John Martino's (looksmart) Blog

New Jersey home inspectors should be aware of creosote and why it is a safety hazard in homes. Creosote is the result of combustion that is not complete. As wood is burned the smoke leaves the fireplace and it condenses inside the chimney or the vent pipes.  Particles of non-burned compounds are ...

New Jersey home inspectors should be familiar with mold in carpeting. Carpeting is a material that can be very vulnerable to mold growth. In order to establish itself and grow mold requires moisture, oxygen and some type of food source. Mold spores are found in the air naturally. If the floating...

Inspectors who perform NJ Home Inspections should understand the harmful effects of carbon monoxide in homes. Carbon monoxide buildup can be a direct result of a back drafting fuel burning appliance. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels...

New Jersey home inspectors should understand what back drafting is and how it can create a significant hazard in homes. What is back drafting? Back drafting is the reverse flow of toxic gas in fossil fuel operated equipment. Most of the fossil fuel operated equipment such as boilers, furnaces and...

New Jersey home inspectors should be familiar with Pex water supply pipes. Home inspectors will come across Pex water supply pipes while performing home inspections. Pex piping is often found in newer homes and recently renovated homes. Home inspectors in NJ should understand the basic difference...

New Jersey home inspectors should evaluate attic ventilation when performing home inspections in NJ and explain its importance to their home inspection clients.  Adequate attic ventilation is essential for the health and longevity of homes. Attic ventilation helps to regulate the temperature and ...

New Jersey home inspectors should make sure their clients understand the problems associated with underground oil tanks. Home inspectors in NJ should recommend that their clients have a reputable company perform an oil tank sweep if there is little knowledge about the oil tank history at the home...

NJ home inspectors should be able to identify and explain the difference between P-traps and S-traps. P-traps and S-traps are two types of plumbing devices that are commonly used in homes and buildings to prevent sewer gas odors and gases from entering the living space. They are designed to captu...

It is likely that New Jersey home inspectors will encounter older steam heating in older homes that that inspect in New Jersey. It is always advantageous to have an understanding of how steam heating works to heat a home so the home inspector in NJ can properly educate their client about its oper...

A New Jersey Home inspector should understand why sewage pumps are necessary in some instances and some of the issues that can develop with these waste pumps. Sometimes agents and buyers will confuse a sump pump with a sewage pump. They are somewhat similar in appearance but have two very differ...