Welcome to HomeSafe Inspections’ FAQ section. We’re here to help you understand the home inspection process, answer your technical questions, and prepare you for what to expect when buying or selling a home.

🏠 Residential Home Inspection – Non-Technical FAQs

Buying a home is a major milestone, and questions are a natural part of the process. As HomeSafe inspectors, we are here to answer them, before, during, and after your inspection day. Based on our vast experience, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

 

What is a residential home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of a property’s structure, systems, and components performed by a licensed professional inspector. The primary function of a home inspection is to identify material defects, however your HomeSafe inspection will be informative far beyond defects. Your inspector will help you understand how the systems operate and the things you can do to keep your home operating safely for years to come. 

 

Do I need a home inspection to buy a home?

A home inspection is not required, but it helps clients feel more informed and confident about the property and its systems. A home inspection helps you:

  • Discover costly issues
  • Understand the home’s overall condition
  • Negotiate repairs or price adjustments
  • Buy with greater peace of mind

 

What does a home inspection include?

New Jersey licensed home inspectors are required to perform inspections in accordance with the New Jersey Standards of Practice (SOP). These standards include the following:

  • Structural
  • Exterior
  • Roofing
  • Plumbing and electrical systems
  • Electrical
  • Heating and cooling (HVAC)
  • Interior (windows, walls, floors, and ceilings)
  • Insulation and ventilation
  • Major built-in appliances

 

What is NOT included in a standard home inspection?

A typical inspection does not include:

  • Inaccessible or hidden areas (inside walls, underground)
  • Sewer line camera inspection (available as an add on)
  • Swimming pools, solar panels, wells, or septic systems (optional add-ons)
  • Environmental laboratory testing (e.g. mold, radon, lead)
  • Termite or pest inspections (available as an add-on service and included in our HomeSafe & Sound package).
  • Sprinkler systems, generators, security systems

 

How is a condo inspection different than a typical home inspection?

A condo inspection is a professional evaluation of the interior and accessible systems of a condominium unit and includes plumbing and electrical systems, heating and cooling (HVAC), interior walls, floors, and ceilings, windows and doors, and major built-in appliances. It is similar to a typical home inspection but focuses only on the areas the individual condo owner is responsible for, rather than the entire building or common areas which may not be accessible during the inspection. Most condos do not require a wood destroying insect inspection or radon gas testing. If you have questions about these additional services, feel free to ask your HomeSafe inspector. 

 

How long does the inspection take?

Most inspections take between 2 to 4 hours. The timing is based on the property’s size, age, and condition and the inspection services performed.

 

Can I attend the inspection?

Absolutely. At HomeSafe Inspections we encourage your presence as it allows you to ask questions, gain insights into home maintenance, and witness any concerns firsthand. Your goal is to be as knowledgeable as possible by the end of this inspection process.

If you are unable to attend in person, your HomeSafe inspector can connect with you through a conference call or video chat.


Can others attend the inspection? 

Yes, but it is best to notify the seller and have guests arrive during the Reviewing and Education phase, typically about one hour after the inspection begins. To ensure a thorough inspection and respect the seller’s home, we recommend limiting the number of attendees to avoid distractions.

 

When should I schedule the home inspection?

It is best to schedule the home inspection after your offer is accepted and during your contingency or due diligence period. Click here to schedule now. 

 

What if the inspector finds problems?

Our thorough inspection reports help you make informed decisions, avoid costly repairs, and understand how to maintain your home. 

 

Who pays for the inspection?

The buyer typically pays for the home inspection. However, sellers can also hire HomeSafe Inspections for pre-listing inspections to identify and address issues in advance.

 

How do I choose a qualified home inspector?

When choosing a home inspector, we recommend hiring an inspector with:

  • Proper licensing and insurance
  • Industry certifications (e.g. ASHI or InterNACHI)
  • Experience and strong client reviews
  • Sample reports that are clear and detailed

At HomeSafe Inspections, we check every box! Our inspectors are all NJ Licensed Home Inspectors, NJ Licensed Wood Destroying Insect Inspectors, NJ Licensed Radon Technicians, and FAA Licensed Drone Pilots. 

 

Will I receive a written report?

Yes. You’ll receive a comprehensive digital report within 24–48 hours of your inspection, which includes:

  • Photos of concerns
  • Safety observations
  • Repair recommendations
  • Easy-to-read summaries

 

What Will My Report Look Like?

You can view sample reports for different types of properties here. We’re also happy to walk you through your report and answer any questions you have—just ask!

🔧 Residential Home Inspections – Technical FAQs

These technical FAQs are designed to answer more in-depth questions about what happens during a professional inspection and the standards all HomeSafe inspectors follow.

What inspection standards does HomeSafe Inspections follow?

New Jersey licensed home inspectors are required to follow the official New Jersey Standards of Practice set by the Home Inspection Advisory Committee. These standards closely follow the standards of the American Society of Home Inspectors.  

 

Does the inspection include testing for mold, asbestos, lead or radon?

Throughout your inspection we are looking for and reporting on any visual signs of possible mold, lead or asbestos, however the presence of these substances can only be verified via laboratory testing. Should you need lab testing, we can help with recommendations for trusted labs who can help verify the presence of these materials. 

Radon gas is an odorless and colorless gas and requires testing to determine the radon level in a home. Radon testing is one of the most popular services clients add to their inspection service package and part of our money saving HomeSafe & Sound bundle. 

Do you inspect the plumbing?

Our HomeSafe Inspectors test your plumbing system by operating all the plumbing fixtures. As part of our standard inspection, we test water pressure and water temperature, and inspect the water main, supply piping, drain waste and vent system.  

 

Can you inspect the main sewer pipe? 

With a special camera, our trained technicians can open the sewer main and provide a visual inspection of the sewer line. Sewer scope inspections can reveal: 

  • Cracked/broken sewer pipe
  • Root intrusion or blockage 
  • Improper pitch or slope

Defects like these may lead to a sewer line back up which can be costly. Choosing to add a sewer scope to your inspection services will help give you peace of mind on inspection day. A sewer scope is available as an add on service and is recommended for an older home, a home with large trees nearby, or a home that shows signs of issues within plumbing waste lines. 

 

How do you inspect the roof? 

When conditions are safe and a roof is accessible, our HomeSafe inspectors walk the roof when possible. At HomeSafe Inspections safety is our priority, but we still provide a thorough visual assessment of every roof, even when we cannot safely walk on the roof. Our inspectors are FAA licensed drone pilots and utilize drone technology to view your roof from every angel. 

 

Does the home inspection include checking for structural issues?

At HomeSafe Inspections, we assess visible structural components such as:

  • Foundation walls
  • Support beams and joists
  • Floors and ceilings
  • Wall cracks and settlement
  • Attic structure/trusses

 

Is HVAC performance tested during the inspection?

Yes. Our HomeSafe inspectors check for:

  • System operation (heating and/or cooling modes)
  • Filter condition
  • Visible ductwork
  • Thermostat function
  • Temperature differential
  • Manufacture date

 

What limitations should I expect during the inspection? 

Although our HomeSafe inspectors are as thorough as possible, your inspection report will provide you with information based on what is visible and accessible on the day of your inspection. 

What are the differences between the two types of oil tank sweeps offered?

A magnetometer sweep is a non-invasive survey that detects buried steel objects, such as underground oil tanks, by measuring magnetic field disturbances. Our specialists use high-sensitivity magnetometers to scan the property for anomalies that indicate the presence of a buried tank or associated piping. The key features include:

  • Detects steel and iron tanks up to 8 feet deep
  • Quick and efficient survey process
  • Ideal for suburban residential properties
  • Cost-effective compared to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) sweep is an advanced, non-invasive method used to locate underground oil tanks and other buried structures. Unlike magnetometers, which only detect ferrous metals, GPR can identify a wider range of materials,including plastic and fiberglass tanks,by transmitting high-frequency radio waves into the ground and capturing the reflected signals. The key features include:

  • Detects both metallic and non-metallic tanks
  • Provides detailed images of subsurface anomalies
  • Recommended for urban properties and areas with high metal interference (e.g., fences, rebar)
  • Can help identify tank shape, size, and depth.   

 

Are detached structures like garages or sheds inspected?

Attached and detached garages are included in your home inspection. Sheds may be personal property and may not be included in the home inspection. If you have questions about a shed or any outbuilding, discuss it with our HomeSafe staff prior to your inspection to determine if it should be included in the inspection.

💬 Still Have Questions? 🧰 Need More Information? 

We’re here to help! Call us today at (908) 325-3600 or contact us online to schedule your inspection or learn more about our services. HomeSafe Inspections is happy to walk you through any technical aspect of your home. 

📞 Call us at (908) 325-3600 or request a quote online.