ValueGuard NJ Home Inspections

In most cases, purchasing real estate is the largest investment that you will ever make. Gaining insight into the general condition of the building, major deficiencies 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 appliances. While these areas are being observed the inspector will note any deficiencies in the interior components of the home.

In addition to noting any visible 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 defects and repairs that were noted during the inspection.

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

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.

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. Information on the proper operation and maintenance of the building and its systems is also given at the time of the physical inspection.

If you cannot attend the inspection, your ValueGuard Southern NJ 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.

The on-site home inspection averages to 2 to 2 1/2 hours, sometimes longer but can vary based on the size, age and general condition of the home being inspected. Smaller properties will take less time, while large and complex properties will take longer.

Unlike many inspection companies that use checklists or "cookie cutter" reports, ValueGuard prepares a comprehensive narrative report that is custom tailored to the home that is being inspected.

Each major system of the property has a separate section that explains the system, its positive attributes, maintenance advice, and any defects that the inspector noted at the time of his/her inspection. All sections of the report are divided into three parts, which itemize the Major Defects, Safety Concerns and Other Comments.

The report also includes an Overview section that discusses the more significant issues, the inspector's recommendations and a section of general maintenance advice and service frequencies for the systems.

Simply stated, while nearly all home inspection companies tout their reports as the best, they are primarily 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 receive a sample report, we would be pleased to email you a copy.  Just call us at 856-429-4188 and we'll send it out immediately.

ValueGuard Home Inspections proudly serve Southern New Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Delaware.

In New Jersey, ValueGuard performs home inspections in Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cape May County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Ocean County, NJ; Salem County, NJ.  

In Pennsylvania, ValueGuard performs inspections in the following counties: Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lancaster County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Philadelphia County, PA.

ValueGuard performs inspections throughout the City of Philadelphia. 

In Delaware, ValueGuard performs home inspections in Kent County, DE; New Castle County, DE; Sussex County, DE.

ValueGuard Southern NJ home inspection fees are based on the type of property inspected (home, condo, commercial) and its size, age and complexity; not the selling price of the property. Rest assured our inspection prices are competitive. Please contact our office at 856-429-4188 or 800-965-8520 and we'll be happy to provide pricing, availability and a sample inspection report.

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.