Roots Home Inspection

What’s Included in Home Inspection

All home inspectors in New Jersey must be licensed and follow state standards. Our inspections cover the overall assessment of your home’s components and systems, ensuring thorough and compliant evaluations. For detailed state regulations, refer to the New Jersey Government sites.
We evaluate the integrity of your home's foundation, framing, and overall structure to ensure safety and stability.
We conduct thorough radon testing to detect harmful levels, ensuring your home environment is safe from this invisible threat.
Offering a range of inspections including termite, electrical, and plumbing to ensure complete safety and compliance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During our comprehensive inspection, we will walk you step by step through the home or building components. We are experts in identifying the issues and getting to the heart of “What Really Matters” in a house purchase(building purchase). In addition to repairs, we will also identify maintenance tips. Choose a fully NJ licensed Inspector who is qualified, experienced and communicates effectively.
Foundation
Examine the foundation for spalling, cracking and other damage which can compromise the structure of the house.
Doors and Windows
Evaluate windows and doors for safety and functionality.
Porches/Decks/Patios
Inspect all associated porches, decks and patios for safety, stability and maintenance.
Driveway
Assess the condition of driveways and walkways for cracking, correct pitch and Safety.
Chimney/Flue
Complete a Tier 1 chimney assessment including caps, cracking/spalling and the overall exterior safety of your chimney.
Roof
Inspect the roof and all associated components from both the exterior and interior. We believe that the best way to inspect the roof is from the rooftop itself. Bill Root “Up close is the best way to ensure your roof is in proper condition “
Gutters
Checked gutters, downspouts, and drainage for functionality and safety. Gutter conditions can be a key factor in preventing water penetration in your home.
Exterior Siding
Identify the type of siding and its condition including soffits, eaves, fascia and trim, assuring safety and functionality.
Garage
Evaluate both attached and/or detached garages. Inspect the interior, exterior and the overhead garage functionality for safety
Landscape
Inspect grading, vegetation, slope and other issues that impact the structure to ensure safety and for general maintenance.
Walls/Ceilings/Floors
Check to make sure that your walls, ceilings and floors are intact. Issues with these items could be just from normal wear and tear but could be a signal of underlying structural issues.
Steps, Stairways, Railings
Evaluate Interior stairs for safety and functionality.
Fireplace
Perform a Tier 1 fireplace evaluation. The teir one include the hearth, damper and any visible entrance of the flue for functionally and safety.
Kitchen
Assess kitchen components, including cabinets, countertops, plumbing, appliances, ensuring functionality & safety standards.
Bathrooms
Inspect sinks, bathtubs, toilets, showers, floors, walls, vents, plumbing, and for functionality & safety.
Attic
Enter and inspect the interior of the attic for structure of ventilation insulation and safety issues. The attic is an important part of the structure of the house.
Basement
Report on everything that is visible to ensure that the structural integrity of your house is intact. Identify any visible water issues and systems that are in place for prevention.
Interior doors
Evaluate interior door for functionality and damages. In addition we will check to see if the proper stoppers are in place to prevent damages.
Heating & Air Conditioning Systems
Evaluate type, age, condition, and recommend maintenance for efficient operation and safety of heating systems.
Water Heater
Detail type, age, condition, and overall assessment for functional performance and safety measures.
Electrical System
Identify panel, wiring, outlet conditions, and common issues to ensure safety and functionality of electrical systems.
Plumbing
Evaluate all visible plumbing and gas functionality and safety. Check visible materials, connections and leaks.
Complete radon testing at the same time as your home inspection ensuring that gas levels meet NJ State requirements.
Identify the activity or damage from wood destroying insects such as termite, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and powder post beetles.
Arrange specialized tank sweeps to ensure no underground storage tanks are on your property, enhancing safety.
Professionally performed sewer scope to identify underground pipe flaws, enhancing home safety and integrity.
Identify and test for mold with professional sampling, ensuring your home's air quality and structural health.
Identify and test suspected asbestos materials in older homes to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Ensure home safety with professional lead paint sampling, critical for families with young children.
Provide referrals to companies that specialize in septic system inspection.
Provide referrals to level 2 chimney specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our home inspection services, including asbestos, lead paint, and mold testing.

Is Asbestos testing included in the home inspection?
Asbestos is a man-made material which was used in building materials until it was determined to be hazardous to your health. The use of asbestos in building materials was banned in 1978. If your house is built after 1978, you typically should not have an asbestos concern. If your house is built before 1978, there could be asbestos.

We typically find asbestos on heating pipes, boiler pipes, in exterior siding, and in interior floor tiling. We will be looking for visual signs. A home inspection is a visual inspection only, so we can only see what is visually accessible. If we see something that looks like asbestos we will call it out to you and write it in the report as “an asbestos-like substance”.

Laboratory testing is required in order to determine if a material contains asbestos. In the event that we call out asbestos and you would like it tested, we may be able to help. We offer laboratory testing at $195 per sample. Note that we cannot take a sample if it is evasive in any way unless the seller provides permission.

Due to the limitations of a visual inspection and the laboratory testing that is required, we specifically indicate that Asbestos is Not included in this inspection.
Is lead paint testing included in the home inspection?
The use of lead in paint was determined to be hazardous to your health and was banned in 1978. If your house is built after 1978, you typically should not have a lead concern. If your house is built before 1978, there could be lead in the paint.

We cannot determine by looking at a painted surface if it contains lead paint. The only way to determine if there is lead in the paint is through laboratory testing. Because of this limitation we specially indicate that Lead is Not included in this inspection.

We offer laboratory testing in the form of “sampling” at $195 per sample. Specifically, we will only take samples of chipping and/or peeling paint if requested.
Is mold testing included in the home inspection?
Mold is a natural substance. The hazard of this substance varies by the amount and type of mold present. As part of the inspection, we will be looking for issues that can contribute to the formation of mold and overgrowth.

We typically find issues with mold in attics, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. In attics, mold issues usually occur due to poor ventilation. In basements, typical mold issues occur due to water penetration and humidity. In kitchens and bathrooms, water and humidity issues are usually the cause of mold growth.

A home inspection is a visual inspection only, so we can only see what is visually accessible. If we see something that looks like mold, we will call it out to you and write it in the report as “a mold-like substance”. We cannot call out mold if it is not openly visually available and we do not offer air sampling.

Laboratory testing is required in order to determine if the substance is in fact mold and the type of mold. In the event that we call out mold, we are prepared to take a sample if you request. We offer laboratory testing at $195 per sample.

Due to these limitations we specially indicate that Mold is Not included in this inspection.
Is Radon included in the home inspection?
Radon testing can be scheduled at the same time as the home inspection but is not included in the base price. This service incurs a separate charge, ensuring a thorough assessment for radon levels.
Is Termite Inspection included in a home inspection?
Termite inspection can be completed simultaneously with the home inspection. However, it is considered a separate line item charge. This ensures your home is evaluated for any potential termite damage independently.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspection covers the evaluation of structural components, systems, exterior and interior elements, roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. This comprehensive assessment ensures all critical aspects of your home are thoroughly inspected.
Are inspectors licensed?
Yes, all inspectors are licensed by the State of New Jersey and adhere to state regulations and ASHI standards. This guarantees a professional and compliant inspection process.
When will I receive the inspection report?
Inspection reports are delivered via email the next day, detailing all findings and recommendations. The prompt delivery ensures you have all necessary information quickly to make informed decisions.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes, clients are encouraged to attend the inspection. Being present allows you to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the findings, enhancing your knowledge of the property's condition.

Areas Served

Offering Expert Home Inspections Across New Jersey, Accessible Seven Days a Week to Serve You Better.

Bergen
County

Essex
County

Morris
County

Middlesex
County

Hudson
County

Passaic
County

Warren
County

Hunterdon
County

Somerset
County

Union
County

Monmouth
County

Ocean
County

Areas Served

Offering Expert Home Inspections Across New Jersey, Accessible Seven Days a Week to Serve You Better.

Bergen County
Essex County
Morris County
Middlesex County
Hudson County
Passaic County
Warren County
Hunterdon County
Somerset County
Union County
Monmouth County
Ocean County

Pre Sale Walk Throughs

Our Pre-Sale “Sellers” Walk-Through service helps sellers navigate a competitive market with low inventory and high interest rates. We provide verbal consultations to uncover potential issues, guide pricing, and suggest necessary repairs, ensuring your property is ready for sale.

Who

  • Sellers unsure of market readiness.
  • House flippers anticipating inspection issues.
  • Buyers seeking pre-offer consultations.

Why

  • Efficiently allocate funds for repairs.
  • Avoid surprises during buyer inspections.
  • Understand property condition before listing.

What

  • Verbal overview of inspection components.
  • Insights from selling and rehabbing experience.
  • Immediate feedback, no documentation.

Rates

To get an idea of the pricing for a Home Inspection we have included the following chart.

PLEASE NOTE THESE PRICES ARE “General Estimates ONLY”.

When you contact us to schedule, we will provide an exact price. Prices vary by the house age, square footage, # of baths, # of bedrooms, # of kitchens, and other components (garage, basement, fireplaces).

Property Type
Square Footage
Max Beds | Baths
Inspection Only | w/ Termite | w/ Termite & Radon
Condo 1 Level
<1000
2 Beds | 2 Baths
$375 | $450 | N/A
Town House
<1500
3 Beds | 2 Baths
$450 | $525 | $650
House Family
<2000
3 Beds | 2 Baths
$550 | $625 | $750
2 Family
N/A
2 Beds | 1 Bath
$650 | $725 | $850
3 Family
N/A
N/A
$800 | $875 | $995
Commercial Please Call
  • Radon testing is 125 – 150
  • Condos on the 2nd floor usually do not require termite testing
  • Termite testing includes all wood destroying insects (termite, powder post beetles, carpenter ants and carpenter bees).
  • Laboratory testing of mold and asbestos is available. This has an additional cost of $195 dollars per sample.
    See this document
  • Tank Sweeps 250
  • Sewer Scope 350-450

Other Frequently Asked Questions of Inclusions