Home Inspections
Inspection
Some people call this a "structural" - which is old fashioned and inaccurate terminology. A structural inspection is only one component of the full inspection we perform and provide. Our residential inspection services are performed in strict accordance with the N.J.A.C 13:40-15 (New Jersey Administrative Code)
When making a large purchase, your first priority should be a thorough inspection. We view a house or building as a system with components and items interacting, interfacing, and affecting each other. The inspection and report covers all visible and readily accessible structural, mechanical, and other building systems and components. An in-depth inspection of the average single family home takes 2.5 to 4 hours, larger houses take longer. We don't rush off to the next inspection, it takes what it takes. We cover hundreds of points at every inspection. Accept nothing less.
We use sophisticated state-of-the-art instrumentation, and testing equipment where applicable. Our wealth of experience provides you with one of the best field inspections possible. Insist on nothing less.
We encourage you to accompany the inspector to get a first hand view and explanation of existing conditions. The operation and maintenance of the systems of the building and components are explained. This will increase your comfort level and eliminates you sole dependence on the written report. Questions are answered during this time (and throughout the home buying transaction). Our service does not end with the delivery of the report. We are available for free consultation after you move in.
Report
Available online with your password 2-3 days following your inspection.
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The written report is 22-28 pages with an executive summary, styled in layman's terms and provides you with a depth of information and explanation for an understanding of the condition of the house.
The report is easy to follow and categorized into individual sections and indicates:
• Items and systems inspected
• Description of systems and components
• Items and systems not inspected and why
• Material defects - A condition, or functional aspect, of a structural component or system that is readily ascertainable during a home inspection that substantially affects the value, habitability, or safety of the dwelling, and can include:
• items or systems not performing their intended function
• Items or systems which are significantly deficient
• major cost items for repair or replacement
• Other defects and deficiencies
• Potentially damaging conditions
• Items or systems in need of repair
• Required and deferred maintenance
• Need for small repairs
• Suggestions for improvements
• Suggestions for modernization of obsolete areas or systems
• Significance of findings
• Recommendations for repair or replacement as needed
• Recommendations to obtain cost estimates as needed
• Need to obtain further inspections, if necessary
• Need for destructive testing, if necessary
An ACE report is like a custom homeowner's manual, an invaluable source of information to refer to for years to come. Just ask our past clients. Our past clients are our present and our future clients.
| Commercial Inspections |
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Commercial inspections tailored to meet the needs of our customers; we can inspect a single system such as a roof, or do a full building condition assessment. Depending on the size and complexity of the building, we may employ a team of qualified experts in the appropriate fields (roofing, HVAC, electrical, etc.).
Our team of inspectors include licensed home inspectors who are also certified members of ASHI, NJ code certified inspectors, state licensed building contractors. Our company acts as team coordinator and is the sole informational source point. Commercial Inspections are based on and meet the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), modified for specific Client’s requirements and for commercial use.
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The types of commercial inspections we can provide include:
- Pre-purchase Inspection (Due Diligence)
This is a complete building inspection performed to the level of detail required by the purchaser to aid in making an informed purchase decision. A pre-purchase inspection includes the performance, age and condition of the roof; the mechanical systems including heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems, the building structure including the foundation, floor, wall and roof framing; and the building envelope including roof, doors & windows, and exterior finishes. The inspection gives you the important information about the building and potentially costly repairs before you take possession of the property. The inspection helps aid you in budgeting for major capital expenditures by providing the age, and typical remaining life for major building components.
- Consultations
This is an inspection of one or more specific systems or components, providing a professional opinion of condition. These can be performed to provide you with information pre-purchase, building leasing, insurance, or maintenance. We can help to evaluate contractor's bids for construction, component or system repairs or replacement. This inspection can provide documentation of building conditions prior to leasing.
- Pre-Sale Inspection | For Sellers
This is a complete building inspection, performed to the level of detail required for a seller, prior to listing a property. Pre-sale inspections can aid in determining what systems or components need repairs, alteration or replacement prior to selling, and help gain an understanding of issues that may come up during a buyer’s bidding and building inspection process. This is also useful as marketing tool and can help to price the property properly.
- Maintenance Inspection | For Property Owners or Lessee
Periodic inspections of the building and contained building systems and equipment for those who do not have a full-time maintenance or engineering staff, or for those who require outside expertise for building system evaluations. These inspections are valuable in identifying conditions for early detection to prevent potentially serious or costly repairs. These inspections can help to aid in budgeting for major capital expenditures by providing the age, condition and typical remaining life for major building systems or components.
Wood Destroying Insects (WDI)
a.k.a. Termite Inspection |
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Inspection
Conducted by a NJ licensed pest Control Applicator- This interior and exterior inspection covers subterranean termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powder post beetles and other applicable pests. Stand-alone WDI inspections commonly exclude or omit the attic portion of the inspection. We go up into the attic during the home inspection and check for presence of WDI. Structural damage is checked for during our inspection, as can be significant. Commonly damage was not repaired even if the house was chemically treated for pests.
Report
A two page
NPMA-33 (National Pest Management Association)
report is provided which “clears” the property or “fails” the property as a result of our observations.
We sometimes include an addendum, which makes recommendations to reduce attractive conditions for wood destroying insects and provides you with a list of attractive and conducive conditions for WDI infestation/activity and damage. We can provide photographs of damage, especially useful in areas inaccessible to you.
Recommendations are provided as applicable for:
• Chemical treatments
• Further and destructive testing
• Damage cost evaluation
• Other, as needed
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, invisible, naturally occurring soil gas that comes from the breakdown of radioactive uranium in the soil and rocks beneath our houses.
Inspection
Conducted by a NJ licensed Radon Measurement Technician
The EPA and the US Surgeon General recommend that homes below the third floor be tested for radon. Radon can occur in new as well as old homes, drafty and tight homes, homes with basements or built on slabs.
A screening device is left in the home for 2-6 days. We use state of the art devices.
We use EPA and NJ DEP state approved testing laboratories for canister device and other type testing (www.Radata.com).
We use tamper deterrent techniques and equipment as recommended by the DEP.
All parties are informed of the protocol and
requested to sign a testing and non-interference agreement
We pick up our own screening devices as required by state regulations. Unfortunately for unsuspecting home buyers, a common and unscrupulous industry practice is to ask the homeowner or sales agent to return the screening device to the lab, or for the inspector to knowingly agree to let the sales agent to return the screening device when they offer. These unethical and illegal practices do not serve the interest of the home buyer.
Report
The report is available online within one day of test retrieval.
Should I have a Lead Paint Inspection? If the home you are about to purchase was built prior to 1978 then the building could contain lead based paint at the exterior and interiors. Since lead affects both pregnant women and children under 6 you might ask yourself the question “If there is lead, where is it and what do I do about it?” This inspection provides the answers to these questions.
Inspections are performed by a certified New Jersey Lead Paint/Risk Assessor using state of the art XRF technology. All rooms plus the exterior of the building are tested. A conference is held with the buyers at the completion of the inspection to discuss results. A written report is available within 24 hours.
Expert Services
Including: Inspections, Litigation Support & Testimony |
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ACE Home Inspection, Inc. is a full service, consulting firm with special expertise and active practice in the areas of building and home inspections; Construction evaluations, including Repairs, Remodeling, building Rehabilitation and New Construction, Code review and violations; Wood destroying Insect inspections; Radon inspections, Forensic inspection.
Robert A. Fico is the company’s founder and principal inspector.
We perform objective, impartial, unbiased evaluations for our Clients. Our clients include Home inspectors, Recent Home Buyers, Home Sellers, New Home Builders, New Home Buyers, Home Improvement Contractors, and Homeowners.
Licenses and Certifications
- New Jersey Licensed Home Inspector # 24GI00011600
- New Jersey Dept. of Community Affairs- Uniform Construction Code (UCC)- License #009785
Construction Official
Sub Code Official-Building
Building Inspector- RCS, ICS and HHS-
Mechanical Inspector- 1 & 2 Family-
- Certified Pesticide Applicator NJ License #25453- 7B Wood Destroying insects
- Certified Pesticide Applicator NJ License #25453-#7A General Household Pests
- DEP licensed Radon Measurement Technician NJ MET #10450
- CSST Certification- Gastite Systems Certificate #01T463798
Robert A. Fico is Court certified as a Construction Expert and Home Inspection Expert in Union County, Bergen County, and Passaic County.
Affiliations and Professional Societies
- Certified Inspector- American Society of Home Inspectors-ASHI® #091134 since 1991
- Certified Inspector- Garden State ASHI- 1991 to present
- Director- ASHI International Board of Directors- 2003-2004
- President of the Garden State Chapter of ASHI® (1997-1998)
- Spokesman- Garden State ASHI NJ (1997-2001)
- Member- ICC- International Code Council #5275735
- Member- Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers (FREA) #14823
- Commercial Real Estate Inspector (CREI) Class A designation. Member #0014823
- Past Member International Assoc. of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)–#00179451
- Past Member of the National Fire Protection Agency- #000169075
- Member- New Jersey Business and Industry Association
- Member US Chamber of Commerce
- Founder, Editor and Publisher of Garden State ASHI News- Monthly Newsletter for Home Inspectors for ten years- 1994 through 2003- 83 issues published
Here is a sampling of current and past litigation support cases, expert inspections, reports, testimony and services.
- Home Inspector negligence allegations and disputes, for all aspects of home / building inspections including:
- Unidentified material defects
- Undisclosed material defects/report deficiencies
- Unlicensed inspections
- Home Inspector regulatory issues
- Standards of Care failures
Common problems, issues and conditions regarding Home Inspections- include these inspected, and reports prepared:
- Termite activity
- Termite damage- extensive
- Basement /crawlspace water penetration
- Leaking/failing roofs
- Leaking/failed boilers
- Furnace failures
- Insufficient heating and cooling
- Sub slab ducts- water/hazardous materials/termite activity
- Foundation issues
- Framing issues/structural support
- Fire damage
- Siding defects
- Window defects
- Chimney hazardous and defects
- Brick, wood, Engineered siding installation defects
- Defective /unsafe deck installation
- Cat urine, other damage to house from pet collecting- floors, sub floors, walls, ductwork, electrical, kitchen.
- Inspection /documentation for pet collecting – house had over 80 cats and 20 dogs
- others
- Home Improvement/Remodel/Rehabilitation Contractor negligence and performance allegations and disputes / - commonly between contractor and homeowner/homebuyer, includes these inspected and reports prepared:
- Unlicensed contractors
- Home Improvement Contractor regulatory issues
- Standards of Care failures
Common problems, issues and conditions regarding Home Improvement Contractors- includes these inspected, and reports prepared:
- Removal and replacing/remodeling bathrooms
- Removal and replacing/remodeling kitchens
- new deck construction
- total unit rehabilitations
- Roof installations (numerous)
- Roof and siding installation problems at condominium association
- Firehouse conversion to day care center/building rehabilitation
- New Home Construction disputes- typically between contractor and homeowner. These have been inspected and reports prepared- on all aspects of construction
- Engaged as independent inspector for dispute agreed upon by both attorneys for home alleged numerous home construction defects and incomplete items
- Wood strip floor installation
- Brick siding installation. Entire right side of corner located three –story urban new townhouse had brick siding leakage into interior rooms from improper construction and lack of drainage plane.
- Brick siding/roof/window installations causing leakage into home, bowed walls, other issues.
- Court testimony
- Dispute between residential home seller/rehab contractor and homebuyer for non-disclosure/cover up of basement water flooding. Certified as Home Inspection and Construction expert Union County Court
- Disputes between contractors and homeowners regarding roofing installation/workmanship/leakage- Court certified as Construction Expert at Bergen and Passaic County Courts.
- Construction Board of Appeals. Hudson County- Rehabilitation of Brownstone, flooding, numerous code violations. Incomplete and shoddy work.
- Stair Inspection expert report and testimony regarding trip-fall injury. Certified as construction expert in Union County Court
- Depositions/testimony given regarding numerous cases
- Other
- Bankruptcy litigation. Numerous material defects such as roof leakage, electrical hazards from unpermitted work, plumbing and chimney defects.
- Will Probate- Home Inspection, wood destroying insect inspection, radon screening, and reports for residential structure. Arbitration attorney assigned to inspect residential structure to ascertain condition, repair costs.
- Seller’s prior home inspector negligence- Expert Wood Destroying insect report. Inspector’s failure to identify/report on extensive termite damage and resulting structural damage.
- Condo Insurance Company/homeowner dispute- Review of repairs to townhouse after fire. Regarding extent of damages to homeowners unit.
- Contractor fraud case for Union County Prosecutor’s office. Contractor defrauded elderly women.
- Improper building alterations by Co-op owner. Hudson County. Inspection report and testimony at Co-op hearing regarding dispute between Co-op board and occupant/seller
- Trip fall- personal Injury- Inspections and expert reports, testimony regarding tenant trip-fall injury on steps at walkways.
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