Most NJ home buyers book an inspector without asking a single question first. By the time they realize their inspector missed something significant, their inspection contingency has expired and their options are limited. These seven questions take five minutes to ask. They can save you far more than that.
1. Are You Licensed in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires home inspectors to hold a state license issued by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Licensure is not optional — it is the legal baseline for performing inspections in this state. Ask for the inspector’s NJ license number before you book, and verify it. An inspector who cannot provide a license number is not legally permitted to inspect homes in New Jersey. Michael Del Greco holds NJ License GI0121 and has been licensed since New Jersey began requiring licensure in 2003.
2. How Many Inspections Have You Personally Completed?
This question has two important parts: “personally” and “how many.” Some inspection companies use the company’s total volume in their marketing, even when individual inspectors are newer. You want to know about the specific inspector who will walk through your home. Experience in New Jersey matters because NJ housing stock is unusually diverse — 19th-century Victorians, postwar colonials, 1970s bi-levels, converted multifamilies, and modern construction all fail in different ways. Michael Del Greco has personally completed more than 13,000 inspections in New Jersey since 1993.
3. Are You Independent of Real Estate Agents?
Agent referrals are how most NJ buyers find inspectors. They are also a significant source of conflict of interest. An inspector who relies on agent referrals for their business has a financial relationship with agents that can influence — consciously or not — how they approach their findings. Before you book, ask directly: do you solicit agent referrals? If the answer is yes, ask yourself whose interests are being served. Michael Del Greco does not solicit agent referrals. Every booking comes directly from the buyer, and every report is written for the buyer. You can learn more about who gets to pick the home inspector and why it matters.
4. What Certifications Do You Hold Beyond the State License?
A New Jersey home inspection license is the minimum legal requirement. The Certified Master Inspector (CMI) designation — the highest credential in the home inspection profession — requires a substantially greater volume of completed inspections and documented knowledge beyond what the state exam covers. Not every inspector holds it. Ask what certifications your inspector holds, verify them, and understand what each one means. Michael Del Greco is a CMI and a CMI Instructor — he trained other inspectors to master-level standards. Review what Certified Master Inspector means in NJ before you decide.
5. When Will I Receive My Report?
Your inspection contingency is a deadline. Once the inspection is done, every day that passes without your report is a day you cannot act on its findings. Some inspectors deliver reports three to five business days after the inspection. That is three to five days of your contingency window consumed before you have even read what was found. Ask specifically: will I receive my report the same day as the inspection? At Accurate Inspections, the answer is yes. Every report is delivered the same day so you have maximum time to act before the expiration of your inspection contingency.
6. Can I Attend the Inspection?
The answer to this question should always be yes — and not just “allowed,” but expected. Your presence is required at your home inspection. The written report documents what was found. The live walkthrough is where you learn what it means, see it directly, and ask questions in real time. An inspector who discourages buyer attendance or treats it as an inconvenience is not giving you the full value of the inspection. At Accurate Inspections, your attendance is required and your questions are welcome from the first minute to the last. Read our guide to preparing for inspection day so you arrive ready.
7. Can I Call You After the Inspection If I Have Questions?
A home inspection report raises questions. Some findings require further evaluation by specialists. Some terminology needs clarification. Some items in the report will prompt follow-up calls to your attorney. Ask your inspector whether you can reach them directly after the report is delivered. The answer tells you whether the relationship ends at delivery or continues as long as you need support. At Accurate Inspections, Michael Del Greco answers his own phone at (973) 812-5100. Buyers who have questions after reading their report call directly. There is no call center, no scheduling system, and no delay.
Ready to Book Your NJ Home Inspection?
Call (973) 812-5100 — Monday through Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM. You can also review our NJ home inspection FAQ and our complete guide to choosing a home inspector in NJ before you call.
