08/13/2025
I was recently contacted by a reporter doing an article on the reasons to perform a home inspection. After checking out our reviews on Google and Reddit she felt we were a great resource. I want to thank the reporter Maddie Mcgay who can be found on NorthJersey.com
Here is the article:
Looking to buy a home in NJ? Here's how the home inspection process works.
Written By Maddie McGay
NorthJersey.com
Foundation issues and water damage and mold, oh my!
While it's a dream for many, homeownership is not always a walk in the park. But it's important to set yourself up for success during the homebuying process. And one of the most crucial steps? Getting a home inspection.
Although not legally required in New Jersey, it is highly recommended that buyers get a home inspection done on a property they're looking to purchase. The assessment is meant to identify potential issues with the home and provide buyers with more information about its conditions.
"You want to know exactly what you're getting into and what you're investing in for the simple reason that you don't want to turn around and walk in blind," said Abe Kurek, also known as Abe the Inspector, of Home Inspection Services. "I've had situations where people have waived inspections at the time of purchasing and totally regretted it afterwards when they found major infestations or structural issues or other things. So it's definitely not something that should be passed up on."
When do you get an inspection during the homebuying process?
While there are instances where buyers may order a home inspection on a property before submitting an offer, referred to as a pre-offer inspection, home inspections are primarily done after a seller accepts a buyer's offer and the property goes under contract.
Buyers then usually have anywhere from seven to 14 days in what is known as the due diligence period — though that time can vary based on the contract — to get the inspection done and provide a list of requested repairs or a summary of findings with the seller.
"It depends on the state," said Kurek, who is licensed in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. "I like doing inspections in New Jersey because there's not as much pressure since they know they're already under contract. I have done properties where we've done them prior to even making an offer on the home because they want to see if it's even worth pursuing. It's rare, but it does happen."
Tips for finding a home inspector
Finding a reliable home inspector is a process that should start well before you actually need one. Kurek said that doing your research before you're under contract will ensure you're ready for when that time comes.
Start by determining what services you want done as part of your home inspection. Because not every home inspection company will provide or be licensed in every type of service, this will help dictate who you choose to hire.
"In New Jersey, ground scans for oil tanks are very popular, and we always recommend that a sewer scope inspection be performed. Neither one of those are required to be done, but are recommended," Kurek said. "You don't need a license to do termite inspections, but if you don't have a license you may not be knowledgeable in what you really need to look for. You do have to be licensed to do radon testing in New Jersey, and we always recommend that clients do that. So these things are important to consider."
You should then check online reviews and look at sample inspection reports. You can also do interviews with home inspectors to learn more about their background, such as whether they belong to a professional trade organization, and their inspection process.
Real estate agents also often have a list of recommended home inspectors that they provide to buyers. While you're free to consider one of the professionals they suggest, it is still recommended that you do your own research, Kurek said.
"I'm not saying that the inspectors that agents recommend are bad inspectors. But you don't know if the inspector and agent are too friendly," he said. "Will the inspector basically say everything the way it should be said, or are they going to downplay things because they don't want to ruin the 'gravy train'?"
Other things to consider include whether a home inspector will remain available to you after the home inspection is complete. Kurek said he likes to offer unlimited return visits to buyers for as long as they own their property to provide peace of mind, especially for first-time homeowners.
Also keep in mind the time of day a professional may want to do a home inspection. Mornings and afternoons are best, Kurek said, as it's easier to miss things in the evening or at night.
"At the end of the day, find out who you're feeling most comfortable with. You can check out multiple different sources. You don't necessarily have to hire the first person that you call," he said. "Explore multiple different sources and see which one is the best fit for you."
How long do home inspections take?
A home inspection on an average-sized property can take anywhere from two to four hours, on average. But larger homes, or homes with more intricate internal systems, will generally take more time.
While not mandatory, Kurek said he always recommends that buyers be present for a home inspection. This gives them the chance to ask questions about any concerns they may have, see any important issues first hand and better understand the property's condition. Home inspectors will also typically show the buyer where the home's emergency shut offers are during this time.
"When you're a first-time homebuyer, you really don't know what to ask. So we try to educate our clients as we go along with the inspection," he said. "The clients should not be embarrassed to ask questions or if they don't understand what the inspector is saying. Some guys will throw out fancy terminology, but they don't realize that a client who has never owned a home before has no idea what they're talking about."
How much do home inspections cost?
The price of a home inspection can vary greatly depending on the size, condition and age of the home, as well as factors such as whether it's a single-family or multi-family home. The number of services you're requesting in the home inspection will also make an impact.
If applicable, he said to also consider asking whether your home inspector offers discounts for first responders, members of the military, veterans, nurses, teachers and so on.
"All home inspectors are not going to give the same price. Newer guys may give a cheaper price while other companies may give insanely expensive prices," Kurek said. "Don't go with the cheapest guy and don't go with the most expensive guy. Find the inspector that fits your needs and that you feel comfortable working with, and go from there."
How long does it take to receive the inspection report?
The average amount of time to receive a report is typically anywhere from 24 to 48 hours after the home inspection is done, Kurek said. This timeline can vary depending on how they're generating the report, but he said it should never take longer than a week.
"We use electronic tablets on site and we're doing a majority of the report there. Most inspectors will use an electronic tablet. Some guys will do it on their phone," he said. "Some guys will say that they'll get the report to you on site, which I don't like. There has to be ways for us to modify the report. We have to be able to put in photographs and things we see while doing the report. We may pick up on stuff in the photograph that we didn't see visually while we were there that has to be added in."
After receiving the report, your home inspector should also typically be available to answer any follow up questions you may have or provide clarifications on their findings.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram , on X , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].
