered in the inspection and ask to see a sample report. Although some inspectors provide ancillary services, it may be necessary to consult a specialist for concerns that extend beyond a standard inspection. Often your inspector will help you make this determination.

Hiring a certified home inspector and having questions answered before putting your house up for sale - or before finalizing a purchase price - can not only help save money, but also allow you to go through the process with more peace of mind.

 

New Jersey home inspectors are governed by the rules in the New Jersey Administrative Code contained at N.J.A.C. 13-40-15.  The company and the inspector are required to comply with these rules and failure to comply with these rules may subject the Company and the inspector to discipline. In addition, ValueGuard Southern New Jersey home inspectors are certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors, (ASHI). 

New Jersey Home Inspector Regulations

New Jersey Licensure (Chapter 8, Title 45) enacted in 1998. New Jersey's "Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act," sets specific educational and experience requirements in order to become a licensed home inspector. All home inspectors are required to: 1) complete high school or its equivalent; 2) serve as a licensed associate inspector for at least one year; 3) perform at least 250 inspections; 4) carry $500,000 in insurance; and 5) pass the National Home Inspector Examination. Inspectors do not have to be a member or candidate of ASHI in order to take the exam. In order to become a licensed associate home inspector under the law, an inspector must: 1) perform at least 50 inspections in the presence of a licensed inspector; and 2) pass the National Home Inspector Examination. Also, the law provides that, if home inspectors fail to disclose problems or accept payment from another party in the transaction, they can lose their license. Home inspectors are regulated by a five-member Home Inspection Advisory Committee, housed under the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

In 2003, Public Law 2003, Chapter 77 was passed, amending the grandfathering requirements and extending the grandfathering window by one year, until June 30, 2004. Home Inspectors now have until December 31, 2005 to obtain their licenses.

In 2005, Public Law 2005, Chapter 201 was passed. The law states that to b e eligible for home inspector licensure an applicant has two options: (1) successfully complete an approved course of study not less than 180 hours, as prescribed by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, after consultation with the State Department of Education, which shall include not less than 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector; or (2) perform not less than 250 fee-paid home inspections in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector. The licensed home inspector who oversees these inspections must take full responsibility for the inspection and any report produced. In addition, the law stipulates that as a condition for home inspector biennial license renewal, an individual shall complete 40 credit hours of continuing education.

The law also changes current law, which states home inspector applicants must pass the examinations offered by ASHI. The law instead will require applicants to pass an examination administered or approved by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee, which would not necessarily be ASHI's exam.

The law eliminates the classification of "Associate Home Inspector." During the first 180 days after the bill's enactment, the Home Inspection Advisory Committee shall, upon application, issue a home inspector license to any person whose application for an Associate Home Inspector license had been approved by the committee prior to December 30, 2005 or who satisfied certain requirements and had completed 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector prior to December 30, 2005.

For more information, contact the NJ Home Inspection Advisory Committee at (973) 504-6460.