Question 1

Does Oak Ridge Engineering have an affiliation with Real Estate Companies?

Accepted Answer

No. Let us repeat that; NO! Although we enjoy a positive working relationship with the real estate community, our allegiance is always to our client. We are completely independent. The laws that govern our profession do not allow any financial relationship between home inspectors and real estate agents. Any home inspector who is paying advertising or referral fees to a real estate company is in violation of New Jersey's Home Inspection Advisory Statutes.

Question 2

Why should I hire an Engineer, rather than just a Home Inspector?

Accepted Answer

Even with a home inspector's license there is still a difference between a Professional Engineer and a Licensed Home Inspector. By law in practically all states, Licensed Professional Engineers are the only ones who can legally render an opinion as to the structural integrity of an existing building. The New Jersey Home Inspection Statutes limit home inspectors to "observing existing conditions" in the home. They may not evaluate the adequacy of the structural & mechanical systems that make up a home. For this reason, it is recommended that home buyers hire home inspectors who are Professional Engineers to perform their inspection.

Question 3

What if my agent says I can't get a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the lack of housing inventory and the competitive market sometimes makes it impractical or impossible to get a traditional pre-purchase inspection. You still have options! Get a Showing Consultation (https://www.warreninspect.com/inspections/residential#ShowingConsultations)(verbal walkthrough) with an engineer. Follow up with a discounted Post-Closing inspection (https://www.warreninspect.com/inspections/residential#Post-ClosingInspections)on (or after) the day of closing.  Reduce your financial risk, know what to plan and budget for, and protect yourself against a potential “money pit”.

Alternatively, ask the seller if you can have a traditional home inspection if you promise you will not use it to negotiate the price down further (but leave yourself the option of walking away).

Question 4

What is the cost of a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Our fees vary widely due to the growing array of different services we provide. Fees are competitive with the home inspection industry BUT we give you the added benefit of having your inspection performed by a licensed engineer.

Pricing starts at $175 for a 30-minute residential walk-through consultation. Call today for a custom quotation based on your needs.

Question 5

What tools do you use?

Accepted Answer

In the early years our “tool box” was limited to a screwdriver, a mirror (to inspect heat exchangers), a small stepladder and a flashlight. Now we have moisture meters, gauges, taller ladders and camera poles (for roof access), etc. We’ve recently added Infrared cameras, crawlspace robots, and chimney cameras to enhance the service we provide.

Question 6

How long does a typical inspection take?

Accepted Answer

As long as it needs to take! Have you ever been at a Doctor's appointment and felt like the provider is in a hurry? That won't happen at one of our inspections. Depending on the size, age and complexity of the building, the inspection usually lasts between 2-3 hours. Don't get hung up on time duration, since it does not equate to the quality of the inspection.

Question 7

What should you expect from your Inspector/Engineer?

Accepted Answer

We will give the house a physical. We will provide you with a knowledgeable and experienced view of the condition of the house or building you are considering. We will analyze the major aspects of the house, using our years of experience, and various diagnostic tools. We also hope that you will be able to accompany us on the inspection so that we can tailor the inspection to your particular concerns. We do not “Pass” or “Fail” the property. As a potential owner of the property, you as a responsible owner must decide what you are willing to accept or reject.

Question 8

What experience should I be looking for when choosing an inspection firm?

Accepted Answer

There is no end to learning and evolving in this business. Our firm is unequalled in experience/longevity in this profession. We have been specializing in building and home inspections for over 40 years, or basically since the inception of the profession. Members of our firm are licensed Professional Engineers, Licensed Home Inspectors, and Certified InterNACHI members.

Question 9

Is a home inspection a code compliance inspection?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is “No”. Existing homes do not meet modern codes because code requirements have changed drastically over the years. Even a house that is 20 years old does not conform with today’s codes. It would be unrealistic for a buyer to expect that a house they are considering buying would meet today’s building codes. We will point out to our client’s various aspects of a house that are potential areas for improvements in this regard.

FAQs

HOME / FAQs