Inspection Overview The KAUFMANN  CONSULTANT home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of any problems and a great deal of insight into solutions, so that you will have all the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision. Depending on the age, size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection will take no more than three hours, usually between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. Ideally, you will accompany your KAUFMANN CONSULTANT during the home inspection, so that you will have visual reinforcement of your written report. The KAUFMANN CONSULTANT will also make subtle refinements of the report to address any special concerns the client may express. Remember, our reports are custom and unique to your perspective home. We take our inspection reports seriously. Every inspection is a complete and thorough analysis of all the readily accessible sections of the major systems and components in the home. See "PRELIMINARY INSPECTION REPORT" for details. In addition, you can go to www.NJconsumeraffairs.gov/pels/hilaws.pdf for a more thorough description of areas inspected and areas specifically excluded from a KAUFMANN CONSULTANTS  home inspection.  The report includes a clear description of any problem areas noted, so you can easily identify them. Digital photographs and engineering diagrams are also used to supplement the report clarity. KAUFMANN CONSULTANT reports are dictated on-site using phrases that you and your attorney can easily understand. We intentionally try to avoid using complex "engineering" or "construction" terminology that only professionals may understand. Our inspectors also provide  free telephone and email consultation after your inspection. A KAUFMANN CONSULTANTS  home inspection will include the following:   ~ Roof (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof-related items) ~ Attics (insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items) ~Plumbing and Fixtures (water pressure, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system, and other plumbing system components) ~ Interior (floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable) and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, and other visible interior-related components) ~ Heating and Cooling Systems (boiler, both steam and hot water, baseboard and radiator components, furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, electronic monoxide testing, electric gas sniffer testing, air conditioner and lines, and other visible related HVAC components) ~ Electrical Systems (service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components) ~ Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation (insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns) ~ Exterior (siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components) ~ Decks and Porches ~ Fireplaces ~ Overall Structure New Jersey state law requires that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors be tested prior to the sale of a home. This testing is normally undertaken by the local fire inspector and is typically the responsibility of the seller. Confirm that these important tests were performed and obtain documentation prior to closing.