Terms of Better Inspect’s 100-day home inspection guarantee can be found here

Our Home Inspection gives you a comprehensive understanding of the condition of the property across a dozen major categories: Exterior, Roof, Structure, Water Control Systems, Insulation and Ventilation, Interior, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Fuel Services, Appliances and Environmental Systems. If we identify issues, we provide you with specific recommendations and next steps. Our inspectors are licensed per the state requirements and uphold national home inspection standards. Our team is also insured.

Radon is a gas that you can’t smell or see that is present in every home, but when exposed to it in high levels for sustained periods of time, it is very hazardous. Our Radon Gas Test determines if your home’s radon gas exceeds action levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency.The test remains in the home for a minimum of 48 hours. It cannot be moved or adjusted during that time. Normal exit and entry is okay, but doors and windows cannot be left open during the test.

Our inspectors look for evidence of past and/or current infestations of termites and other wood destroying organisms. These can include carpenter ants, wood boring bees, and termites. The inspection covers common interior and exterior entry points and other areas where these insects congregate (support joists, decks, wood piles or debris on the exterior, etc.) If there is evidence of termites, we provide you with specific recommendations and next steps.

A visual mold check is done by the inspector as part of the home inspection, however our Mold Assessment is a more in-depth air quality test that measures the types of mold and mold spore count in the air. Our assessment includes interior/exterior inspection of the home for mold and conditions conducive for growth, interior infrared scans, air sampling for airborne spore levels, and laboratory testing. Our comprehensive report includes laboratory data and analysis on the types and quantity of mold spores in your home. This includes 2 air samples (one inside and one outside as a control). If needed, we can add an additional air sample or surface swab for $100 a sample. It typically takes about 5-7 business days to receive the results from the lab.

Our Lawn Sprinkler Inspection can be performed as long as the sprinkler system is up and running (and has not been winterized). We operate the sprinkler system to check for visible water leaks and to ensure proper zone operation. We inspect service and supply piping, isolation and drain valve and backflow and zone devices. We also inspect the control panel, sprinkler heads and sensors.

Our Outbuilding Inspection is added to inspect additional structures on a property that are not already included as part of the Home Inspection. Common outbuildings include detached garages, work sheds with electricity, sheds or garages with living space, barns, and pool houses.

While a deck is evaluated as part of our general home inspection, it mainly covers the general condition and safety of the deck. This add-on Deck Inspection takes it one step further. It’s a bit more comprehensive, in that it reports on the condition of joists, footings, and beams. The deck is held against a higher standard during these inspections, using the American Wood Council’s “Guide For Code Acceptance” or DCA 6.

A visual inspection of the main components that keep the pool functioning, clean, and safe. This includes the surrounding patio, cleaning systems, and circulation systems. Where applicable, the inspector will also look at any accessories such as diving boards, waterfalls, covers, etc. If there are any noted issues, we provide the recommended next steps. The pool must not be winterized.

Our Well Potability test is a water test that is done to make sure the drinking water from the well is safe for consumption. A water sample is collected and tested for things such as bacteria, nitrates + nitrites, pH, and turbidity. There is also an FHA/VA/USDA sample that can be done, which includes additional testing for lead and iron in the water. This test is commonly performed by a vendor, and takes about 3-5 business days to receive results.

Sewer Scope Inspections are performed on homes with a public sewer line (commonly county or city utilities), and inspect the sewer line from the home to the public connection. It is accessed from the home’s access cap, and a camera is inserted into the line and moved along to look for any blockages or issues (such as deterioration, type of pipes, debris, …). If we find problems with the line, we are able to accurately pinpoint the location and depth of the trouble area. Common problems include tree roots, holes, pooling, cracks, and pipe separation. Our report includes high-resolution digital still photos captured from the video. If we identify issues, we provide you with specific recommendations and next steps.

During a Septic Inspection, the vendor will locate and access the septic tank, determine its composition, evaluate the water level, back baffle, and flow from the house to the tank. If the septic system has a pump chamber then the pump, floats and alarms will be checked for functionality. They probe the outside of the septic tank to check for cracks/voids in the tank and attempt to locate the absorption area using county records and a probe to try and determine if the absorption area is functioning or failing. Septic pumping is not part of the standard septicion inspection but can be arranged when requested. In NJ, the Septic Inspection includes pumping the tank up to 1,000 gallons.

If there is an underground tank on a property with an active leak – this can be an expensive problem for a homeowner – the average cost for removal and cleanup is 10K; it can easily go over 10K if groundwater is affected.

Question for clients:

Is the tank in use? Does it have pipes running to the heating system?

YES, IT IS ACTIVE

We recommend a tank tightness test to determine if the tank is leaking. This test uses acoustic signals to determine if there are leaks in the tank. It can distinguish leaks in the tanks, from leaks in the vent or fill pipe.

NO, IT IS NOT ACTIVE

We recommend a soil test. Soil testing around an underground heating oil tank determines if contamination exists in the soil and how much the cost of soil remediation may be. ATS will obtain a soil sample from each side of the underground tank to thoroughly determine the status of the soil.

I DON’T KNOW IF IT’S ACTIVE

We recommend a tank search inspection to find out if there is a buried tank on the property and determine whether the tank is actively in use. Request all documents relating to the tank closure including town permits and contractor reports from the local municipality. These documents will prove the tank was closed properly according to state guidelines.

In Florida, a 4-Point Inspection is the prerequisite to obtaining a homeowner’s insurance policy on homes 30 years old or more. A 4 point inspection looks at the 4 major systems (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC) in an older home and ensures the systems have been well maintained and are in good working condition. This is not a safety inspection. They are done by a licensed inspector or building contractor.

Wind mitigation is the implementation of certain building techniques in order to limit damage caused by intense wind. Our wind mitigation inspection report documents the building techniques implemented and which improvements are needed.

A homeowner with windstorm insurance can often submit the results of this report to their insurer and obtain discounts on their windstorm insurance.

Information on pricing can be found here.