What are the common issues found during home inspections in this area?

[Guillermo Rios]

What are the common issues found during home inspections in this area? Are there any red flags I should watch for?

[Jackson Ebersole]

Hi Guillermo,

When getting a home inspection in Jersey City, there are several common issues to watch for:

Water infiltration is a frequent concern, especially in older homes with damp basements prone to flooding. Look for signs of water damage, like stains or discoloration on walls.

Roof problems are also common. Inspectors will check for leaks, sagging, or missing shingles, particularly in older homes. If the roof’s age is unclear, it might need replacing soon.

Electrical systems can be tricky in older properties. Inspectors will assess the wiring and electrical panels for outdated components that could pose safety hazards, including fire risks.

Plumbing issues like leaks, low water pressure, and drainage problems often arise as well. Be attentive to damp ceilings or walls, which could indicate plumbing failures.

Structural issues are critical to monitor. Look for cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings, as these may suggest settling or shifting.

Additionally, keep an eye out for pest infestations, particularly termites or carpenter ants, which can cause significant damage to wooden structures.

Lastly, be aware of environmental concerns such as radon levels and underground oil tanks, which can pose health risks.

Having a qualified home inspector conduct a thorough evaluation is essential. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller for maintenance records and disclosures about past issues. Being proactive can help you spot potential red flags and make a more informed decision about your purchase. Good luck!

Jackson

[Giselle Azcona-Lubbock]

Agreed, last deal I had in Jersey city was lost due to really bad plumbing and electrical issues, on a older mixed use building. 

[Matthew Kwan]

There could be many, but usually the main issues that could break the deal would be Foundation, Plumbing, electrical issues where it could be costly to repair the property 

@Carlos Valencia @Albert Bui

[Roy Kinzer]

Quote from @Jackson Ebersole:

Hi Guillermo,

When getting a home inspection in Jersey City, there are several common issues to watch for:

Water infiltration is a frequent concern, especially in older homes with damp basements prone to flooding. Look for signs of water damage, like stains or discoloration on walls.

Roof problems are also common. Inspectors will check for leaks, sagging, or missing shingles, particularly in older homes. If the roof’s age is unclear, it might need replacing soon.

Electrical systems can be tricky in older properties. Inspectors will assess the wiring and electrical panels for outdated components that could pose safety hazards, including fire risks.

Plumbing issues like leaks, low water pressure, and drainage problems often arise as well. Be attentive to damp ceilings or walls, which could indicate plumbing failures.

Structural issues are critical to monitor. Look for cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings, as these may suggest settling or shifting.

Additionally, keep an eye out for pest infestations, particularly termites or carpenter ants, which can cause significant damage to wooden structures.

Lastly, be aware of environmental concerns such as radon levels and underground oil tanks, which can pose health risks.

Having a qualified home inspector conduct a thorough evaluation is essential. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller for maintenance records and disclosures about past issues. Being proactive can help you spot potential red flags and make a more informed decision about your purchase. Good luck!

Jackson

Hi Guillermo, I'm a home inspector in Hudson County NJ (where Jersey City is located for others who may not know.) Jackson hit many good points on the head. The only things I'd add... with electrical systems be on the lookout for knob and tube wiring live or remnants. Even though they maybe “out of service” many insurance companies will not insure if they are present. I always suggest, make sure they abandoned (dead) and remove the remnants. A minor fix!

The other air quality issues are mold, lead paint and rodent feces. All which can be determined by Air Quality testing. Some remediation (or mitigation) can be expensive; however, nothing must be a deal breaker… just leverage negotiation when you are aware.

Roy

[Roy Kinzer]

Quote from @Giselle Azcona-Lubbock:

Agreed, last deal I had in Jersey city was lost due to really bad plumbing and electrical issues, on a older mixed use building. 

 Hi Giselle, Just curious how were these 'bad plumbing and electric issues' uncovered? Roy

[Giselle Azcona-Lubbock]

Via inspection and the seller did not want to fix or give credits . Very old building as well , my client was very strict with how much money he wanted to invest in the building. 

[Roy Kinzer]

Giselle. So sorry that you lost the sale! As an inspector I believe there are few deal breakers as Matthew Kwan stated. 

I’m not an alarmist, I just try to bring an objective pair of eyes to the inspection.

As you know the inspector works for the buyer to spot serious issues. These issues any investor would want to use negotiate a deal. In this case it looks like the seller did not disclose that it was a ‘as is’ property.

Roy

[Dominic Rosato]

Depending on the age of the house (majority of NJ homes are older), you should consider additional inspections on top of the general home inspection. A few good ones to consider are: an oil tank sweep if the property was built before 1980, a radon test, particularly for basement condos or units, a mold test, a sewer scope, and a termite or pest inspection.

General home inspectors often offer some of these as add-on's, but keep in mind that they might not be as thorough as a specialist.

[Roy Kinzer]

Quote from @Dominic Rosato:

Depending on the age of the house (majority of NJ homes are older), you should consider additional inspections on top of the general home inspection. A few good ones to consider are: an oil tank sweep if the property was built before 1980, a radon test, particularly for basement condos or units, a mold test, a sewer scope, and a termite or pest inspection.

General home inspectors often offer some of these as add-on's, but keep in mind that they might not be as thorough as a specialist.

Dominic, you are so correct, you know, most home inspectors or realtors for that much are not specialist in everything we’re in the business and know stuff and we make suggestions to our clients. I know many agents that almost always recommend having homes tested for radon because of our area. Somethings are not common knowledge to the average person

That’s why we inspectors have add-ons and/or recommend these other inspections, to our clients. It’s part of what we do right?

My point is knowledge is crucial, it’s not necessarily a deal breaker.

Best of luck!

Roy

[Matthew Paul]

But , remember you are NOT buying a brand new house . Do not expect a seller to update a house for you . Yes you look for potential problems . But if the furnace is 20 years old and still works , why would the seller change it ?   If the house was built in 1965 and doesnt have GFI outlets , it doesnt have to , they were not available in 1965 , add them yourself . 

No home inspection will ever come back totally clean , learn to read and understand them