1234 Easy Street
Anytown, NJ, 99999
March 1st, 2021
Thank you for choosing Clever Inspections to inspect your new home! Please read your complete inspection report carefully. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. We are dedicated to making sure you have as much information about your new home as possible, and are always happy to assist you.
As your Inspection Agreement states, a home inspection is a visual, non-invasive inspection of the systems and components of a home. This inspection was performed by a licensed inspector in accordance with the Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics of the New Jersey Administrative Code, which defines the items which must be inspected and reported on, as well as a number of important exclusions and limitations. A brief summary of the relevant standards are included in the report at the beginning of each section, and the complete New Jersey Standards of Practice are available in full here as well as at the end of this section. We encourage you to read them in full.
A home inspection is intended to reduce risk by providing a professional opinion about its overall condition. Our goal is to provide you with as much objective information about the home and its systems and components as possible, so that you are empowered as you move forward with the purchase. Concealed and latent defects, however, are always a possibility.
A home inspection is visual and not destructive. We inspect the aspects of the structure that can be viewed without dismantling, damaging or disfiguring the structure and without moving furniture and interior furnishings. Areas that are concealed, hidden or inaccessible to view are not covered by this inspection. Some systems cannot be tested during this inspection as testing risks damaging the building. For example, overflow drains on bathtubs are generally not tested because if they were found to be leaking, they could damage the finishes below.
A home inspection is limited not only to what we can observe, but to the conditions present at the time of inspection. Inclement weather, storage that blocks access, or unsafe conditions will all limit what we can inspect and report on.
This home inspection is my opinion based on my training and experience. Construction techniques and standards vary. Other inspectors and contractors are likely to have differing opinions. You are welcome to seek opinions from other professionals in the context of doing your due diligence.
A home inspection is not a warranty or guarantee of future conditions - it is a snapshot in time. The systems of a home require maintenance, suffer wear and tear over time, and can fail unexpectedly.
A home inspection is not a code inspection, compliance inspection, or certification of any kind. It is not "pass / fail." It is not intended as a substitute for the Seller's Disclosure.
A home inspection is not an appraisal or statement on the value of the home.
This home inspection is not an inspection for mold or other biological or environmental hazards, which can be present in any home. The noting in the report of the presence of materials commonly considered to contain asbestos, lead, or to be mold, or of the presence of evidence of pests, should not be construed to mean the inspector is inspecting for these things but instead should be seen as a casual observation and further evaluation by qualified professionals may be warranted. Only the appropriate professional, after conducting tests and analysis, can definitively identify these items.
In my narrative observations, I may recommend evaluation, repair, or other actions be performed by "a qualified professional." The intention is that, for a trade that requires a license - electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, engineering, pest control application, general contractors, etc. - a licensed individual is contracted to perform the work. For work that does not require a professional license, the person hired should nonetheless be qualified to make the appropriate repairs. I encourage you to get multiple estimates for all repairs.
Each item noted in the report will be given one of six broad notations:
Additionally, this report uses several categories to group and present more detailed information on selected systems and components:
This report is the joint property of Clever Inspections and the Client named in the attached contract. Unauthorized use or distribution to any third parties is prohibited. The report and its supporting inspection represent the state of the property at the time of inspection, and was created under contract for the sole use of the named Client. It should not be relied upon by any other parties for any other purposes. Liability under this report is limited to the party for whom it was originally prepared.
NJAC 13:40-15.16 - Standards of Practice
Complete copy available here: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-40-Subchapter-15-Home-Inspection-Advisory-Committee.pdf
All home inspectors shall comply with the standards of practice contained in this section when conducting home inspections. The scope of home inspection services performed in compliance with the requirements set forth in this section shall provide the client with objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as determined at the time of the home inspection.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a home inspector to:
Home inspectors shall inspect the following systems and components in residential buildings and other related residential housing components:
Home inspectors shall prepare a home inspection report which shall:
Home inspectors shall retain copies of all home inspection reports prepared pursuant to above, for a period of five years upon completion of the report.
Nothing above is intended to limit home inspectors from:
When conducting the inspection of the structural components, the home inspector shall:
When conducting the inspection of the exterior components, a home inspector shall:
When inspecting the roof of a residential building, the home inspector shall:
When inspecting the plumbing system, a home inspector shall:
When inspecting the electrical system, a home inspector shall:
When inspecting the heating system, a home inspector shall:
When inspecting the cooling system, a home inspector shall:
When inspecting the interior of a residential building, a home inspector shall:
When inspecting the insulation components and ventilation system of a residential building, the home inspector shall:
When inspecting fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, a home inspector shall:
The grounds and surfaces around the residence were inspected to determine their effect on the structure of the home, for their effectiveness in controlling the flow of surface water, and for functional and safety concerns. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: pooling, negative grading, vegetation encroachment, significant cracking, displacement, or other damage. Small shrinkage cracks and normal wear of the drive or walk are not considered significant.
The roof surfaces, drainage systems, penetrations, chimney, and flashings were inspected for signs of damage, their effectiveness at diverting water away from the building envelope, and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the roofing system and penetrations, and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: improper materials, installation deficiencies, visible presence of water, or other damage.
The siding, eaves, soffits, fascia, flashing, trim, and exterior doors & windows were inspected to determine their effectiveness in controlling entry of water into the building envelope and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the wall covering materials and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: improper materials, installation deficiencies, cracking or splitting, or other damage.
The visible parts of the foundation and structure were inspected for signs of damage, water intrusion, and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the parts of the structure we could observe and how we inspected them, probe areas of suspected deterioration in the structure, and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: improper materials, installation deficiencies, visible presence of water, or other damage.
The attic and the crawlspace was inspected for signs of settling, damage, water intrusion, insulation, ventilation, and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the parts of the structure we could observe and how we inspected them, probe areas of suspected deterioration in the structure, and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: evidence of insufficient insulation or ventilation, improper materials, installation deficiencies, visible presence of water, or other damage.
The heating and cooling systems, distribution, and combustion vents were inspected for responsiveness to normal controls, heating and cooling methods, fuel types, and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the heating and cooling equipment and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: failure to respond to normal controls, installation deficiencies, or other damage.
The fireplace, chimney, and vents were inspected for for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the fireplace, the fuel it uses, and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: missing or damaged venting, evidence of improper draft, insufficient clearances to combustible materials, improper materials, installation deficiencies, or other damage.
The visible parts of the plumbing system were inspected for materials used, signs of damage, leaks, the type of water heating equipment, and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the predominant piping materials and the water heating equipment, and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: improper materials, installation deficiencies, the lack of required safety devices, or other damage.
The visible parts of the electrical system were inspected for proper wiring and overcurrent protection, proper grounding and bonding, improper wire sizes, the presence of obsolete equipment, signs of damage, and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the capacity of the electrical system and the location and type of panels and disconnects. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: improper or obsolete materials, installation deficiencies, missing GFCI or AFCI protection, inoperative components, missing cover plates, or other damage.
A representative number of doors & windows and the interior surfaces and components of the home were inspected for damage and for functional and safety concerns. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: unsafe railings, improper materials, installation deficiencies, water staining, or other damage.
The installed appliances were inspected for responsiveness to normal controls, the fixtures were tested for functional flow and drainage, and the countertops and cabinets and for functional and safety concerns. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: inoperative controls, installation deficiencies, or other damage.
The fixtures were tested for functional flow and drainage, and countertops and cabinets for functional and safety concerns. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: leaks, poor flow or drainage, lack of ventilation, installation deficiencies, or other damage.
The fixtures were tested for functional flow and drainage, and countertops and cabinets for functional and safety concerns. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: leaks, poor flow or drainage, lack of ventilation, installation deficiencies, or other damage.
The fixtures were tested for functional flow and drainage, and countertops and cabinets for functional and safety concerns. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: leaks, poor flow or drainage, lack of ventilation, installation deficiencies, or other damage.
The fixtures were tested for functional flow and drainage, and countertops and cabinets for functional and safety concerns. We will report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: leaks, poor flow or drainage, lack of ventilation, installation deficiencies, or other damage.
The garage was inspected for its general structural makeup and for functional and safety concerns. We will describe the visible garage structure and report on any visible deficiencies that may be present such as: evidence of leaks or moisture intrusion, major settling or cracking in the slab, car door safety issues, improper materials, installation deficiencies, or other damage.