Buying your dream home is an exciting financial rite of passage, but it could easily become a nightmare if you skip one of the most important parts of the home-buying process: the home inspection. A house is a huge investment, so it’s crucial to have it examined to avoid any potential problems, like plumbing or structural issues, that could cost you in the long run.

Thankfully,

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has created a guide on home inspection costs in New Jersey to make things easier. We’ll take a closer look at what a home inspection is, how much it costs, and what’s covered under one in the Garden State.

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What is a home inspection?

A home inspection, as the name implies, is a comprehensive visual inspection of the physical structure and main functional systems of a home. Home inspections are performed by professional home inspectors who thoroughly examine both the interior and exterior of the home—from the foundation all the way up to the roof of the house.

Additionally, they examine the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, doors, windows, and so much more. There are other types of home inspections that check for pests, mold, asbestos, and other health hazards as well. When buying a new home, you can include an inspection report in your offer for any necessary repairs.

When the home inspector is done with their assessment, they will write out a detailed report on all recommended repairs and list any potentially costly issues that could arise.

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How to settle into a new house

How much does a home inspection cost in New Jersey?

The cost of a home inspection in New Jersey can range from $300 to $500, but it all depends on factors like your home’s size, exact location, and the home inspection provider. For example, in the capital city of

Trenton

, the average home inspection cost is about $430, according to HomeAdvisor.

For smaller homes, like condos and townhouses, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400, though it also depends on the square footage of your home. Basically, the bigger your home, the more the home inspector needs to check.

MORE:10 best companies for home and car insurance

How to get a home inspection in New Jersey

Finding a qualified inspector is priority number one. Start your search for the right home inspector by referring to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Both professional home inspection organizations let you search for certified home inspectors in all states.

For New Jersey, in particular, you can also find a certified inspector through the New Jersey International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Here are a few certified home inspection companies in New Jersey:

Dobbins Home Inspection: Serving all South Jersey, including Washington Township, Deptford, Williamstown, and more. Call 609-868-1053 or visit their website to

schedule an appointment

online.

NJ Best Home Inspections: Serving all New Jersey, including Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Call 201-320-7862 to book your appointment.

Arch Inspections, LLC: Operated by licensed architects, serving the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex. Call 201-298-3722 or

book an appointment

online.

What is covered in a home inspection?

Not all home inspections are alike. There are different types of inspections that require a specialist, so it’s always a good idea to check with your home inspector ahead of time to see what they cover in their home inspections. According to ASHI, a certified home inspector’s report will cover your home’s:

Heating system

Central air conditioning system

Interior plumbing system

Electrical system

Roof, attic, and visible insulation

Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors

Foundation, basement, and structural components

Though this is what an inspector would generally cover, there may be some exceptions. If specific areas of your home are deemed unsafe (dangerously steep roofs) or inaccessible (locked doors), the inspector will make a note on their report that they could not evaluate that particular area. It’s not required for the home buyer to stay for the inspection, but it is recommended to prevent any further delays in your inspection.

Based on your home inspection, the inspector may suggest additional inspections for you to follow up on. Other specialized home inspections include:

Pest inspection

Mold inspection

Radon and asbestos inspection

Pool inspection

Lead-based paint inspection

Sewer/septic inspection

MORE:

How to make a counteroffer after a home inspection

Who pays for a home inspection?

Typically, the home buyer pays for a professional home inspection to ensure their future home is structurally in good condition. However, this can be negotiable with the seller. When making an offer on your home, you can ask the seller to pay for the inspection fees.

But sometimes the seller will beat you to the punch! To reassure potential home buyers, sellers will get their own home inspections to uncover any issues before placing the home on the market. This also helps home sellers determine the asking price of their homes.

Key Takeaway A home inspection evaluates the physical structure and main functional systems of a home. Costs vary depending on your home’s size, location, and the home inspector.

Protect yourself with home insurance in New Jersey

Home inspections are a vital part of the home buying process as they can possibly uncover life-threatening issues, like mold or carbon monoxide leaks. To give yourself further peace of mind in your new home, don’t forget about obtaining home insurance as well. And comparison super app

Jerry

is here to help make the process easier.

How does it work? Download the Jerry app, enter your information, and you’ll be provided with several customized quotes drawn from a pool of over 50 top insurance providers in just 45 seconds. Once you've made a decision, Jerry’s team of expert agents will handle all the paperwork, phone calls, and even help you cancel your old policy.

It’s that simple! Jerry is your one-stop shop meant to save you time and money. On average, our customers save $887 per year on insurance when they switch providers with Jerry.

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How long does a home inspection take?

Generally, professional home inspections can take about two to three hours to complete. But this depends on the size of the home, the number of defects found, and the thoroughness of the home inspector.

What factors influence home inspection prices?

The cost of a home inspection can vary on several factors, including your location, the square footage of your home, and the home inspection provider. It’s worth calling certified home inspectors around your area to compare quotes for the best price.

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