New Jersey home inspection NJ home inspectors perform  Certified New Jersey home inspections in NJ.

DECK PLANKS LOOSE / DAMAGED / WEATHERED / NAILS LOOSE: 
This item is checked if the inspector notes nail heads protruding above the deck planks, indicating that the wood has shrunk, or if planks are missing or damaged to the point that they are dangerous. This item is checked whether the problem is on steps or the main deck. The item is checked if the wood is splintered or if the grain is curling. While any wood can have splinters wood decks seem to have more than their share. Rotted wood is usually caused by moisture or insects and results primarily from not originally using treated wood or redwood. Cracks in wood are universal. Cracks allow water to enter the wood and the resultant evaporation will push paint products off the surface. The inspector is referring to a specific problem which may prove to be hazardous or a situation which may be affecting the longevity of the deck or its finish. Driving the nails down with a hammer is the most obvious cure to most of the problems. If extra nails are needed be sure to use 16 to 20 penny galvanized nails or deck screws. Missing or heavily damaged planks may require replacement. Single pieces of decking may have to be removed and replaced, or perhaps removed, turned over, and renailed. A heavy application of urethane varnish helps to hold down grain curl and splinters. After a couple of coats of varnish are applied, sanding will help remove the existing curls and splinters. Subsequent coats will then feel smooth to the touch. Rotted wood should be replaced with treated wood or redwood. Cracked wood should either be replaced or repaired if it is affecting the structure. Filling the crack with wood preservatives will help prevent water from soaking into the wood. Everything you need to effect repairs will be available at Building Material Stores, Paint Stores, and Home Improvement Stores. If you need assistance or an additional opinion you may wish to contact either a Painting Contractor, a General Contractor or a Home Repair Service. 

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Few realize the work performed by your NJ Real Estate Attorney. They are the ones who review the title, survey, contracts, mortgages, legal documents and perhaps most important to many home inspection report. An experienced NJ Real Estate Attorney can provide you with solid advice as to what you can and can not reasonably ask for after he or she reviews your home inspection report. Of course in order for your attorney to do a good job they need a good home inspection report to start out with. It is unfortunate many home inspectors (even those who have been in the field for a while) simply have no idea how vital their job is to their clients economic well being. Many home inspectors are under the mistaken impression they work for real estate agents. New Jersey law and regulation quite clearly indicate Licensed New Jersey Home Inspectors are to work for the home buying client, not the home owner nor the real estate agent. Home inspectors who have been full time in the home inspection business since 1993, who taught NJ home inspection classes and have performed more than 6,000 home inspections are much more likely to be able to write the type home inspection report you will need to obtain concessions from home sellers than those who went to school for a few weeks and spent just one week in the field inspecting homes. Click for more information about Real Estate Law or about Home Inspection Books - A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |