The Pre-inspection Agreement

At least 24 hours before the inspection, you will receive a copy of the Pre-Inspection Agreement. The Agreement explains in detail what is required of the home inspector according to the State of New Jersey Home Inspection Standards of Practice. It explains what will be inspected — as well as what will NOT be inspected during the course of a Home Inspection. Because it is a visual, non-invasive inspection, there are certain limitations to be aware of, as your home inspector, I'll bring a printed copy of the agreement for you to the inspection

Radon
If a short term radon test is going to be done, the house must be in a "closed condition" for a minimum of 12 hours prior to the test and for the duration of the testing. What this means is that all windows and doors must remain closed with the exception of normal entering and exiting of the house.

• It is very important to have access to all areas of the home such as attics, crawlspaces and basements. There are many structural, electrical, plumbing and other components in these areas that need to be inspected for a thorough understanding of the home. Also access is needed to all utilities such as water meters, gas shut-off valves, furnaces, etc. Of particular importance is access to the electrical panel.
  
  
• If there are any items, systems, or components that are shut down or broken, please ask the seller to provide notification and explanations. Items that are not operable cannot be tested for functionality.
  
  
• If the home is vacant, please be sure to have all utilities on and pilot lights lit. Many systems and components cannot be tested without the utilities on.
  
  
• Lastly-If there are any dangerous animals in the home, they should be removed in order to facilitate a complete and thorough inspection.