LookSmart Home Inspections

05/23/2026

One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make during NJ home inspections is focusing heavily on cosmetic upgrades while overlooking older electrical systems. Fresh paint, renovated kitchens, and staged furniture may look great during a showing, but hidden electrical problems can become some of the m

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 This is something I check closely during every inspection because it is not just outdated.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.