LookSmart Home Inspections

08/11/2025

If you own a home in New Jersey, it is worth knowing that missing or improperly installed chimney flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks I see. Flashing is the metal that seals the joint where your chimney meets the roof, and if it is not done right, water will find a way in.

I have inspected thousands of homes over the years, and it is not unusual to find no counter flashing, gaps in step flashing, or flashing that is simply buried under shingles instead of installed correctly. These issues can lead to roof leaks, rot, mold, and damage inside your home.

In my latest article, I break down how chimney flashing should be installed, what is often missing, and why these mistakes cause problems.

Read the full article here:

LookSmart Home Inspections is different from other New Jersey Home Inspectors. Hire an Independent NJ Home Inspector to perform New Jersey Home Inspection.

08/08/2025

Not all home inspectors are the same.

I just posted a new article called “What Makes a Great Home Inspector in New Jersey.” If you are buying a home, this is worth reading. It covers what really matters when choosing a home inspector, experience, independence, judgment, and how the inspection actually protects you.

Most people pick based on price or speed. That can be a big mistake.

If you want to know what separates a real inspection from a rushed one, this breaks it down in plain language.

Here’s the link:
https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/what-makes-a-great-home-inspector-in-new-jersey/

Learn what makes a great NJ home inspector. Experience, honesty, detailed reports, and real protection for buyers. What to look for and why it matters.

08/07/2025

A lot of older homes in New Jersey still have ungrounded outlets. You might see two-prong outlets or three-prong ones that are not actually grounded. This is something I check closely during every inspection because it is not just outdated. It can be a safety issue.

Ungrounded outlets can lead to shocks, damaged electronics, or even fire hazards. And just because an outlet looks modern does not mean it is safe.

In this article, I explain what ungrounded outlets are, why they matter, and what options homeowners and buyers have. If you are buying an older home or already live in one, this is worth a few minutes of your time.

Read the full article here:
https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/nj-home-inspector-explains-why-ungrounded-outlets-are-a-safety-concern/

Ungrounded outlets are common in older NJ homes, but they can pose real safety risks. A NJ home inspector explains what they are, why they matter, and what homebuyers should know during a home inspection.

08/06/2025

Most people do not pay much attention to retaining walls, until they fail.
I recently wrote a detailed article explaining what I look for when a home has a retaining wall. I cover leaning walls, cracking, bulging, drainage problems, and what these signs could mean. Retaining walls may seem simple, but there is often more going on beneath the surface.

If you are buying a home in New Jersey and there is a retaining wall on the property, this article is worth a few minutes of your time.

Read it here: https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/what-nj-home-inspectors-look-for-when-inspecting-retaining-walls/

What NJ home inspectors look for in retaining walls. Learn how soil pressure, cracks, drainage, and construction affect home safety and property value.

08/02/2025

Rusted support columns in the basement are something I see all the time during NJ home inspections. People often think it is just surface rust, but it can be a sign of long-term moisture or structural problems.

I break down what causes it, when to be concerned, and what to do if you see rust on a basement column in a home you own or are thinking of buying.

This is one of those issues that gets missed unless someone takes the time to really look.

Full article here: https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/should-you-be-worried-about-rust-on-basement-support-columns/

07/30/2025

Dryer Vents Are a Bigger Fire Hazard Than Most People Realize

Most homeowners clean the lint trap and think that is enough. But after 25 years of inspecting homes across New Jersey, I can tell you that dryer vents are one of the most overlooked fire hazards in a house.

I just posted a full article on all the real issues I see during inspections. Long vent runs, sagging ductwork, improper materials, missing terminations, and even vents discharging into attics or crawlspaces. These things are not just sloppy—they are dangerous.

If you are a homeowner or buyer in NJ, this is something you need to look at.

Read the article here:
https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/common-dryer-vent-mistakes-that-can-cause-a-house-fire/

Dryer vents are a major fire hazard in many homes. A New Jersey home inspector explains the most common venting issues he sees.

07/26/2025

What I Find in Attics During NJ Home Inspections

Attics are often ignored, but they hold the clues to roof leaks, mold, poor ventilation, hidden damage, and even fire hazards. I just wrote a full breakdown of what I look for during attic inspections in NJ homes.

If you are buying a home, do not overlook this part of the house. Some of the biggest problems are right above your head.

Read the full article: https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/what-i-look-for-during-an-attic-inspection-in-nj-homes/

A NJ home inspector explains what to look for during an attic inspection, including roof leaks, mold, poor ventilation, insulation, and hidden defects.

07/26/2025

Decks Look Nice... But Are They Safe?

As a NJ home inspector for over 25 years, I have seen too many decks that look fine on the outside but have real safety issues underneath. Loose railings, rusted fasteners, missing flashing, rot, poor attachment to the house, it adds up.

If you are buying a home with a deck, do not assume it is safe just because it looks good. I just wrote a detailed article on the most common problems I find during inspections:

Read the full article here https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/deck-deck-safety-issues-i-find-all-the-time-as-a-nj-home-inspector/

Stay safe and informed. This is one area where small issues can turn into big risks.

NJ home inspector explains common deck safety issues found during home inspections, including loose rails, rot, rusted fasteners, and missing flashing.

07/18/2025

Your attic might be causing problems you cannot see. Poor ventilation can lead to mold, roof damage, and higher energy bills. In this post, I break down what I look for during a NJ home inspection and explain why attic airflow matters more than most people realize.

Poor attic ventilation causes mold, roof damage, and high energy bills. A 25-year NJ home inspector explains what to look for and how to fix it.

07/17/2025

Do Home Inspectors Check for Building Code Violations?

This is one of the most common questions I get during NJ home inspections.

Short answer: I do not enforce code, but that does not mean I ignore code-related problems. I have been inspecting homes in New Jersey for over 25 years, and when I see something unsafe, improperly done, or just not right, I call it out.

In this article, I break down what a NJ home inspection actually includes, what it does not, and how I handle concerns that might tie into code issues, especially in older homes or places with recent renovations.

Great info if you're buying, selling, or just trying to understand how home inspections work.

Read the full article here: https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com/blog/inspectors/do-home-inspectors-check-for-building-code-violations/

Do NJ home inspectors check for code violations? Learn what a NJ home inspection covers, what it does not, and how code issues are handled during inspections.

07/15/2025

Thinking about buying a home in NJ?

One of the most important steps in the home-buying process is the home inspection. It helps you understand the true condition of the property, well beyond what you can see during a walk-through. From foundation checks to plumbing, electrical systems, and roofing, a thorough inspection can save you from costly surprises down the road.

Curious about what your home inspector will look for? Here are some key areas to focus on:

Foundation stability

Roof condition

Plumbing issues (like old galvanized pipes)

Electrical systems and safety

HVAC performance

It’s always better to know what you’re dealing with before making a decision. Make sure you choose an experienced inspector who will give you an honest, thorough assessment of the home.

Want to know more about what to expect during your next inspection? Read our latest article here

Learn what to expect during your NJ home inspection, covering everything from foundation checks to plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems.

07/13/2025

What I See All the Time as a NJ Home Inspector
Bathroom exhaust fans venting into the attic or soffit.

It might not seem like a big deal, but it causes mold, wood rot, and roof damage over time. These fans are supposed to vent outside—not dump moist air into the attic.

I see this often during NJ home inspections, especially in older homes or DIY renovations. If you are buying a home, make sure your inspector is checking this.

Read the full article here:

Improper bathroom fan venting is a common issue found during NJ home inspections. Learn why it matters and what to watch for.