All Services

Whether you are buying or selling a home, let

Higher Standard Home Inspections remove the uncertainty from your real estate transaction.

A Higher Standard Home Inspection is a limited non-invasive examination of the condition of a property, often requested by either a buyer who is under contract or a seller looking to prepare their house for sale. An inspection covers the following house systems and components;  Structure, Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, Heating, Air Conditioning, Interior, Exterior, Insulation, Ventilation, Fireplaces, and Solid fuel burning appliances.

Our home inspections are performed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the  Standards of Practice of N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.16, as well as the International Standards of Practice for Performing Home Inspections.  This includes the inspection of the following list of systems and their visually accessible components.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
Foundation
Floor Structure
Wall Structure
Ceiling Structure
Roof Structure

ROOF SYSTEM
The Roof Covering
Drainage System
Flashing
Skylights
Chimneys
Roof Penetrations

ELECTRICAL
The service drop
Service entrance conductors, cables, and raceway
Service equipment and main disconnects service grounding
Interior components of service panel and sub panels the conductors over current protection devices

Describe:
Amperage and voltage rating of the service
Location of main disconnect
Location of sub panels
Wiring methods

Report on:
The presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring

PLUMBING SYSTEM
Water supply
Location of main water shut-off valve
Distribution systems
All fixtures and faucets
Drains, waste, and vent systems
Drainage sumps, sump pumps and related piping
Water heating equipment and energy source
Location of main fuel shut-off valves
The vent systems, flues, and chimneys
Fuel storage and fuel distribution systems

HEATING SYSTEM
Installed heating equipment
The vent system, flues, and chimneys

Describe:
The energy source
The heating method by its distinguishing characteristics

 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 
The installed central and through-wall cooling equipment

Describe:
The energy source
The cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics

 EXTERIOR 
The exterior wall coverings, flashing, and trim
All exterior doors
Attached decks and balconies
Stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings
Eaves, soffits, and fascia’s where accessible
Vegetation
Grading and surface drainage
Retaining walls on the property (only if these are likely to adversely effect the building)
Walkways
Patios
Driveways leading to the dwelling entrance

 INTERIOR 
Walls, ceilings, and floors
Steps, stairways, and railings
Counter tops and the number of installed cabinets
A representative number of doors
A representative number of windows
Garage doors and garage door operators

 INSULATION AND VENTILATION
Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces
The ventilation of attic and foundation areas
Mechanical ventilation systems
The absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces

FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES 
The fireplace and solid fuel burning appliances
The vent systems, flues, and chimneys