home inspection: Real Estate Mold Tests Seldom Necessary - 01/21/10 10:42 AM
Everyday more and more home inspection companies are selling mold tests as part of a real estate transaction pre-purchase home inspection.  Is the mold testing really necessary or recommended when buying a home?  Isn't it enough that a good home inspector will document any visible significant mold growth and/or visible moisture problems that could lead to mold growth?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in most cases, mold testing or sampling is unnecessary.  EPA further states "Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's … (9 comments)

home inspection: Insulating Gas Water Heaters Bad Idea - 01/10/10 03:36 AM
During my years of home inspections, I have observed hundreds of gas water heaters wrapped with insulation blankets.  I don't like it. 
The insulation hides possible leaks and other defects and often covers the identification tag which states the age of the unit.
After some research I have confirmed that the manufacturers of most gas water heaters don't like it either.  In fact, the following is directly from the installation manual of a General Electric gas water heater.
"Insulation blankets, available to the general public, for external use on gas water heaters are not necessary. The purpose of an insulation blanket … (8 comments)

home inspection: Seller Fails Inspection Etiquette - 12/15/09 11:41 PM
It happed again and it shouldn't.  Another unpleasant confrontation at the home inspection occurs. 
Myself (the home inspector), the real estate sales agent representing the buyer and the buyer all meet in front of the property last Saturday morning for the home inspection.  The buyer's father had also arrived and is parked nearby with a contactor expected later on to measure a room.  
As we approach the front door, the male seller steps out to meet us.  The sales agent announces that we are here for the home inspection and introduces himself, the buyer and myself.  The seller then proceeds to … (9 comments)

home inspection: HOME IMPROVEMENT GONE WRONG - 02/25/09 10:39 AM
Most of us have done it.  We have taken on a home improvement that resulted in a disaster.  While there were good intentions, the project was destined to fail due to any number of reasons.  I call this misfortune "Home Improvement Gone Wrong".
Home improvement project failure can be blamed on various reasons which include lack of planning, inadequate patience and poor skills.  It must also be noted that sometimes special tools are required and there is a quite a difference between a utility knife and a reciprocating saw.
There are mainly two different types of home improvements; cosmetic and functional.  … (10 comments)

home inspection: INFRARED CAMERAS FOR HOME INSPECTIONS - YES OR NO? - 02/19/09 03:31 AM
It is getting close to that time of year when I start dwelling on new equipment for my home and building inspection business.  I have been thinking about purchasing an infrared camera to use on my inspections which are mostly residential homes.
However, I am not sure how infrared cameras are perceived by real estate agents and brokers.  This is where I need your input.  If you are not familiar with these cameras, what they do is take a picture of invisible infrared or "heat" radiation also known as thermal imaging.  The camera is a remarkable diagnostic tool for inspectors as … (33 comments)

home inspection: PREPARING FOR A HOME INSPECTION - ADVICE FOR SELLERS - 02/12/09 12:57 AM
Just a reminder after the contracts are signed the work is not done.  The house is not sold until closing. 
For liability reasons, home inspectors are not required, nor advised to move items blocking access to areas that need to be inspected.  Failure to provide access to these areas during the inspection can lead to incomplete results, call backs, additional fees or a frustrated buyer. Most home inspectors will charge an additional fee if they must return to the property to inspect items which were not accessible.  Listed below are some simple tips that can prevent unnecessary delays when it is … (4 comments)

 
Glen Fisher (National Property Inspections of Southern New Jersey, LLC)

Glen Fisher

Oaklyn, NJ

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National Property Inspections of Southern New Jersey, LLC

Address: Oaklyn, NJ, 08107

Office: (856) 858-0358



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