Dean Arrington Associates LLC

Home Inspection Defined: 

A Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects in components of a dwelling.  Components include the structure itself, as well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other systems that provide essential comfort as part of the dwelling.  The scope is defined in several standards, including the State of New Jersey, the American Society of Home Inspectors, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, and others detailed elsewhere on this website.  The applicable scope of the inspection is identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the prediction of future conditions.

Within this context, we examine the exterior including drives, porches, walks, and grading that may impact on the structure.  We examine the structure in detail, including the systems and subsystems.  We open what are defined as readily openable access panels revealing crawl spaces, attics equipment interiors. We are not permitted to disassemble structure or do damage as part of our inspection process.  In the State of New Jersey courses for prospective home inspectors, students are instructed that access openings with handles or that can be opened without using tools should be removed, but access openings secured with fasteners such as bolts and screws are not readily accessible.  This applies to concealed spaces and also to equipment accesses.  Our objective is both to educate and to inspect.  We believe that an educated consumer is better equipped to deal with home operation and maintenance, and work to provide that education. 

Inspections are Limited in Scope: 

A home inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection.  A material defect is a condition that would have a substantial negative impact on the value of the property if revealed, or that involves an unreasonable risk to people or to the property.  Simple aging of components or equipment is not in itself a material defect.  

The Observations are Documented: 

An Inspection report describes in writing what was inspected, and identifies material defects.  Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

What to Expect: 

We walk the customer around the property, generally beginning on the exterior, and we discuss what is installed, along with descriptions of conditions seen, specifically focusing on defects and conditions that can lead to the later development of defects.  We then go into the basement, where we examine the structure, the environmental conditions, and the systems in the basement.  Next is the attic, where we examine the structure, insulation, ventilation, and any systems that are installed there, Finally, we go through the living spaces, looking for symptoms of problems that we may have seen in other spaces. 

Education and Training: 

While the primary focus is on finding problems, we also emphasize how the systems work, how to operate systems, what to expect in day-to-day operations, and what to look for over the long term.  We specifically discuss what the homeowner should be looking for in the future so that problems that may develop can be found at the very early stage, before major work is required.  We in effect provide a mini “Homeowner 101” education course for those that are interested.  Our objective in our Homeowner 101 discussion is to heighten awareness, and help owners to identify conditions that may be indicative of future problems before they become substantial issues.  Prevention of problems is emphasized.