What Is Water Well Testing? | Buying A Home With A Well | Bergen & Hudson County NJ

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What Is Water Well Testing? | Buying A Home With A Well | Bergen & Hudson County NJ

Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can’t survive in water without a host. That’s why it’s crucial to test the purity of municipal tap well before drinking it or using any recreational activities that come into contact with the groundwater like swimming pools. Villa Home Inspections offers water well testing along with numerous other tests (see our Home Inspection Tips) in your Bergen & Hudson County NJ home inspection.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has developed standards for testing wastewater sources which include both biological tests E-Coli detection and chemical analysis (Nitrates). To make sure everything is safe from harmful bacteria, visit 123WaterTesting.com, where they’ll be happy to walk you through what types of services are available depending on your needs as either an individual homeowner or someone who manages multiple properties across town, so everyone stays healthy at

Is your home connected to the central water supply?

One of the essential things in a home is the water. That’s why it needs to be tested regularly, and some people even have their own well for that very thing! If you’re buying a home that’s not connected to a central water supply, congratulations! You are now the new “Water Safety, Treatment, and Prevention Manager,” of your household. The EPA says that about 15% of U.S. homes are on a private water system of some sort.

You may not know it, but water quality is an essential factor in everyday life. All around you, there are signs of a world that have been severely contaminated with contaminants like lead and arsenic, which can cause chronic health conditions such as cancer or heart disease. Even if the levels on your local tap are below acceptable limits for most people, this doesn’t mean they’re safe! Your city’s public works department conducts well testing regularly to make sure our drinking supply is free from contaminates so we don’t have those same risks at home too-wells must be tested every six months by law just to ensure safety standards aren’t being surpassed anywhere along the pipeline where contamination could occur before reaching its destination: YOUR TAP! Call for a free quote and schedule your inspection today with me.

For buyers who have never had anything but water from a municipal tap system, a private water supply can seem like virtually the same thing: turn on the faucet, water comes out. Simple. But too many buyers assume that if the water looks good, doesn’t smell bad, and the current owners aren’t sick, the water must be okay. But that’s a big mistake. Discovering that the water is unfit to drink or that the well is poorly constructed or in need of replacement is essential to find during the buying process, not after.

water well testing nj


About Villa Home Inspections | Home Inspector Hudson & Bergen County NJ

If you are renting, buying or selling a home, allow Villa Home Inspections to give you the peace of mind you deserve. We bring a detail-oriented, educated, smart and experienced approach to all our Hudson & Bergen County NJ Radon Inspections.

We also offer certified Home Inspections, Commercial Building Inspections, Mold Inspections, Termite Inspections, Pre-Purchase Inspections, Pre-Rental Inspections, Pre-Listing Inspections, Condo Inspections, Townhouse Inspections, Oil Tank Sweep Inspections, and Radon Inspections.

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Home Inspections Procedure | Prepare For Your Home Inspection

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A home inspection is when someone, such as a licensed professional inspector who specializes in this area of expertise, comes to your house and looks around. The person will then report back on any potential problems that they found by taking pictures and checking for anything from structural issues with the foundation to mold growths inside the walls.

This can be an essential step before purchasing the property because it ensures you know what condition your new purchase will need repairs which may cost more than other properties would have required repairing at a closing time due to existing defects like leaky pipes, broken windows/doors, etc., but if not repaired now could cause significant damage later down the line so do make sure all items are noted during the trial period!

Home Inspection Procedure

The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical system; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors; and the foundation, basement, and structural components. The home inspection process can be a lot of work, and there are many considerations to account for. A thorough walk-through is the first step in inspecting a property as it dictates what needs further investigation during an electric, plumbing, heating/cooling, or other types of inspections.


There will likely also need to check on whether any structural issues exist that could cause future problems with your potential purchase, such as cracks in foundations, walls, or floors; damage from water leaks; mold growth due to moisture buildup around windowsills and basements, etc.

Why get a home inspected?

Home inspections are an excellent opportunity for you to get into your home and learn about the different systems that keep it running. A good inspection (see What to Look for in a NJ Home Inspector) can be invaluable in many ways: learning what’s going on behind all those walls, getting an idea of where things like plumbing might need some work done down the road, or even just figuring out how everything is hooked up and labeled so when someone comes over they know precisely which breaker controls which outlet!

 

Schedule Your NJ Home Inspection Now:
201-927-3163

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Plumbing Home Inspection Checklist | Doe’s Your New Jersey/ New York Home Have Plumbing Issues?

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The state of new jersey is home to many interesting sites, but none so curious as to the pipes that run through our houses. The humble pipe may not seem like much compared to other engineering feats; however, it has a profound impact on everyone’s day-to-day life and routine. They are ubiquitous fixtures throughout all levels of society which we use for everything from cooking meals at your kitchen countertop sink to showering after an invigorating jog around town! These crucial pieces offer another point where citizens can feel ownership over their city or township while providing utility services provided by public entities such as NJ American Water Company who utilizes these services just outside the Newark City Hall building. New Jersey is a state known for its dense population and large metropolitan areas. Plumbing systems are one of the essential elements in any home, as they keep water flowing throughout all parts of your house with ease.

Why Is Plumbing Important?

Plumbing problems are some of the top deficiencies found in a home inspection. Water is indispensable to life, and we use it for all sorts of activities in our daily lives, which makes it imperative that your home inspector spends adequate time examining your home’s plumbing operation. General plumbing issues found in home inspections are generally related to water leaks, sewer line clogs, water heater problems, and subpar plumbing work. The bearing of one or more of these concerns may require a full inspection from a licensed plumber.

New Jersey’s location on the coast means that we have both saltwater intrusion into underground pipes from ocean storms and snowmelt runoff during extreme winters, so you may need to be especially aware if this has been an issue at other homes or businesses near yours before selecting new plumbing services.
Plumbing is an integral part of home life. Today in New Jersey, with the new water restrictions and drought problems people have been dealing with for years now, it’s more important than ever to make sure your pipes are running smoothly – after all, you can’t drink or bathe without clean water! Here at Villa home Inspections, we offer a number of services that will help keep your plumbing system up-to-date on current standards as well as ensure there won’t be any future pipe disasters down the road. And remember safety first when it comes to drains!

Schedule Your NJ Home Inspection Now:
201-927-3163

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Ultimate Insulation Home Inspection Guide | Is My Home Properly Insulated?

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The insulation inspector follows a strict protocol when inspecting a home. They start by measuring the thickness of the walls and ceilings with specialized equipment, which looks like an oversized pistol that fires infrared beams to measure heat flow through different materials. If you want your new house inspected before winter arrives, contact one now!
As the inspector goes through your home, he or she will be looking for insulation. This is often used to keep houses cool in summer and warm during winter. The cement has a moisture meter that detects any water seeping into it from rain, melting snow, humidity – whatever may cause damage due to wetness.

Insulation is the process of minimizing heat transfer to or from an object. There are three main types: fiberglass, foam, and polyurethane spray foam insulation (SPF). SPF provides increased thermal efficiency in a building structure and reduces energy consumption by up to 50%. This can be done with existing structures as well as new construction without any adverse effects on its appearance. The attic is hands down the most important place in your home to ensure you have adequate insulation. In the winter, warm air rises and can escape through a poorly insulated or sealed attic at alarming rates. Examining that the average U.S. family spends almost $2,000 a year on heating and cooling bills; that 20% is about $400 that could be in your bank account instead. When inspecting, you want to make sure that there is plenty of insulation in your attic. If you can see the ceiling joists, you don’t have enough insulation, or your old insulation has settled over time. Lofts should have at least 12 inches of insulation, but 15-20 inches is even better.

A home that is not properly insulated will not only feel drafty, but it will also have some pretty hefty heating and cooling bills. If you suspect your home is under-insulated, it may behoove you to do your homeowner insulation inspection. Several areas are relatively easy to inspect. The insulation pros at Villa Home Inspections will walk you through the basics so that you can live worry-free knowing your home is adequately insulated and will protect your family from unwanted injuries in the future.

Insulating your home will help keep the heat in during winter and cold out in summer.
Insulation is vital for keeping your Hudson County house warm all year round, reducing heating bills, and saving you money on cooling costs too!

 

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201-927-3163

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What Is Asbestos? Asbestos Home Inspection?

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What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibers that are heat-resistant. Asbestos is still used in hundreds of U.S. consumer products. Its use is allowed as long as it accounts for less than 1% of the product. Exposure to asbestos causes cancers and other diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos is a dangerous substance, which can cause serious illness. Homes in Bergen County are commonly old, and many may contain asbestos.

 

Many houses from the ’40s are riddled with this toxic material used before it became outlawed by law due to its harmful effects on both humans and their home environment. These homes often present themselves as potential buyers’ dream houses, only for them later to find out they need expensive repairs or even an entire renovation because of how much damage has already occurred inside thanks to these materials being all over the place!
Some homeowners are being faced with a tough decision: renovate their old house, or risk the health of themselves and their family by living in an asbestos-laden home.

Some people find that they can’t afford to stay afloat financially while maintaining such costly renovations as replacing floorboards, so instead, they choose to live in an unsafe environment for fear of going bankrupt from remodeling costs. However, if you do decide it is worth your time, then please make sure not only yourself but all workers who will be doing any work on the property wear protective gear at all times!

 

Types of Asbestos

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 legally recognizes six types of asbestos that fall into two categories: Amphibole and serpentine.

Amphibole Asbestos

Amphibole asbestos fibers have a straight, jagged shape. There are five recognized types:

  • Crocidolite
  • Amosite
  • Anthophyllite
  • Tremolite
  • Actinolite

Serpentine Asbestos

Serpentine asbestos fibers are curly. There is only one kind: Chrysotile, which is also known as “white asbestos.”

  • Chrysotile

 

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Best Bergen County NJ Home Inspector

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Feel confident knowing you’re getting the most thorough home inspection possible when you hire a board-certified, Master Inspector. We conduct more in-depth inspections than any other company while providing our customers with detailed reports that are unlike anything else out there!

Feel assured hiring an experienced professional to inspect your NJ or NY property because we offer top-of-the-line services and unparalleled professionalism – which is why so many satisfied clients rely on us for their next purchase.
What is the best way to find a qualified home inspector that will provide you with peace of mind? Do not hesitate – call me today. I am a certified New Jersey home inspector in Bergen County; Closter, Demarest, Alpine, Tenafly, Dumont, Fort Lee, Ridgewood Paramus, Teaneck. Also, Villa Home Inspections cover Hudson County; Hoboken, Weehawken, West New York, Seacaucus, Jersey City. Call me at your earliest convenience for quotes on my services, or check out more info about us by visiting our website!

With new developments come significant risks. A few places, such as Edgewater, New Jersey, have been developed over toxic land and soil. It is still vital to get an inspection before signing on and getting your feet wet with any potential property you may want to buy or rent. Edgewater, New Jersey apartment complexes are reported to develop on the ground laced with heavy metals and most prominently arsenic and lethal poison that is deemed unsafe above 20 parts per million in soil.

 

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Beware of These 4 Mistakes When Hiring a Home Inspector in New Jersey

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Getting a home inspection is an essential part of the home buying process. You must determine if the potential property is a wise investment, and more importantly, a safe place to live for you or your family.

The typical home inspection includes a check of the home’s structural and mechanical condition, from the roof to the foundation, as well as providing home buyers with important information about the home they’re buying.

Depending on the seriousness of what the inspection uncovers, the buyer can walk away from the deal or negotiate with the seller for the necessary repairs.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when deciding to hire an NJ home inspector.

1. Thinking a New Construction Home Doesn’t Need Inspecting

It sounds obvious enough, but this is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of a home inspection. Often times people assume that because a house has passed all the local codes and ordinances that it’s in good shape, so they don’t thoroughly inspect the new construction.

The easiest way to avoid this is to simply do your due diligence and inspect every area of the home. Don’t assume the home builder did everything correct just because the house passed code.

An inspector is your last defense against any major problems that could be devastating to your new investment.

2. Choosing a Home Inspector for the Wrong Reasons

Picking the right inspector can be as important as selecting the right doctor. The professional you choose will give a full physical checkup to one of the biggest investments you will make in your life. It’s imperative to choose someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and thorough.

One big mistake that many first time home buyers make is going with the cheapest option, or the one recommended by their realtor. Just like anything in life, you get what you pay for; the least expensive person is often the one with the least experience.

If you do decide to take a recommendation from your realtor, make sure you ask for at least two or three options to choose from. Check scope of work by using Yelp and Google Reviews. You never know what helpful information you might find about an inspector or inspection company. It’s also good practice to ask the inspector about licensing, professional affiliations, credentials, and insurance.

3. Not Attending the Home Inspection

It’s very important to tag along on the inspection, so you can visualize how minor or severe a problem is. The written report from the inspector alone is not enough to give you a clear picture of the condition of the house. Buyers who don’t go along on the inspection can be overly critical of a minor defect, or even worse, they might not realize how serious something is. You really need to go with the inspector, ask questions, take pictures, and listen to what they have to say about the condition of the house. Taking the time to do this now can save you thousands in the long run.

4. Not Following up on the Home Inspector’s Recommendations

Sometimes buyers just don’t follow up with the items discovered during the inspection before they close on the house. You might not realize the severity or cost of a problem. Inspectors will often recommend that buyers get an issue evaluated further, but the buyers will wait until after they close. Buying a home is obviously a long and tedious process, but waiting to get everything thoroughly looked at can make an enormous difference.

You should always get several estimates on repairs before you close, and be willing to discuss these with your inspector. The inspector can better explain the costs from the contractor, and help you decide what your next step should be.

Taking the time to ensure your home is safe structurally, free of destructive pests, and without hazardous gas leaks can save you thousands of dollars, and keep your family safe. A home inspection is not something that you want to rush though. Take your time, call the right people, and welcome yourself to a safe new home.

Schedule Your NJ Home Inspection Now:
201-927-3163

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